Addictions Counselor

Department: Putnam Co.
Division: Clinical Services - Satellites-North
Supervised By: Program Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt/Regular/Full-time
Effective Date: February 2007

Conducts assessments and evaluations; provides therapy and other direct treatment services; assists in the development of Individual Treatment Plans; provides consultation, training and problem-solving assistance; and directly intervenes in crisis situations.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual performs these duties using advanced knowledge obtained through specialized education and experience.

• Consistently exercises discretion and judgement to analyze, interpret, make deductions and then decide what actions are necessary based on the varying facts and circumstances of each individual case.
• Works without daily and immediate supervision, evaluating possible courses of conduct, and making decisions where there is no opportunity to seek supervisory assistance.
• Conduct initial evaluation and client intake interviews; assess client’s
  presenting problems and formulate diagnosis, make recommendations regarding appropriate treatment.
• Develop, implement and modify, as necessary, client treatment plans.
• Carry out case management services related to client’s treatment.
• Maintain an active caseload, providing individual, group, family, marital, child, sex and adjunctive therapies as needed and within area of expertise and limits of credentials; assure procurement of additional services as needed.
• Provide crisis management for clients, including on-call, hospital and jail consults; make recommendations for interventions as appropriate and provide recommendations to referral agents.
• Participate in continuing education activities, remaining knowledgeable in area(s) of expertise; meet requirements for professional staff membership.
• Attend meetings as appropriate and meet regularly with supervisor to exchange pertinent information and receive supervision.
• Serve as a resource person to Center and community in area(s) of expertise, including presenting classes, speaking engagements and agency consultation.
• Maintain client and program records in accordance with applicable standards and regulations, grant requirements, etc.
• Acquire and maintain knowledge of child development and utilize age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate activities in treatment.
• Maintain a high level of ethical conduct regarding confidentiality, dual-relationships and professional stature.
• Monitor caseload to assure compliance of third-party payors, including chart reviews, completing prior requests and pre-certifications.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.
• Perform the above listed duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Bachelor level degree in human behavioral science, social work, therapeutic recreation or related field.
• Must have had at least two years paid, professional, experience in an addiction services program.
• Must have advanced knowledge and skills in the provision of community-based chemical dependence services and/or mental health treatment.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and accreditation regulations regarding addictions services.
• Knowledge of chemical dependency as a biological, social, and cultural phenomena as well as expertise in assessing and treating such conditions.
• Agreement to use personal transportation in work capacity.

• Valid driver’s license in accordance with HCI motor vehicle policy.
• CADAC-level ICAADA certification or NCACII certification or eligible for NCACII preferred.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person or by telephone. The employee must be able to travel to client locations. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, reach, bend, and sit.

Much of the work of the Addictions Counselor is done directly with consumers, either in their homes or in community settings, and there may be limited on-site supervision. Office and program areas may not be air-conditioned and could become overly warm in summer months. Many activities are conducted in community settings away from Hamilton Center, Inc. premises. Work conditions, such as cleanliness, comfort and safety, may vary widely. Exposure to all types of weather elements is likely. Staff may be scheduled to work evenings and/or weekends. Safety management and crisis intervention decisions and actions are dependent on staff present. A crisis could arise which may be stress producing and/or exhausting.

• Completion of tuberculin screening no later than three days prior to first day of employment and annually thereafter.
• Completion of a pre-employment drug screening and completion of post-employment drug or alcohol tests upon reasonable suspicion of use.
• Completion of Center-wide orientation and ALL required paperwork prior to reporting for work
• Demonstrated computer literacy through successful completion of pre-employment testing may be required.
• Completion of Total Quality Management training
• Attendance at all mandatory staff development and training
• Successful completion of a six month on the job orientation period
• Participation in payroll electronic deposit
• Adherence to Compliance Program Plan
• Satisfactory reference and background investigation checks.

Job descriptions are not intended, and should not be construed, to be exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. They are meant to be accurate reflections of the principal job elements essential for making fair pay decisions about jobs.

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