Substance Use Counselor

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Petersburg, VA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277-bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, opening as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property. CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds) and has 166 beds available for individuals in the community needing inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. The hospital believes that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person. Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use. Central State Hospital is recruiting for a Substance Use Counselor to facilitate evidence-based, recovery-oriented individual and group substance use disorder services for adults with serious mental illness in both maximum security and civil units.

Requirements

Knowledge of best practice in substance use assessment and treatment of adults, facilitation, and understanding of the specialized needs of adults with dual diagnosis
Ability to apply knowledge of the theory, techniques, and practices of counseling and substance use disorder treatment
Skills and ability necessary to collaborate with multiple disciplines
Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field
Clinical experience providing individual and group services for individuals with substance use disorders
Current certification in substance use counseling services (CSAC, Substance Use Counseling Assistant, CSAC supervisee, or equivalent)
Exhibits a professional demeanor
Respect for patients and staff
Cultural awareness
Flexibility to assist with departmental coverage needs

Nice To Haves

Experience working in an inpatient psychiatric mental health facility

Responsibilities

Facilitate evidence-based, recovery-oriented individual and group substance use disorder services for adults with serious mental illness in both maximum security and civil units
Complete assessments and screenings to determine the presence and severity of substance use disorders
Provide high-quality individual and group counseling
Support the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of a best-practice substance use disorder program consistent with Department of Psychology standards
Document client attendance, progress, and assessment findings in a timely manner in accordance with hospital and departmental policies
Assist individuals in identifying treatment needs and appropriate programming
Participate in supervision and all required DBHDS trainings and continuing education to maintain clinical competence
Serve as a positive role model to direct care staff
Demonstrate strong negotiation and de-escalation skills
Commit to least restrictive interventions through thoughtful treatment planning and direct service delivery
Adhere to hospital mission, policies, and procedures