Chemical Dependency Counselor

JOB TITLE: Chemical Dependency Counselor

DEPARTMENT: Medication Assisted Program

REPORTING TO: Outpatient/Residential Clinical Manager

DATE: Rev. 02/24

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Chemical Dependency Counselor plays a crucial role in providing individual counseling, leading group sessions, and ensuring comprehensive and timely documentation in the electronic health records of clients/patients. The responsibilities extend to developing treatment plans, crafting discharge plans, and engaging in interactions with various agencies. Additionally, the counselor serves as an advocate for clients/patients and delivers essential case management services, contributing to a holistic and supportive approach to their care and recovery.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide individual counseling and/or group facilitation to clients/patients with substance use disorders.
• Concise, timely and thorough documentation in the client/patient electronic health record as defined by agency standards.
• Discharge planning based upon the client’s needs.
• Demonstrate a “whole person” approach to care in including the patient’s/client’s and family/support system when appropriate.
• Participate in training sessions, compliance, and in-services to increase knowledge and skills.

• Completes assigned agency tasks in a timely manner.
• Family interventions as needed including education related to substance use disorders.
• Participate in scheduled meetings including treatment team and staff meetings.
• Develops networks of care for the betterment of the client.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Harm Reduction.
• Meets regularly with the Supervisor to ensure achievement of the required minimum level of direct service productivity based upon defined productivity standards set by agency standards.
• Supports student internships and learning through mentoring and/or being a field liaison.
• Complete Government Performance Results Acts (GPRA) forms as required.
• Collaborates with other members of agency clinical staff to foster a network of support and diverse views regarding clinical issues which arise in the performance of direct service functions.
• Assists in the development and implementation techniques, procedures and systems designed to improve the level of care or quality of services as identified or needed for new and existing programs.
• Maintains licensure/certification standards as defined by the State of Ohio and the agency. Participates in educational and training opportunities to enhance professional knowledge and skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret human services periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and the general public.

Position Requirements

• Associate Degree required, Bachelors or Master’s Degree in social work, counseling, behavioral health, or related field preferred; Demonstrated experience working effectively with adults and families with substance use disorders.
• Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistance (CDCA), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (LCDCII), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDCIII), Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC)

Work Environment

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear.
• The employee is frequently required to walk, balance, stoop, kneel, and/or crouch. (The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds).
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Keyboard data entry required.

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions, and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.