Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or equivalent strongly preferred, or a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in case management/mental health field.
• State appropriate substance use credential required or obtained within 90 days of hire.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ work experience serving persons with mental health and substance use disorders.
• American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification or American Red Cross Professional Rescue is required within thirty (30) days of date of hire. Annual re-certification is required.
• Formal training in management of the aggressive patient is required within sixty (60) days of date of hire. Annual re-certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Assess patient/support system needs for resources based on: medication management (psychiatry) psychotherapy (individual, group, partial hospital, intensive outpatient, residential) ongoing medical care housing, placement (nursing home, assisted living) financial (application for social security disability, HUD, food stamps, energy assistance, etc.) community support (groups) specific county-based resources (SAIL, CSP, group home).
• Assure that discharge planning begins at admission.
• Obtain collateral input from providers and supports.
• Assist with development and implementation of transition, discharge, and aftercare plans prior to discontinuation of behavioral health services.
• Schedule after care appointments for patients with PCPs, psychiatrists, next level therapy programs, living arrangements, etc.
• Contact referral source and/or other treatment providers within designated time frame and documented accordingly.
• Make arrangements for community resources to facilitate discharge.
• Provide all needed documentation to other providers to facilitate the continuum of care.
• Solicit input from treatment team/collateral partners to meet the continuing care needs of patients.
• Work with treatment team and collateral partners to ensure appropriate discharge resources.
• Maintain a list of specific resources to be used in accordance with best practice.
• Provide therapeutic services to patients.
• Provide team coverage as permitted by state regulations, scope of practice and competency under the direction of the clinical operations supervisor.
• Provide cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy focused, behavioral activation, interpersonal psychotherapy, and other group and individual therapeutic services to patients according to clinical standards of care and under the supervision of the clinical operations supervisor.
• Implement goals, objectives and interventions as specified in the patient’s individual treatment plan.
• Use knowledge and skills to collect and review information regarding the patient’s status.
• Identify individual specific needs.
• Provide interventions that are appropriate to the individual.
• Facilitate individual skills practice.
• Be knowledgeable in and practice trauma informed care.
• Participate in training under the direction of the clinical operations supervisor.
• Consult with treatment team and support system as needed/requested.
• Participate in regular supervision sessions with clinical operations supervisor per regulatory requirements.
• Attend and participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Complete assignment and documentation within required time frames.
• Obtain outcome assessments at admission, discharge and throughout stay as indicated.
• Complete ongoing treatment documentation as required in accordance with program guidelines; i.e., patient care notes, group documentation and contact notes).
• Support obtaining Releases of Information to ensure continuity of care and collaboration.
• Facilitate a supportive and safe milieu.
• Maintain safety of the area.
• Provide structured therapeutic milieu in which a positive pattern of social, education, and personal behavior and coping skills is taught, reinforced, and enhanced.
• Support management of milieu.
• Respond to emergency situations as needed.
• Assist in promoting a team atmosphere by treating individuals with respect and honesty and by using direct communication and active listening skills.
• Be open to change and actively support change.
• Be open to others’ ideas and points of view.
• Promote department goals as well as the mission of the hospital.
• Communicate goals to fellow staff members.
• Demonstrate measurable goal achievement.
• Maintain department policies and procedures.
• Include requirements and guidelines from external agencies (i.e., Joint Commission, State of Wisconsin).
• Maintain and/or communicate to appropriate party function backlog at a set time.
• Educate new staff regarding regulations or requirements of those functions that relate to their areas or departments, as directed.
• Demonstrate acceptance and training of student interns in the department, as directed.
• Demonstrate understanding of Joint Commission, ASAM, DHS 75 and other regulatory agency compliance regulations.
• Involve self in the learning and application of standards relevant to the inpatient department.
• Participate in in-services, seminars, and other meetings to increase involvement and awareness of regulations.
• Involve self in the education of other disciplines regarding the department’s regulations.
• Participate in hospital committees, performance improvement team meetings, and team projects, as directed.
• Demonstrate punctuality and preparedness.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills.
• Demonstrate good organizational skills.
• Contribute in a positive, solution-focused manner.
• Attend inpatient department meetings as needed, actively participate in discussions, recognize and contribute to activities leading to improvement.
• Participate in the performance improvement program.
• Gain understanding of the performance improvement process.
• Apply the performance improvement model to your department’s activities.
• Participate and/or create performance improvement teams that lead to improvement in other hospital areas.
• Educate and involve self in the hospital and department’s performance improvement plans.
• Conduct self in a professional manner.
• Demonstrate organizational skills that promote timely response to all inquiries and to task completion.
• Communicate with all individuals in a positive and professional manner.
• Attempt to resolve individual issues with peers in a positive, calm manner, with a focus on solution.
• Communicate concerns and provide solutions for same.
• Attend outside seminars and/or educational classes to promote professional growth.
• Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude toward parties outside the hospital (provider relations representatives, managed care contractors, visitors, vendors, etc.).
• Comply with the hospital’s policies and procedures, including human resources, infection control, and employee health policies and programs.
• Project a professional image by wearing appropriate, professional attire.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for you and your family
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee share program
• Life/disability insurance
• Flex spending accounts
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health and wellness program
• Employee assistance program (EAP)