Substance Abuse Counselor I - Worcester

Job Description

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR - Sheriff's Office of Worcester County

Location: Worcester Community Justice Support Center

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday, Thursday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

I. GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To provide clients with education and information about substance abuse and dependence. Bilingual preferred.

II. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:[1]

a. To establish a knowledge and relationship with community providers

b. To be able to make referrals to community providers on behalf of the client when appropriate

c. To provide cognitive behavioral therapy and life skills groups for clients

d. To provide education in the areas of stress management, anger management and coping skills

e. To educate clients about high risk behaviors with the goal of reducing the spread of AIDS, Hepatitis A, B and C, and other sexually transmitted diseases

f. To develop an individualized aftercare plan which identifies problems requiring continuing treatment and service to help the client remain drug-free

g. To prepare accurately and maintain as current all required reports and records

h. To provide regular formal individual counseling services to participants including individual treatment planning

i. To maintain clinical charts appropriately and ensure progress notes are well documented

j. To foster an atmosphere of cooperation between clients and staff

k. To observe conduct and behavior of clients and to report any unusual occurrences to supervisor

l. To work harmoniously, cooperatively and courteously with others at all times

m. To ensure that clients sign-in on the required attendance sheet

n. To conduct classes in a professional manner and use only approved materials

o. To be able to provide coverage for groups when needed

p. To perform other duties as assigned

q. To report for work on time and appropriately attired

r. Evening shifts may be required

s. To have a flexible schedule in order to provide coverage when needed.

t. To maintain regular attendance

[1] The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Qualifications

III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

A. Education and Experience :

Minimum of two (2) years relevant experience.

Bachelor's Degree in psychology, education, counseling, psychology, rehabilitative counseling, social work from an accredited college or university and a minimum of two years supervised counseling, or equivalent combination of education and experience. CADAC preferred.

B. Special Requirements :

None.

C. Knowledge, Ability and Skill :

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, in writing and orally

• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records

• Ability to talk to others to effectively convey information

• Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through verbal and written communication

• Working skill in the use of personal computers, particularly word processing

• Working knowledge of support agencies such as Alcoholics Anonymous, etc.

• Working knowledge in the effects of drugs and alcohol

D. Physical Qualification s :

• Minimal physical effort demanded when performing functions under typical clinical setting.

• Frequently required to sit, talk and hear.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

IV. JOB ENVIRONMENT :

Clinical setting.

V. SUPERVISION RECEIVED :

General supervision by Program Director.

VI. SUPERVISION EXERCISED :

None.