Addictions Counselor Certified

Job Requirements

JOB SUMMARY

The Addictions Counselor provides recovery oriented assessments, clinical counseling, referrals and follow-up services to individuals and family members affected by substance use issues. The Addictions Counselor will engage patients in confidential individual, family or group counselling, treatment and education related to the causes and effect of substance use disorders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Provides individual and group counseling, therapeutic intervention, and/or educational classes to clients and family members to assist them in recognizing problems and causal factors related to substance use disorders and developing healthy and alternative coping behaviors.
• Interviews clients, family members, and others to gather information for use by the treatment team; explains program methods and objectives and obtains their cooperation in the treatment/rehabilitation process. Performs assessments of clients’ needs, motivations, and backgrounds; prepares substance use biopsychosocial assessment summaries.
• Maintains client records and case notes.
• Participates on a multi-disciplinary treatment team to develop and implement treatment/rehabilitation plans.
• Performs follow-up activities for outpatient and/or aftercare clients to obtain referral services such as recovery support groups, counseling, housing and employment assistance, and/or vocational training.
• Seeks and supports opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Offers support and feedback to peers. Uses the principles of HEART in interactions with patients, families and colleagues.
• Offers consistent and visible support to team members.
• Professional standards and current research/evidence-based practice drive decision-making.
• Responds to Shore Regional Health codes, as appropriate.
• Responsible for honest behavior in all matters. To the best of the employee’s knowledge and understanding, complies with all Federal and State laws and regulations.
• Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information. Uses and discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences or related field with certification as an Addictions Counselor in the State of Maryland (or eligible at the next sitting) or Licensed Master’s level Social Worker or Professional Counselor with a minimum of one year of experience in treating substance use disorders.

The employee in this position must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care based on the age of the patients served. He/she must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status, to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/here age-specific needs, and to provide the necessary care as described in the department’s policies and procedures.