The Counselor 1 is an introductory position providing addictions treatment. Under the intense supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, the counselor will gain experience delivering case management, outreach, individual, group, and psycho-education services to adults with substance use disorders. The candidate will obtain experience developing individualized treatment plans based on the client’s needs to include the coordination of referral agents and other services needed to reduce barriers to treatment. The candidate will gain experience in assessment and in delivery of a wide range of clinical and support services. The Counselor is an active listener and continues to develop skills and strategies to help client through participation in ongoing education and staff development courses.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

Direct Duties: The Counselor 1 shall be responsible for the following:

• Professionally participates in team conferencing to create and implement care plan for clients
• Completes all assigned tasks from the daily schedule which may include:
• Maintains a therapeutic alliance with clients
• Refers and links clients to all needed services provided by outside agency
• Follows up to see that services are delivered
• Works with community agencies to develop needed resources including housing, employment options, and income assistance
• Documents and keeps other staff, clinical coordinators, and Program Director informed of all changes in the consumer’s mental or social status.
• Carries primary or secondary cell phone as assigned and responds to after hour and emergency calls in accordance with program directives.
• Provides education and works as an advocate for persons served in the community.
• Performs other duties as requested or assigned, verbally or in writing.

Other Responsibilities:

• Displays a competent knowledge of Agency policy and procedures as well as Federal and State Regulations. Keeps current with available resources.
• Encourages staff/clients while demonstrating self-initiative in problem solving.
• Assist in the development of data collection and analysis of the quality improvement projects.
• Maintains confidentiality, proper boundaries and an ethical relationship with clients and co-workers accordingly to Company’s policies and as their Delaware Professional Board regulations.
• Ensures all client records are maintained according to agency standards, policies and procedures.
• Engages in professional development. Responsible for keeping current in the field. Completes seminars and/or continuing education programs, as appropriate to update knowledge about addiction and mental health services.
• Ensure client’s file documentation and other reports are up to date.
• Completes annual educational program as required.
• Participates in the development of quality improvement activities designed to enhance agency and program services
• Engages in professional development. Responsible for keeping current in the field by attending formal and agency trainings.
• Performs Other Duties as Needed

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Full certification as a certified alcohol and drug Counselor (CADC) in the state of Delaware; or
• Full certification by a nationally recognized body in addictions counseling or co-occurring counseling; or
• Five (5) years of clinical experience working in the field of substance abuse treatment.
• Forty (40) hours of training specific to substance abuse assessment and treatment.

Preferred Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Ability to deal with diverse populations
• Ability to route patient's problems and concerns to appropriate sources
• Ability to stay within boundaries of the role and function of position
• Critical thinking skills
• Organizational skills
• Communication skills
• Ability to evaluate and comprehend techniques, procedures and changes to meet variable situations
• Able to effectively communicate with supervisors and directors to improve his/her skills and adapt to Agency culture and policies.