Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance

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Job Description s | 12

VAC | Page 1 out of 5 | 410 – Job Description s | Focus:
Outpatient Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) | Issued: 4/1/2017 | Developed: 4/1/2017 Ongoing, 4/1/18;4/1/19;4/1/20;4/1/21/4/1/23;
Revised, 4/1/2024

The scope of practice for a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor is defined in § 54.1-3507.1, which states that: “A certified substance abuse counselor shall be (i) qualified to perform, under appropriate supervision or direction, the substance abuse treatment functions of screening, intake, orientation, the administration of substance abuse assessment instruments, recovery and relapse prevention planning, substance abuse treatment, case management, substance abuse or dependence crisis intervention, client education, referral activities, record keeping, and consultation with other professionals;

(ii) qualified to be responsible for client care of persons with a primary diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence; and (iii) qualified to supervise, direct and instruct certified substance abuse counseling assistants. Certified substance abuse counselors shall not engage in independent or autonomous practice.”

The Certified Substance Abuse and Outpatient Treatment Counselor (1.) is accountable for assessing and providing treatment to individuals with emotional, mental, or substance abuse difficulties, including abuse of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs. The counselor’s job role is to help clients get out of the addiction by educating them the skills or the mechanics to deal with their addiction. Apart from counseling sessions, it is the responsibility of counselor to undertake therapy sessions for client’s family.

(2.) and outpatient diagnosis that requires evaluation, screening and intake, counseling, psychotherapy, behavior management, psychological testing and assessment, laboratory and other ancillary services, medical services, and medication services.

• • Interviewing clients, reviewing records, and conferring with other professionals.
• • Counseling clients’ in-group or individual sessions to help them to cope with any abuse problems.
• • Counseling and helping family members to aid them in dealing with, supporting, and understanding the patient.
• • Monitoring, evaluating, and recording client progress with that of treatment goals.
• • Collaborating with nurses, physicians, and counselors to coordinate and plan treatment.
• • Modifying substance abuse and outpatient supports depending on the progress in client status.
• • Planning and conducting programs to combat social difficulties, prevent substance abuse, or improve counseling and health.
• • Referring patients, clients, or families to community resources available for treatment or housing.
• • Supervising and directing other workers (if required) providing services to patients.
• • Knowledge of principles, procedures, and methods for substance abuse counseling, relapse, disease process and outpatient counseling
• • Strong desire to assist people suffering from drug or alcohol abuse problem.
• • Ability to gain confidence, trust and respect of the patient.
• • Ability to maintain emotional distance from patient.
• • Provides direct, outpatient substance abuse and outpatient counseling services to individuals receiving services.
• • Involved in providing input of substance abuse and outpatient support plan desired outcomes and updates.
• • Assists in planning of substance abuse and outpatient supports and services.
• • Provides support in daily outpatient and substance abuse training and education of acquiring and utilizing community resources.
• • Teaching individuals…