Cred Alc & Sub Abuse Counselor 1 (CASAC)
About The Position
The Substance Use Counselor 1 (CASAC) provides counseling services under direct supervision as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team caring for people with alcohol or other substance-use disorders and their families. The counselor works on specific treatment goals developed with supervision and carries out counseling within comprehensive treatment plans. The role includes conducting intake interviews and assessments, preparing clinical reports for multidisciplinary review, coordinating communication with health-related and social service agencies while following confidentiality requirements, and maintaining active patient case records. The counselor supports treatment-team assessments and decisions, monitors patient participation and motivation, and maintains long-term counseling relationships. The position also requires knowledge of substance-use effects, treatment options, drug testing, and local services and resources. The counselor reports regularly to a clinical supervisor and maintains continuing education in chemical dependency counseling.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to human services and one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- CASAC certification upon hire preferred.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in drug/alcohol dependence treatment preferred.
- CASAC certification upon hire preferred.
Responsibilities
- Conduct intake evaluations through direct interviews with people applying for treatment.
- Assess substance-use history, related consequences, prior treatment efforts, symptoms of psychological dependence, motivation for change, personal resources, and family history of drug and alcohol use.
- Prepare oral and written clinical reports for multidisciplinary intake reviews and diagnostic conferences, with supervision.
- Maintain productivity according to program and departmental standards and comply with applicable policies and procedures.
- Communicate with health-related agencies, employers, criminal justice programs, and social service programs in accordance with confidentiality rules and patient-rights laws.
- Provide senior clinical staff with information for diagnostic team assessments of patients’ and families’ physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Counsel patients who misuse or are addicted to drugs or alcohol within comprehensive treatment plans.
- Use listening, empathy, confrontation, and supportive skills; monitor patient compliance, participation, and motivation.
- Communicate treatment-team decisions to patients and identify developments requiring consultation with the interdisciplinary team.
- Establish long-term counseling relationships and maintain active case records, including treatment plans, progress notes, updates, incident documentation, discharge summaries, and interagency communications.
- Maintain working knowledge of the effects of substance use, treatment options and limitations, and the indications and limitations of drug bioassays such as urine screens.
- Maintain knowledge of local and regional services and agencies for people with alcohol or drug problems and their families; assist and facilitate group process.
- Continue education in chemical dependency counseling and attend in-service meetings.
- Report regularly to the clinical supervisor for supervision of clinical activity.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
