Position Details

Substance Abuse Counselor - TRA

Location: Odessa

Supervises: N

FLSA:  Exempt if LCDC

Division: SUD

Salary:  $$20.65 per hour if BA or LCDC intern; $45,261 per year if LCDC

Shift: M-Th 9am - 7pm; Assigned work hours may change as the needs of the agency and clients change

Driving required: Y

Travel required: Y

Settings: office, field

POSITION SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE:

The Substance Abuse Counselor provides counseling services to adults who are seeking outpatient treatment for substance use disorder.  This position provides screenings to determine eligibility or referral and comprehensive assessments based on the DSM-5 criteria and State standards.  The Counselor provides individualized trauma-informed treatment services that facilitate recovery from substance use disorders to adults, including group counseling, individual counseling, and education.

This position works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Required:  High School Diploma or GED.  To qualify as a QMHP: a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in psychology, social work, medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, counseling, sociology, human growth and development, physician assistance, gerontology, special education, educational psychology, early childhood education or early childhood intervention or a bachelor's degree with at least 30 hours of coursework in the previous fields.

Experience Required:  At least 1 year experience working in the field of substance use disorder treatment.

Registration, Certification, Licensure or other Qualifications Required: 

  • Must maintain a valid Texas Driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to PermiaCare's insurance requirements.
  • Required to pass criminal history and background checks as well as pre-employment drug screen.
  • Must possess current and valid LCDC or LCDC intern license or obtain one within 6 months (if qualify as QMHP). Must pass LCDC exam within 3000 hours of internship.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide screenings in accordance with the DSM-5 criteria, State rules, and the TDI criteria to determine eligibility or referral.
  • Ensure financial resources are determined during the screening process and that documentation supporting the client's financial status has been put in the client file.
  • Ensure that documentation of the client's proof of residency is included in the client file.
  • Provide comprehensive assessment based on DSM-5 criteria and State standards and determine appropriate level of service for each client admitted for services.
  • Achieve and maintain program productivity of billing and average of 30 hours per week.
  • Provided individualized treatment planning based on a comprehensive assessment.
  • Ensure clients receive contractually required education on HIV/STD/TB/HCV, Hepatitis B and C, Opioid Overdose Prevention and Education, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and Nicotine.
  • Ensure that pregnant clients have access to prenatal care and reproductive health and parenting education and services.
  • Observe clients during sessions and document behavior, attitude and progress.
  • Maintain current knowledge in clinical aspects of adult treatment service protocols.
  • Provide tobacco screening and appropriate tobacco cessation services for all clients.
  • Monitor and document patient progress.
  • Educate patients and families on effects of substance abuse.
  • Act in accordance with ethical and professional standards.
  • Facilitate educational and recreational activities.
  • Maintain detailed records of patient care plans and progress.
  • Provide coping strategies and relapse prevention plans.
  • Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
  • Advocate for patient rights and coordinate discharge plans.
  • Provide case management for assigned caseload.
  • Provide crisis intervention services.
  • Provide individual, group and family counseling.
  • Meet unit performance measures or targets.
  • Maintain assigned caseload of individuals with substance use disorder.
  • Coordinate services to designated caseload.
  • Enter accurate and appropriate documentation of services within timeframe required.
  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive records and treatment information, client files and protected health information in compliance with HIPAA, laws, rules and regulations, and established procedures.
  • Maintain regular and reliable physical on-site attendance. Regular attendance, dependability, and promptness are required for the scheduled work day 100% of the time, to ensure consistency and completeness of program's processes.
  • Comply with the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation policy and reporting requirements.
  • Adhere to the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior policy requirements.
  • Establish and maintain effective work relationships with individuals served and their families, supervisors, co-workers and visitors by demonstrating cooperative, courteous and respectful behavior at all times.
  • Communicate regularly with supervisor.
  • Open and process mail/email in a timely manner.
  • Answer phone, collect phone messages and respond to requests timely and accurately.
  • Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations.
  • Perform all work functions and interactions using a trauma informed approach.
  • Display professionalism when representing PermiaCare and the program in the community.
  • Maintain compliance with legal requirements and company policies and procedures.
  • Maintain valid and current driver's license, auto insurance, acceptable driving record and reliable transportation at all times. Driving may be required for this position.
  • Complete all training as assigned prior to due date.
  • Other duties as assigned.

MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (these duties are not designated as essential for the purposes of ADA; they are still required duties):

  • Fill in for other SUD staff as needed.
  • Transport clients to local community based support groups as needed.
  • Answer the telephone and make appointments.
  • Assist with maintaining cleanliness of job site.
  • Assist in evacuation drills.
  • Provide training to Counselor Interns and practicum students.
  • Act as Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) as assigned, if applicable.
  • Provide educational presentations in the community.
  • Provide translation, if applicable.
  • Participate in team meeting or staffings.
  • Participate in community activities and/or attends community meetings as needed.
  • Participate in workgroups and committees as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES:

  • Knowledge of substance use disorder.
  • General knowledge of psychology and social work principles.
  • Ability to recognize signs of intoxication and impairment.
  • Knowledge of withdrawal techniques.
  • Ability to screen and assess substance abusing individuals.
  • Knowledge of substance abuse counseling.
  • Ability to remain emotionally engaged and supportive.
  • Knowledge of community resources.
  • Understanding of evidence based therapies and interventions.
  • Understanding of 12 step recovery process.
  • Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations and rules.
  • Ability to handle high stress situations in a professional manner.
  • Knowledge of HIPAA and ability to protect confidentiality.
  • Effective multi-tasking skills.
  • Good organizational skills.
  • Welcoming, positive behavior.

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