Substance Abuse Counselor for SAFPF Aftercare Services

Summary

Provides Phase II aftercare services to SAFPF graduates as part of the SAFPF Continuum of Care Management. Assists alcohol/drug involved criminal justice population in making the transition from an alcohol/drug based lifestyle to one that is free from the effects of substance use disorders. Provides comprehensive counseling services, cognitive intervention group facilitation and guidance in the areas of recovery maintenance, crisis intervention, emotional/mental health stability, and life skills within the scope of the policies and procedures of the internal Outpatient Treatment Program for SAFPF Graduates.

Conducts clinical interviews, administers substance abuse assessments, and interprets validated/approved screening and assessment instruments. Provides written and verbal case staffing information to Community Supervision Officers, Judges, and any other staff as necessary.

Orients probationers to program rules, goals, services and procedures; conducts in-depth alcohol/drug/criminogenic assessment of needs; facilitates cognitive programming; conducts drug education including 12 Step Orientation, Relapse Prevention, and Cognitive Interventions; makes appropriate referrals when indicated; responds to changing needs of probationers through use of individual counseling, re-assessments and crisis intervention; keeps accurate daily log of program activities; maintains working relationship with other agencies and programs in the area to further rehabilitation, provides progress reports;

conducts urinalysis screenings and assists in any other drug screening component of program when necessary; initiates and maintains clinical documentation and records according to standards and departmental procedures. Develops and maintains a professional and positive working relationship with probationers and staff. Provides coverage as necessary for other positions; assists with field/home visit within the probationer's community. Attends training and certification classes necessary to meet requirements of the state of Texas and the department for proper licensing of required substance abuse services;

testifies in court as necessary. Regular and predictable attendance with schedule flexibility are essential functions of this position as well as travel to our satellite office in Port Arthur.

Performs other job related duties as directed and/or as assigned to ensure ongoing quality of treatment services and successful treatment outcomes for participants, including but not limited to collection of statistical data for auditing of records and information provision for grant funded program assistance.

Note:

The above describes the general nature and level of work being performed by employees holding this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required, nor is all duties listed necessarily performed by any one employee so classified.

Automobile, television, VCR, DVD player and overhead projector; general office equipment as needed; personal computer; drug detection screening equipment and apparatus.

Must be a Counselor Intern Level III or higher with a minimum of 2000 intern hours completed or Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with two or more years in substance abuse treatment service provision; preference given to experience with criminal justice populations especially graduates of the Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility. Experience with Phase II Aftercare Services as part of the SAFPF Continuum of Care Management is preferred.

Must know and abide by HIPPA laws, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas Health and Safety Code (i.e. Title 25 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 140 Subchapter I), and diagnosis according to DSM V criteria. Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Drivers License.

Effective written and verbal communication skills; knowledge of chemical dependency and addiction; knowledge of substance abuse recovery dynamics and 12 Step Recovery philosophy; strong interpersonal communication skills; ability to work effectively with the public, the courts, the treatment community, and department and program colleagues; ability to plan and coordinate activities; ability to analyze and problem solve; work effectively with within both individual and various group settings;

have a commitment to continuing education through self-directed study, workshops, in-service training, and other approved studies; computer experience is necessary and is an essential function of this position (including