Substance Abuse Counselor

CAO of WNY

Job Description

PERSONNEL MASTER COPY

Job Title :                 Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Code :              N8868

DOT Code :            195107030

Division :                DART

Department :           DART

Location :               1237 Main Street (clinic)

Reports To :            Supervising Counselor

WSP Grade :          6 (pending)

Salary Level :         $50,000 to $60,000 annually

Shift :                      Days

FLSA Status :         Nonexempt

OSHA Class :          2

Prepared By :          T. Walker, J. Covial

Prepared Date :       May, 1996 / updated April, 2002, update October 2006 / Reviewed 11 / 2016 / updated 2023

Approved By :         Advisory Board, CAO Board

Approved Date :      May, 1996 / 2002 / 2006 / Approved 2017

SUMMARY

Provides direct rehabilitative services to chemically addicted patients, guiding them to normal community life by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Works in close collaboration with physicians and other health care personnel in patient evaluation and treatment to further their understanding of significant social and emotional factors underlying patient’s health problem; helps patient, through individual or group conferences to understand, accept, and follow medical recommendations; provides service planned to restore patient to optimum social and health adjustment within patient’s capacity; utilizes community resources to assist patient to resume life in community; facilities aftercare as part of the total rehabilitation program; provides family counseling as indicated; prepares and informs patients of treatment or program changes; provides crisis intervention when necessary.

Conducts initial assessments and develops short term treatment plans; together with patient, develops long term plans with particular attention to social services, vocational, educational, and legal needs; participates as a member of the treatment team; prepares patient histories, service plans, and reports; participates as a  member of the treatment team; prepares patient histories, service plans, and reports; participates in planning for improving health services by interpreting social factors pertinent to development of program; maintains current knowledge of new developments, programs, and techniques in substance abuse counseling field.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree (BA / BS) in Behavioral Health Services or Social Science field and two years related experience providing direct services.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals and regulatory documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the community. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and interested healthcare professionals, and to establish rapport with patients.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts; knowledge of statistical methods.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables; ability to perform research according to professional format and standards.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Good knowledge of the basic principles, practices and techniques used in drug abuse counseling; demonstrated ability to carry out treatment plans in a clinical setting. Tact, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and understanding of principles of medical confidentiality.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

NYS Qualified Health Professional (CASAC, LMSW, LCSW, LMHC, CRC) required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include, peripheral vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Completion of the CAO of WNY, Inc., application form including submission of official college / transcripts (or other diploma or certificate where applicable), and three signed release forms for professional references. Community Action Organization of WNY, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Compensation details : 50000-60000 Yearly Salary

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