Assessment Counselor

Overview

POSITION SUMMARY: This position is responsible for the administration of the standard risk assessment and diagnostic testing instruments with the participants. Interviews participants, testing scores and prepares assessment reports. The Counselor also determines the level of care for the participant referring to ASAM criteria.

• Administer, score, and interpret all required screening and assessment tools including but not limited to the TCU V Drug Screen and the Treatment Assignment Protocol (TAP).
• May also use other assessment and substance abuse evaluation tools to support level of care ASAM placement.
• Conducts screenings and assessments during the intake process and back-end screenings for standing populations.
• Interviews participants to collect additional data not covered by above assessment tools.
• Upload completed screenings and assessments to the Offender Case Management System (OCMS) and deliver the hard copies of screenings and assessments to Case Management.
• Scores and interprets results of assessment and testing tools.
• Prepares written reports based on results of assessment and testing tools.
• Will screen and assess patients for mental, chemical, and other factors to determine next steps.
• Report on interactions and escalate serious cases.
• Identify appropriate resources and connect clients to assistance.
• Work with clients over the phone, virtually or in person to determine the crisis and immediate needs.
• Participate in staffing regarding participants with other team members.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of West Care Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Once appropriate licensure has been obtained, the below functions may be added:

• Deliver treatment services to the participants.
• Conduct group and individual meetings.
• Evaluate the progress of the participants assigned.
• Work directly with the participants to develop and implement a treatment service plan.
• Work with the participant to create a support network for the participant’s pending return to the community.
• Initiate and sustain each participant’s motivation to participate in treatment, using techniques of engagement including therapeutic relationships, individual counseling, and brief interventions.
• Maintenance of individual client treatment files in accordance with agency policies and procedures, including documentation of vocational/educational activities as well as all other pertinent documentation and ensure files are securely stored.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Ability to understand a variety of models including cognitive behavioral therapy, theories of addiction and dynamics related to substance use and other criminogenic risk factors.
• Knowledge of offender populations, criminal subcultures, and cultural differences, substance abuse assessment tools, therapeutic community concepts.
• Ability to know and comply with program documentation requirements, applicable ethical and professional standards of conduct.
• Ability to conduct initial clinical assessments and/or evaluations which serve as the basis for diagnosis and treatment.
• Ability to provide services appropriate to the personal and cultural identity and language of the participant.
• Ability to tailor helping strategies and treatment modalities to the participant's stage of dependence, change or recovery.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner in both individual and group counseling settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in word processing programs, preferably MS Word, and spreadsheet programs, preferably MS Excel. Internet skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• High level of initiative.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Bilingual (fluent in English and Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from Maryland Department of Corrections.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain West…