Counselor

Position Summary

The Counselor is responsible for gathering data, documenting problems, and establishing a course of treatment. Provides direct addiction treatment services to adult patients and family members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following and other duties as assigned.

Provide individual and group counseling to patients assigned to caseload. May provide telehealth counseling as needed.

Direct training groups and seminars. Provide therapeutic leadership in group counseling sessions.

Function as a liaison with other community-based agencies and law enforcement agencies to ensure continuity of treatment (referrals) and compliance with legal obligations.

Complete individual chemical dependency assessment of new patients. This includes not only the psychosocial but also all required forms that require the new patient’s signature. The counselor is responsible for the accuracy and completion (all blanks filled) of the assessment process.

An individual treatment plan (ITP) for the new patient is developed within the established time frame of the patient’s admission. This ITP is completed with the patient’s input and consultation; verified by the patient’s signature on the treatment plan.

New patient charts are updated within established time frames. Charts will be current within 30 days. Treatment plans are required on all patients and will reflect current problems/goals and ALL Goals on the Treatment Plans will be expressed “in the words of the person served.”

Work with the medical staff in securing urine samples for monthly urinalysis. Document results in the patient’s chart and in the program software.

Active involvement in Diversion Control through execution of random bottle recalls.

Provide necessary forms to the Medical Director, properly and accurately completed, when the patient has special requests for take-out medications, dose changes, phase changes, MSW schedule, and medication changes.

Ensures that patient confidentiality is protected by properly completing the release of information to ALL outside referrals and contacts (i.e. Medical coordination, information from other facilities).

The counselor is responsible for all assigned patient files; these files are to be kept in compliance with DHHS regulations as well as the Policy and Procedure Manual. This includes protection of the file from any and all unauthorized access. Files will be kept in a locked filing cabinet or secured in a locked office at all times.

Discharge of a patient from the program is to be completed within seven (7) days from the date of discharge. The discharge form is to be completed in full and the file to be submitted to the Program Director.

Contributes to the ongoing assessment and treatment planning process through participation in daily reports, case reviews, and treatment teams.

Provides patient education relating to the illness of chemical dependency and the process of recovery.

Provides supportive counseling or crisis intervention services in conjunction with medical and nursing services, as circumstances deem necessary.

Provides education and public information services to the general public and the professional community regarding opioid treatment programs.

Participates in a program of professional development including both external and facility-required number of internal in-service programs and events; works toward and or maintains professional credentials

Participates in Continuing Quality Improvement and collects and reports on assigned CQI monitors.

The position may require filling in at other clinics as needed.

Job Requirements

Job Standards/Minimum Qualifications: Four-year degree in counseling or a related field, or experience in another field of similar experience, or must be certified or in the process of certification. Must have a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID.

Physical

Frequent sitting at a desk or computer while typing, completing paperwork, or meeting with patients.

Occasional lifting/carrying, paperwork, files, office supplies, up to 20 lbs.

Occasional push/pull exerting up to 5-10 lbs. force, opening doors, file drawers, pushing files in drawers

Occasional kneeling/crouching and/or ability to reach lower file drawers, file stretching to store or retrieve materials.

Mental

The position requires constant mental alertness, attention to detail, and a high degree of accuracy required in completing all assignments. Must be able to follow oral and written instructions and follow through on all assignments.