Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Description

POSITION : Substance Abuse Counselor

SCHEDULE : Full-Time

FACILITY : Central NM

LOCATION : Los Lunas, NM

A Job Should be MORE than just a paycheck.

Wexford Health Sources, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest correctional health care providers. Over the past 30 years, our team of dedicated clinical professionals has helped literally millions of justice-involved patients receive life-changing medical and mental health services.

The majority of our patients come from marginalized or impoverished backgrounds. In many cases, our doctors, nurses, and behavioral health professionals represent the patient’s first experience with quality, compassionate health care.

We heal and rehabilitate thousands of incarcerated patients every day.

When you join Wexford Health, you do more than just further your career.

You also become part of a team-a family-whose mission is to care for patients that cannot care for themselves.

You change lives.

You make a difference.

If you are looking for a position that empowers you to do MORE … then look at Wexford Health.

BENEFITS :

We’re proud to offer a competitive benefits package including :

• Annual review with performance increase
• Generous paid-time off program that combines vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Comprehensive health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Dental and Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement saving plans
• Company-paid short-term disability
• Healthcare and dependent care spending account

POSITION SUMMARY

The Substance Use Counselor is responsible and accountable for the delivery of contracted substance use disorder services in the facilities within the NMCD facility. Primary duties include the screening and assessment of psychiatric, medical, social services, employment and residential needs, as well as risk factors for re-incarceration as soon as possible after the individual’s admission to jail. The Substance Use Counselor will also work with designated NMCD Staff to coordinate aftercare services in the community.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assesses booking information on each new arrival to determine if there is a clinically significant problem with alcohol and / or other drugs of abuse.

2. Screens new arrivals with a substance use disorder to determine severity of need.

3. Reviews referrals received from healthcare providers, medical staff, programs staff and security staff to determine severity of need.

4. Effectively triages patients for addiction severity assessment, medical and / or psychiatric care focused on continuity of care and stabilization of condition.

5. Provides brief supportive interactions with individuals undergoing medically supervised withdrawal.

6. Completes Screening tools for particular substance use disorders.

7. Conducts assessment with referred patients to gauge the severity of an individual’s substance use and provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s addiction-related issues.

8. Provides psychoeducational group therapy services focused on identification of addiction-related issues and the development of relapse prevention planning

9. Coordinates care with community providers and community supervision agencies, including the exchange of treatment records, communication of treatment needs and linkage of individuals with available services and support options upon release in concert with NMCD staff

10. Connects patients with any on-site services and programs available to assist with meeting needs.

12. Generates detainee passes for clinic visits and medication orders, collects patient signature and submits to the medical department staff responsible.

13. Obtains patient signatures on any refusals for medications and services.

14. Completes patient requests for health records in an effort to retrieve prior health records.

15. Communicates with individuals via request, triages the requests and schedules tasks within the electronic health record.

16. Coordinates discharge planning with designated NMCD Staff.

17. Ensures and maintains the confidentiality of all medical records information and patient care information.

18. Validates and ensures that forms for the release of information are current, accurate and complete as defined by HIPAA.

19. Releases information at the direction of the Psychiatric Provider, Mental Health Professional, Medical Director or Health Services Administrator.

20. Assists in preparing periodic statistical reports and other management information system requirements. Maintain logs for appropriate medical unit onsite staff.

21. Understands and complies with all state, facility and company policies, procedures and protocols related to the medical and mental health departments.

22. Meets timelines related to case management and departmental productivity guidelines.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

LICENSING : Currently licensed as Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC), Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC), or Licensed Substance Abuse Technician (LSAT). LISAC preferred.

CERTIFICATION : Current CPR certification.

EDUCATION : Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE :

–Minimum of two (2) years addictions treatment counseling preferred

–Minimum of one (1) year correctional experience preferred