Substance Use Counselor II

COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTERS INC•Stockton, CA

3d•$25 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

At Community Medical Centers (CMC), we’re passionate about improving health and well-being in the communities we call home. That’s why we work to ensure even our most vulnerable neighbors have affordable access to quality healthcare, regardless of age, income, or background. We offer integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services, with a model of care that puts the patient at the center of a team-based approach. As one of the region’s largest healthcare providers, our growing network of neighborhood health centers serves over 100,000 patients in San Joaquin and Solano counties. MISSION Working together to improve health and well-being in our communities. The primary focus of the Substance Use Counselor II is to use a patient centered approach and effective communication to assist patients to cope with the substance abuse and dependence issues and practical arrangements related to the patient’s illness. Effective outreach and engagement strategies that establish trust and overcome barriers resulting from isolation, stigma, and the symptoms of mental health and/or substance use problems will be utilized. A sustained support model to meet basic needs and respond to individual preferences as well as trauma-informed services that restore hope will be utilized. The Substance Use Counselor II is a member of the healthcare team providing assessments, coordination, treatment planning, information and referral to community resources and other social work services. The primary goal and offered individualized and group intensive substance use services using a multidisciplinary approach, including, but not limited to: Mental health and substance use assessment; health system navigation; housing and benefits advocacy; health coaching, referrals and brief treatment, pharmacy consultation and supportive counseling. The Substance Use Counselor II reports to the Director of Substance Use.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
One year of experience as a Substance Use Counselor
Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certificate issued by the State of California.
Must possess knowledge of chemical dependency, substance use and personality dynamics of the substance user.
Excellent Microsoft Office Program skills.
Must be in possession of a valid California Driver’s License.
Current BLS Certificate or ability to obtain a BLS Certificate.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of principles and practices of counseling techniques
Knowledge of community resources and referral agencies
Knowledge of group dynamics
Knowledge of office management principles and practices
Skill in counseling
Skill in interviewing and communicating to elicit information and cooperation from patients
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, staff, and the public
Skill in public speaking
Skill in facilitating support groups.
Ability to write reports, correctly reflecting intervention, and document progress.

Responsibilities

Promotes the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
Conducts individual counseling related to substance use, substance use treatment and recovery services.
Transports/escorts patients to/off hospital grounds to patient care activities.
Performs patient and family interviews/ assessments to obtain psychosocial histories.
Conducts environmental and patient safety rounds to ensure safety of the patients.
Participates with the multidisciplinary treatment team in the development, implementation and evaluation of treatment or therapy approaches for patients and their families in all phases of comprehensive substance use and/or mental health programs.
Maintains communication between patients, family, care-team, and other employees utilizing appropriate channels and assists in coordinating patient linkage with substance use recovery services.
Monitors and documents client and patient progress in substance use/mental health recovery.
Develops and promotes interest in the substance use and/or mental health fields by speaking before community groups.
Uses effective communication skills and motivational interviewing techniques to obtain relevant psycho-social information from patients and families.
Identifies financial, environmental, emotional, and social factors which greatly contributes to the condition/illness or work against the ability of the patient and family/caregiver to benefit from medical and health care.
Creates and implements an efficient and sure social work treatment scheme for patients and families/caregivers based on analysis of the psycho-social factors as well as the medical illness of the patient.
Conducts home visits that would help identify the need for added equipment or service and arranges supportive services as appropriate.
Collaborates with primary care providers, the behavioral health clinician, pharmacist, and other members of the treatment team through a multi- or interdisciplinary approach.
Performs other duties as assigned.