CSAC

Title: Substance Abuse Counselor

Position Objective
Manages a predetermined caseload in a substance abuse Partial Hospitalization / Intensive Outpatient treatment facility setting which involves direct individual, group, and family substance abuse counseling under supervision of a LMHP-type clinician. Duties include intake screening, multidimensional assessment/re-assessment, individualized service planning, substance abuse counseling, record keeping, drug education, drug screening, care coordination, and discharge planning. Liaison duties between the criminal justice system and substance use disorder treatment agencies.

Duties and responsibilities
Providing direct care with Patients with a primary diagnosis of substance use disorder in an individual, family, and group setting;
Screening Patients to determine eligibility and appropriateness for admissions into the program;
Orientation for new Patients to program rules, goals, procedures, services, costs and rights of the client
Assessing of Patient's strengths, opportunities, challenges, and needs for the development of a treatment plan;
Treatment planning with the Patient to identify and rank problems to be addressed, establishing goals and agreeing on treatment processes;
Providing psychoeducation to Patients on drug abuse and available services and resources available to support them;
Coordination w/SA Case managers re: referral of Patients in order to provide support with care that are outside of range of direct counselor care and providing assistance, direction, and support with utilizing and linking to resources to meet these needs;
Providing supportive counseling in conjunction with Medical and Nursing services.
Developing and/or completing individualized treatment plans, behavioral contracts and discharge plans;
Completing ongoing progress notes based on counseling sessions;
Monitors Patient's participation as it relates to medical services;
Maintaining cooperative relationships with other programs, probation officials and criminal justice staff when required;
Maintaining accurate and up to date Patient records and governing agencies' requirements;
Participating in on-going training, education, professional and personal growth opportunities; Designing treatment and rehabilitation plan by using knowledge of drug dependency and counseling, while tailoring the process based upon the Patient's needs;
Modifying treatments by maintaining case history and progress notes while observing Patients;
Restoring Patients to productive roles by educating them about available community based organizations, and social and employment services;
Maintaining all applicable professional, legal and ethical standards, including confidentiality, dual relationships, and informed consent;
Ensuring Patient confidentiality.
Consultation with other professionals to assure a comprehensive quality care for the Patient.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Clinical Documentation
Professionally documents/records Patient's screening, intake, treatment, continuing care, progress toward goals and objectives, discharge summary and treatment outcomes
Ability to effectively utilize the Electronic Health Records system in the submission of thorough, effective and accurate clinical documentation with minimum revisions.

Interpersonal/Organizational Skills
Ability to establish clinical and professional rapport with Clients, care-givers and community partners.
Adherence to timely submission of clinical documentation in accordance with all administrative deadlines;
Ability to effectively work as an engaged team member in Patient care, problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Professional Qualifications and Experience: To work as a Substance Abuse Counselor the following qualifications must be met:

“Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)” certified by the Virginia Dept. of Health Professions – Board of Counseling with specialized training and experience in substance abuse Counseling. A certified substance abuse counselor shall be qualified to (i) perform, under appropriate supervision or direction, the substance abuse treatment functions of intake, orientation, administration of substance abuse assessment instruments, recovery and relapse prevention planning, substance abuse counseling, case management, substance abuse or dependence crisis intervention, client education, referral activities, record keeping, and consultation with other professionals. implementation of substance abuse treatment plans, case management, substance abuse or dependence crisis intervention, 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. CSAC’s may provide substance abuse counseling but not “psychotherapy” and shall not engage in unsupervised autonomous practice.

OR

“Certified Substance Abuse Counselor-Applicant (CSAC-Applicant)” An individual who has completed the minimum educational requirements and registered with the VA Board of Counseling to complete a 2000-hr experiential residency under direct supervision of an LMHP or CSAC with 2-years post-certification experience. DMAS regulations allow for CSAC-Applicants to provide direct billable services in an SA IOP Level 2.1 setting.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Possession of vehicle to use for work related travel, valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record, and proof of auto insurance. CPR, First Aid, and Behavior Management training certified may be necessary for this position; and successful completion of specific criminal history and central registry background investigations required for direct clinical service positions. If licensed by the Board of Health Professions or any other similar organization, provide proof of License or Certificate.