Substance Abuse Counselor

Community Medical Services•Mesa, AZ

26d

About The Position

Community Medical Services (CMS) is hiring a Substance Abuse Counselor to support patients recovering from opioid and other substance use disorders in an outpatient setting. The counselor facilitates individual and group counseling, helps patients develop treatment plans and coping strategies, and contributes to a safe and supportive environment for people beginning recovery. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The role includes maintaining a caseload in compliance with regulatory standards and ratios; assessing clients, developing individualized treatment plans, and evaluating progress; coordinating care and referrals with recovery and community-based providers; maintaining compliant, comprehensive records; involving family and natural supports according to client preference; and coordinating with other systems when clinical knowledge is important. The counselor also assists with screening and coordinating primary care services, and maintains knowledge of developments relevant to substance use practice and state licensure. CMS is a CARF-accredited addiction treatment program that provides outpatient medication-assisted treatment and individual and group counseling. Headquartered in Arizona, the organization has more than 70 treatment clinics in 14 states. CMS states that it is an equal opportunity employer and that reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Knowledge of behavioral management, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and techniques for preventing violent behavior harmful to clients or others, with the ability to apply these techniques to clients at varying levels of crisis.
Academic and working knowledge of DSM-5, community resources, clinical methods, and procedures, and the ability to apply that knowledge.
One of the following education and experience combinations: high school diploma, GED, or associate degree plus 2 years of behavioral health experience; a bachelor's degree in a behavioral health-related field plus 1 year of behavioral health experience; or a master's degree in a behavioral health-related field with no prior behavioral health experience required.

Responsibilities

Maintain and manage a caseload in compliance with regulatory standards and ratios.
Conduct individual sessions and facilitate group counseling and didactic educational presentations.
Complete comprehensive behavioral health assessments and individualized treatment plans that meet regulatory requirements and client needs.
Evaluate treatment effectiveness through ongoing assessment of clients and their natural supports, modifying service plans as appropriate.
Coordinate care with recovery and community-based providers, including sending referrals, completing documentation to secure services, and maintaining chart compliance.
Include family and natural supports in treatment according to the client's preference.
Maintain and apply knowledge of developments in substance use practice as required by state licensure.
Maintain collegial relationships with other substance use professionals, programs, and associations.
Maintain thorough and comprehensive client records.
Coordinate communication with other systems when clinical knowledge of the case is important.
Assist with screening and coordinating primary care services for clients.