Substance Use Disorder Counselor Assistant

Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Addiction Center • Butler, PA

7d

About The Position

This is an entry level counseling and case management position in the drug and alcohol field. An employee in this position will mentor with an experienced drug and alcohol counselor and will ultimately be promoted to full counselor. Counselor Aide will assist the Clinical Supervisor and other counselors as assigned. Working as a substance use disorder counselor aide requires patience, dedication, and a desire to help people in crisis. This position provides client's confidential counseling and support, with the goal of encouraging a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle.

Requirements

• Candidate must meet Commonwealth of PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Licensure staffing qualifications for position of counselor aide: (1) A Master's Degree in a human service area; (2) A Bachelor's Degree in a human service area; (3) Licensure in this Commonwealth as a registered nurse; (4) An Associate's Degree in a human service area; (5) A high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent-working toward said degree
• Some knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse subculture
• Some knowledge of individual and group therapy techniques
• Must adhere to professional ethical standards and be able to maintain professional boundaries with clients and professional relationships with referral sources
• Satisfactory Criminal Background Check and Pre-employment Drug Testing.
• Have a valid PA driver's license in good standing preferred

Responsibilities

• Must be able to assess and professionally evaluate the drug and alcohol needs of individuals following the guidelines of ASAM, DSM V; knowledge of PA Act 106 and other Drug & Alcohol statutes and laws.
• Provides all required client charting for assigned caseload; writing intake notes, treatment plans, treatment plan updates, referral notes, aftercare plans and discharge summaries, etc.
• Must be able to develop meaningful, comprehensive and individualized treatment plans using client input and monitor progress and measure results.
• Conducts client intakes/assessments/evaluations, performs utilization review with insurance carriers/funding sources.
• Responsible for all admit, continued stay and discharge ASAM authorizations.
• Facilitates process groups, didactic groups, and conducts individual and family counseling/therapy sessions following evidence-based treatment modalities.
• Researches/prepares relevant materials for sessions.
• Manages client records by having all required and appropriate documentation; documentation must be completed within required time frames.
• Present summaries of cases at staff meetings and elicits input from other counselors, and supervisors.
• Coordinate with other healthcare providers, agencies, and community resources to ensure continuum of care.
• Performs case management as needed for clients
• Provides crisis interventions
• Ability to empathize with clients.
• Manages reduced client case load - assignment of a full caseload shall be contingent upon the supervisor's positive assessment of the counselor aide's individual skill level.
• Maintains daily log/tracks hours of services performed, obtains supervisor signature as needed
• Each counselor aide shall complete at least 40 clock hours of training the first year and 30 clock hours annually thereafter

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED