Position Details

Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Title: 420

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-F 8am - 5pm and rotating Sat 8am - 5pm; Assigned work hours may change as the needs of the agency and clients change

Driving required: Y

Travel required: Y

Settings: office

POSITION SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE:

The Substance Abuse Counselor provides counseling services to adults who are seeking inpatient treatment for substance use disorder.  This position provides screenings and comprehensive assessments to determine eligibility or referral 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.

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

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 DSM-V criteria, State rules, and ASAM 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 documentation of the client's proof of residency is in included in the client file.
  • Provide comprehensive assessment based on DSM-V criteria, State standards, and determine appropriate service level for each client admitted for services.
  • Provide individualized treatment planning based on a comprehensive assessment.
  • Ensure that clients receive contractually required HIV/STD/TB/HCV, Hepatitis B and C, nicotine education, Trauma Education, and Overdose Education.
  • Observe clients and document behavior, attitude, and progress.
  • Maintain knowledge in the up to date clinical aspects of adult treatment service protocols.
  • Enter all client information into CMBHS in a timely manner.
  • Complete all reports, treatment plans, and admissions within the time frames suggested in State rules.
  • Attend scheduled staffing.
  • Maintain contact with criminal justice authorities or DFPS as needed.
  • Ensure the client is referred for services not provided by the program such as psychiatric care, medical care, psychological services, COPSD, and other appropriate services determined by the needs of the client.
  • Provide substance abuse education to the clients.
  • Provide individual and group counseling.
  • Ensure all documentation, treatment planning procedures, assessment, treatment plan reviews, and discharge planning listed in the State's Standards of Care are followed.
  • Provide quality case management documenting on all service coordination activities throughout the continuum of care.
  • Complete intakes with clients ensuring that all PermiaCare and State-required forms are completed correctly and filed in the client chart.
  • Maintain professional attitude and behavior, follows Code of Ethics for LCDC's and PermiaCare's Professional Behavior policy.
  • Supervise Counselor Interns and Practicum Students as assigned.
  • 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 crisis intervention services.
  • Provide individual, group and family counseling.
  • Meet unit performance measures or targets.
  • Maintain assigned caseload of individuals with substance use disorders.
  • 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.
  • Assist in maintaining cleanliness of facility.
  • Assist in evacuation drills.
  • 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.
  • Knowledge of withdrawal techniques.
  • Ability to screen and assess substance abusing individuals.
  • Knowledge of substance abuse counseling.
  • Ability to educate and motivate clients.
  • 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.
  • Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
  • Effective time management skills.
  • Exceptional customer service skills, including positive attitude.
  • Cultural sensitivity.
  • Dependable attendance and punctuality.
  • Knowledge of trauma informed theories, principles and practices.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to different work environments.
  • Excellent computer skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Electronic Health Records (EHR).
  • Reading and comprehending.
  • Reasoning and analyzing.
  • Ability to coordinate with various inter-agency personnel.
  • Ability to fulfill PMAB and CPR/First Aid requirements.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Good interpersonal skills, including ability to build rapport with individuals including co-workers.
  • Ability to display comfort in interacting with individuals of diverse cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds and with social service, healthcare, educational and criminal justice organizations, as needed.
  • Ability to acquire and utilize new skills as the job requires.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and productively with supervisor, individuals, co-workers, and groups of persons at all levels of activity, contributing to a spirit of teamwork.
  • Ability to maintain highly confidential information.
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
  • Ability to plan and schedule work and implement directives without constant supervision.
  • Model professionalism by appropriate dress, language, ethics and work habits.
  • Ability to drive personal and/or company vehicle.  This position may require travel to agency program sites, community and residential sites, and/or locations outside the PermiaCare catchment area.  This position may require transport of agency individuals and/or individuals served.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Abilities Required:

  • Light Lifting, under 15 lbs
  • Light Carrying, under 15 lbs
  • Walking
  • Standing
  • Sitting
  • Climbing stairs
  • Operating office equipment
  • Operating motor vehicle
  • Ability to see
  • Hearing (with aid)
  • Ability to write
  • Ability to count
  • Ability to read
  • Ability to tell time

Other (specify):  driving required. May require some travel after hours and overnight.

WORKSITE CONDITIONS:

  • Travel
  • Inside
  • Working closely with others
  • Working alone

ADA Statement:  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EEO Statement:  PermiaCare is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties, activities or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, activities and responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description does not constitute an employment contract with PermiaCare.  Employment is at-will. 

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