Residential Treatment Counselor

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with a major in counseling, social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, special education, health education or related human services field and two years of work experience in a behavioral health treatment program; or must possess and maintain a current Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) certification throughout employment in this classification.

Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required. Must successfully pass a Level 2 background check as specified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Must successfully obtain the FDLE Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Certification within 6 months of employment or upon assignment which requires access to the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Certification must be maintained as a condition of employment; re-certification required every two years. This is Level One certification.

A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7;
Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicant's Motor Vehicle Record has more than three moving traffic infractions or three at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.

• Assess and counsel clients and families.
• Maintain client records, evaluations and assessments.
• Provide individual and group counseling.
• Conduct didactic and educational groups.
• Meet with community groups to inform them of treatment programs.
• Participate in group discussions and seminars.
• Inform local government and social service agencies of available resources.
• Meet with local community groups such as churches, schools and business organizations to inform them of County substance abuse programs.
• Submit written reports on the quality/quantity of work completed.
• Perform case management functions.
• Assist in the training of subordinate personnel.
• Drive a County vehicle to transport clients to scheduled appointments and other therapeutic group activities.

Exudes a positive customer service focus.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.

Utilizes a variety of evidence-based counseling strategies as well as ensures all clinical documentation requirements adhere to the standards set forth by the Florida Administrative Codes Chapter 65D-30.

Conducts substance use screenings and comprehensive psych-social assessments.

Maintains client records; counsels individuals and groups concerning addiction and recovery.

Participates in group discussions and seminars.

Informs local government and social service agencies such as parole, welfare agencies, hospitals or police regarding available resources for treatment.

Meets with local community groups such as churches, schools and business organizations to inform them of County substance abuse programs.

Submits written reports on the quality/quantity of work completed.

Performs case management functions.

Assists in the training of subordinate personnel.

Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

Drives a County vehicle to transport clients to scheduled appointments as well as other therapeutic group activities.

Knowledge of the dynamics and problems of addiction, abuse, and treatment methods.

Knowledge of psychology counseling theory and practice with the ability to apply to substance abuse.

Knowledge of laws, developments, and literature in the field of addiction.

Knowledge of local public and private substance abuse programs and their requirements, and the available community resources helpful to clients.

Knowledge of community services provided by community public health agencies and hospitals.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Ability to counsel effectively with addicted clients and families.

Ability to relate goals and methods of substance abuse treatment to community groups and agencies.

Ability to prepare and submit narrative and statistical reports.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include…