Substance Use Counselor

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Petersburg, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277 bed Joint Commission accredited
psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly
been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors
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). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need
inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. We
believe 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. This position is responsible for completing assessments and
screenings to determine the presence and severity of substance use disorders,
providing high-quality individual and group counseling, and supporting the
development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of a best-practice
substance use disorder program consistent with Department of Psychology
standards. The counselor will 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. The ideal
candidate exhibits a professional demeanor, serves as a positive role model to
direct care staff, demonstrates strong negotiation and de-escalation skills, and
is committed to least restrictive interventions through thoughtful treatment
planning and direct service delivery. Respect for patients and staff, cultural
awareness, flexibility to assist with departmental coverage needs, and adherence
to hospital mission, policies, and procedures are essential to success in this
role.

Requirements

• Requires knowledge of best practice in substance use assessment and treatment of adults, facilitation, and understanding of the specialized needs of adults with dual diagnosis.
• Must be able to apply knowledge of the theory, techniques, and practices of counseling and substance use disorder treatment.
• Must possess the skills and ability necessary to collaborate with multiple disciplines.
• Must have bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field.
• Must have clinical experience providing individual and group services for individuals with substance use disorders.
• Must possess current certification in substance use counseling services (CSAC, Substance Use Counseling Assistant, CSAC supervisee, or equivalent.)

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.
• Completing assessments and screenings to determine the presence and severity of substance use disorders
• Providing high-quality individual and group counseling
• Supporting 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.

Benefits

• DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including your choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 13 paid holidays, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees