BIPP Counselor

Chemical Dependency Counselor

Provides screening, assessment, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, and support services to clients for a battering intervention and prevention program. Screens and assesses the medical, psychosocial and environmental status of clients, and coordinates and monitors referral of clients to clinical and other resources and services. Assists in developing counseling programs and interventions and provides related training for staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the first in a series of two chemical dependency counselor-related job classifications within the Social Services job family. This classification is responsible for assessing the substance abuse, psychosocial and environmental status of clients, developing treatment and discharge plans, coordinating referral to resources and services and conducting related counseling programs. This classification is distinguished from the higher level by assisting in, rather than full development of counseling programs and related training.

This classification typically does not function in a lead capacity. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs intake, screening and assessment of clients for substance abuse problems. Assesses the substance abuse, psychosocial and environmental status of clients through screening instruments, personal interviews, observation and other methods to determine clinical and other education/treatment resources and services required. Administers various clinical and other screening tests.
• Conducts individual and group counseling related to intimate partner violence, mental and behavioral problems, substance abuse, personal and other problems. Provides crisis intervention services for clients. Identifies clients in at-risk situations and seeks treatment solutions and alternative environmental surroundings.
• Assists in developing treatment plans and intervention programs and recommending resources and services for clients. Coordinates referral of clients to clinical resources and other services and monitors client progress. Resolves obstacles to service delivery.
• Maintains primary responsibility for coordinating client services provided by clinical and social service professionals and community outreach service providers. Initiates and sustains ongoing advocacy for client.
• Prepares progress reports of client treatment, documents interviews, observations and evaluations for case file. Conducts and maintains analysis of treatment and service provider usage. Develops discharge plans, including referrals to counseling and social service programs in the community.
• Assists in planning, developing and conducting training sessions for staff and volunteers.
• Serves as liaison with advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers, community outreach services and law enforcement personnel. Conducts presentations related to substance abuse treatment and counseling for outside groups, agencies and organizations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND two (2) years experience in substance abuse counseling, social services or criminal justice work; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC); OR, Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) must be obtained within six (6) months of date of hire. Valid Texas Driver's License. Preferred:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Bilingual in English and Spanish Knowledge of:
Procedures for assessing the substance abuse, psychosocial and environmental status of clients. Counseling theory techniques and resources. Substance abuse and crisis…