Position Purpose/Summary: (A brief description that summarizes the overall purpose and objectives of the position, the results the worker is expected to accomplish and the degree of freedom to act.):
The Substance Use Disorder Counselor will function as a clinical member of the ACT Team, providing needed treatment, rehabilitation, and support services under the supervision of the team leader and/or the team psychiatrist. This employee is designated as the substance use disorder specialist for the team. As such, he/she will be the lead provider of substance use treatment services and will provide coaching and support in this area to other members of the team. This employee (along with the entire team) is expected to help consumers avoid rehospitalization/episodes of crisis care; achieve recovery from mental illness/substance use issues; meet basic sustenance needs; and improve their overall quality of life, per consumers’ report. This employee conducts most of his/her work independently with a high degree of freedom to act based on clinical judgement.
Essential Functions: (List the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of the position that are most important to get the job done. The responsibilities should be listed in the order of importance, with the highest priority functions first.):
1. Provide treatment, rehabilitation, and supportive services which includes individual and group clinical services (including treatment for substance use, symptom education, behavioral symptom-management techniques, and crisis intervention).
2. Provide case management/support (e.g., assisting consumers with meeting their needs in the areas of housing, financial supports, physical health, vocational interests, and recreation and socialization).
3. Support clients with activities of daily living (such as skill training and/or assistance in the areas of money management, performance of household activities, meal preparation, and grooming/personal hygiene).
4. Assist with vocational endeavors (e.g., teaching job-seeking skills or providing job coaching).
5. Conduct comprehensive, initial assessments of each consumer’s history with a particular focus on use of drugs or alcohol.
6. Provide ongoing assessment of consumers’ symptoms and response to treatment, rehabilitation, and supportive services.
7. Coordinate services with all ACTT members. Must communicate promptly and effectively any changes in a consumer’s status to the rest of the ACT Team.
8. Coordinate services with other providers (e.g., residential staff, Social Security, local housing authorities, and inpatient facilities).
9. Serve as liaison between the consumer, team and family members.
10. Document the consumer’s progress and maintain a permanent record of each intervention/activity performed on behalf of the consumer, according to established and approved policies and procedures.
11. Update service plans as the needs of the consumers change.
12. Assume primary responsibility for completion and/or oversight of documentation for a defined case load.
13. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications (Minimum Job Requirements): The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Education: Master’s degree in social work or related field or a Bachelor’s degree in a human services field plus experience.
Experience: One year of relevant experience for Master’s level applicants or three years of relevant experience for Bachelor’s level applicants. Specific experience in the areas of substance use disorder counseling, group and individual psychotherapy, and case management are required.
Specific skills/abilities: Acuity in psychosocial assessment. This position requires flexibility; sensitivity to varying cultural issues; a demonstrated ability to share information with members of a team in a timely and accurate manner; strong organizational skills; and skills in the area of time management. Ability to form lasting relationships with persons who may have difficulty trusting. Ability to establish effective working relationships with members of community organizations and to work collaboratively with professionals, consumers, and family members.
Ability to engage in creative problem-solving. Ability to withstand a high degree of stress.
Possess a demonstrated commitment to client rights and personal preferences in treatment.
Specialized knowledge, licenses, etc: This position requires CSAC certification. Applicants eligible for/in the process of obtaining their CSAC will be considered. LCAS, LCSW or LPC is strongly desired. Knowledge of treatment modalities for persons dually diagnosed with mental illness and substance use disorder. Be familiar with the characteristic symptoms of severe and persistent mental illnesses (such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) and have a general knowledge of psychotropic medications (their use and potential side effects). Must have a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record acceptable to the insurance carrier for Lutheran Services Carolinas.
Preferences (Optional): (Preferred attributes for the position, which are not absolutely required in the minimum qualification – e.g. masters degree, bilingual). Bilingual (English-Spanish) applicants desired but not required.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: (Please list work conditions for physical or other important issues which relate to the job; the conditions listed should be representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).
1. Exposure to extreme behaviors.
2. Navigating in areas that may have history of street drugs/crime.
3. Ambulatory in all locations, ability to navigate steps.
4. Ability to bend, stoop, and reach overhead.
5. Must be available for on call hours on a rotational basis.
