Substance Abuse Counselor - Registered or Certi

Substance Abuse Counselor - Registered or Certified

This position is responsible for the delivery of face-to-face rehabilitative programming services provided in the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program (ISUDTP).

• Deliver treatment services to participants;
• Lead and participate in face-to-face group and individual meetings, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and other therapeutic processes;
• Work directly with participants to develop and implement treatment service plans and connect participants to supportive networks as they return to the community;
• Review treatment plans, evaluate and record treatment progress, record visible changes in appearance, behavior and demeanor of program participants. Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential participant records;
• Compile and evaluate assessments, comprehensive social, legal, and personal histories of program participants. Summarize participants’ background, treatment plan, and recovery process. Prepare reports as assigned;
• Prepare accurate, concise, informative reports, records and plans that are consistent with Amity standards, and comply with applicable clinical and administrative rules;
• Document treatment outcome using acceptable methods and tools;
• Document the delivery of programming services to the participants;
• Liaise with transition/reentry staff, plan and prepare transitional documents as directed by CDCR for continued community program activities;
• Effective implementation of scheduled program curriculum;
• Shall work collaboratively with CDCR/CCHMS and institution staff

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Counselor I:
  Must be registered with an organization approved by DHCS and obtain their AOD certification within five (5) years of registration date.

CERTIFICATION

• Be certified as an AOD Counselor by a certifying organization approved by DHCS,
  OR
• Provide monthly, documented proof of meaningful progress toward AOD certification and compliance with an approved individual training and development plan which does not exceed twenty-four (24) months to complete.

KNOWLEDGE

• Understanding of causes, symptoms, and effects of substance abuse; appreciation for the behavioral, psychological, physical and social effects of drug abuse.
• Understanding of program curriculum, objectives, and best practices for implementation
• Knowledge of contractual requirements of ISUDTP is essential.
• Operational knowledge of MS-Word, Excel, and Access.

SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Ability to maintain sensitivity and objectivity under pressures generated by association with substance abuse treatment participants;
• Ability to provide genuine warmth, empathy and honest sensitivity to program participants to facilitate positive change;
• Ability to provide program participants with frequent acknowledgment and reinforcement for positive behaviors, as well as consistent and predictable feedback for negative behaviors, which may include reporting violations to CDCR staff;
• Ability to develop a treatment alliance with participants;
• Excellent interpersonal, written communications and typing skills.

PROFESSIONAL and ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that excellence and integrity are applied to professional responsibilities in order to provide optimal services to participants;
• Understand and appropriately apply Amity policies and procedures, and adhere to agency-wide practices and regulations;
• Demonstrate ethical behavior in order to maintain professional standards and safeguard the participant;
• Protect and maintain program participants’ health, safety, welfare, and confidentiality of records and participant information;
• Demonstrate proper attitudes and techniques towards faculty, institution staff, and program participants; and,
• Model professionalism, effective work habits and responsible living.