The Substance Abuse Counselor is the designation given to individuals who provide direct care to substance abuse patients in all phases of their inpatient stay. This position provides the patient with an initial orientation session, an initial assessment, sign release of information consents, coordinates treatment planning, and educational group activities. The Substance Abuse Counselor functions as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team, applying his/her knowledge to assist the patient/ family to increase their coping skills throughout the patient's hospital stay and prepare them for discharge. The Substance Abuse Counselor practices professionally within the Customer Service Standards defined by Berkshire Medical Center.