Weekend Counselor

Job Summary:

As an Addiction Counselor at Asurgent Health, you will play a pivotal role in helping individuals and families on their journey to recover from substance use disorders. You will work within a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and be responsible for providing compassionate and evidence-based counseling services to our clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Client Assessment and Evaluation:

  • Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments of clients to determine the nature and extent of substance use and related issues.

  • Collaborate with clients to set short- and long-term recovery goals.

  • Utilize standardized diagnostic tools and clinical interviews to identify appropriate treatment strategies.

• Individual and Group Counseling:

  • Provide individual and group counseling to clients, focusing on behavior change, coping strategies, and life skills development.

  • Facilitate substance abuse education, relapse prevention, and self-awareness exercises.

  • Tailor therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each client, including addressing co-occurring mental health disorders.

• Treatment Planning and Case Management:

  • Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and other healthcare professionals.

  • Monitor client progress, adjust treatment goals as necessary, and provide ongoing support.

  • Provide case management services, including coordinating referrals to additional services such as medical, psychiatric, vocational, and social support.

• Family and Community Support:

  • Work with clients' families to provide education, support, and resources for recovery.

  • Facilitate family therapy or support group sessions as appropriate.

  • Educate community stakeholders on substance abuse and recovery processes, advocating for the needs of clients.

• Documentation and Compliance:

  • Maintain accurate and timely records of client progress, treatment plans, and interventions in accordance with ethical and legal standards.

  • Ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal regulations, including confidentiality laws (e.g., HIPAA).

  • Participate in regular supervision and professional development to maintain licensure and stay current with industry best practices.

• Crisis Intervention:

  • Provide crisis intervention as needed, offering immediate support and de-escalation to clients experiencing acute distress.

  • Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including medical professionals, social workers, and law enforcement, in high-risk situations.

Core Competencies:

• Clinical Knowledge:

  • Deep understanding of substance use disorders, behavioral health, and mental health issues.

  • Knowledge of evidence-based treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and 12-Step Facilitation.

  • Ability to assess and diagnose mental health and substance use disorders using DSM-5 criteria.

• Communication Skills:

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts in clear, accessible terms.

  • Ability to build rapport and establish trust with clients from diverse backgrounds.

  • Skilled in active listening, providing empathetic responses, and facilitating productive conversations in both individual and group settings.

• Cultural Competency:

  • Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

  • Understanding of how cultural factors impact substance use, treatment engagement, and recovery outcomes.

• Organizational Skills:

  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage a caseload effectively and prioritize tasks.

  • Ability to maintain clear, concise, and up-to-date documentation of client progress and treatment plans.

• Ethical and Legal Understanding:

  • In-depth knowledge of confidentiality laws, including HIPAA, and ethical guidelines related to substance abuse counseling.

  • Ability to adhere to professional codes of conduct and handle sensitive issues with discretion and respect.

• Crisis Management:

  • Proficiency in managing crisis situations, including de-escalation, intervention, and appropriate referrals.

  • Ability to work under pressure while maintaining composure and providing effective solutions.

• Team Collaboration:

  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare providers, such as physicians, nurses, and social workers.

  • Willingness to participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to treatment planning.

• 
  Professional Development:

  • Commitment to ongoing professional growth through supervision, training, and staying informed of the latest trends and research in substance abuse counseling.

Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field preferred.

  • Licensure or certification in substance abuse counseling (CDCA, LSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC, LICDC, LCDC)

  • Additional certifications (e.g., Certified Addiction Counselor) are preferred.

• Experience:

  • Minimum 3 years of experience providing counseling services in a behavioral health or substance abuse setting.

  • Experience with case management, crisis intervention, and group therapy facilitation.

• Skills and Abilities:

  • Strong knowledge of community resources and support systems for individuals in recovery.

  • Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) and related software.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

• Ability to work in a variety of environments, including office settings, group therapy rooms, and community outreach programs.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (if applicable).

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time.

Some weekend or evening hours may be required based on client needs