Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Position: Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Reports To: Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Lead

Department: Inpatient/Outpatient

FLSA: Salary - Exempt

Join a Mission-Driven Organization That Makes a Difference!

The Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Addiction Center is a nonprofit addiction treatment organization that has been serving individuals and families affected by substance use disorders since 1971. As the region's longest-running addiction treatment program and a Pennsylvania Center of Excellence for opioid use disorder treatment, Gaiser Center provides compassionate, evidence-based care through inpatient and outpatient services. Our holistic, trauma-informed approach addresses the physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects of recovery while supporting clients and their families throughout the healing process

This is a professional counseling and case management position in the drug and alcohol field. All work is performed within State of PA licensure guidelines and in accordance with Gaiser Center established policies and procedures.

Working as a substance use disorder counselor requires patience, dedication, and a desire to help people in crisis. This position provides client's confidential counseling and support, with the goal of encouraging a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle.

• Comply with Federal confidentiality rule (42 CFR Part
  2). The Federal rule prohibits you from making any disclosure of confidential information unless further disclosure is expressly permitted by the written consent of the person to whom it pertains or as otherwise permitted by 42 CFR Part
  2. Comply with all State confidentiality laws.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, conferences, staff development trainings, etc.
• Promote and follow safe working practices and take necessary steps to prevent injuries

• Must be able to assess and professionally evaluate the drug and alcohol needs of individuals following the guidelines of ASAM, DSM V; knowledge of PA Act 106 and other Drug & Alcohol statutes and laws.
• Provides all required client charting for assigned caseload; writing intake notes, treatment plans, treatment plan updates, referral notes, aftercare plans and discharge summaries, etc.
• Must be able to develop meaningful, comprehensive and individualized treatment plans using client input and monitor progress and measure results.
• Conducts intake interviews with clients and performs utilization review with insurance carriers/funding sources. Responsible for all admit, continued stay and discharge ASAM authorizations.
• Facilitates process groups, didactic groups, and conducts individual and family counseling/therapy sessions following evidence-based treatment modalities. Researches/prepares relevant materials for sessions.
• Manages client records by having all required and appropriate documentation; documentation must be completed within required time frames.
• Present summaries of cases at staff meetings and elicits input from other counselors, and supervisors.
• Coordinate with other healthcare providers, agencies, and community resources to ensure continuum of care.
• Provides Crisis Interventions
• Ability to empathize with clients.
• Counselor will be required to maintain 25 CEU's per fiscal year.

• Knowledge of substance use disorder practices, subculture, and treatment methods.
• Knowledge of crises intervention methods; individual, family, group and marital counseling techniques, Motivational Interviewing techniques as well as other theories of substance use disorder treatment.
• Knowledge of treatment facilities and human services agencies that provide substance use disorder services and associated behavioral health service needs.
• Excellent organizational skills including the ability to plan and organize.
• Must have the ability to multi-task and work in a high stress environment.
• Must abide by professional ethical standards. Must conform behavior to the highest standards of ethical practice.
• Candidate must meet Commonwealth of PA Department of Health Division of Drug and Alcohol Licensure staffing qualifications for position of counselor:

Master's Degree with a major in chemical dependency, psychology, social work or other human services related field which includes a practicum in a health or human services agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting; or a Bachelor's Degree with a major in chemical Dependency, psychology, social work or…