Job Summary:

The Substance Abuse Counselor will provide counsel and support to patients suffering from drug or alcohol dependency, educate families in the best ways to help in the recovery process, and work with both inpatient clients and those participating in outpatient programs.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Meets with clients to obtain personal information and medical histories and consults with other professionals to get a clear picture of the patient's status and extent of problems.
• Designs a program of treatment and rehabilitation tailored to patient's individual situation based on knowledge of alcohol and drug dependency and counseling and treatment methods.
• Uses a combination of individual and group counseling sessions to help clients and observes their attitudes and readiness to accept help and guidance.
• Meets with family members to educate them on the roles they can play in the recovery process.
• Educates patients about community-based organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and social and employment services that may help restore them to productive roles in the community.
• Maintains case histories and progress reports. Modifies treatment programs based on observation.
• Assists patients with coping with family problems and recommends appropriate social services as support for the entire family unit.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Empathetic manner to deal with clients who may have multiple problems.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree with concentration in psychology, sociology, or public health required.
• Specific training in alcohol and drug abuse counseling.
• At least two years of experience working with drug or alcohol abusers under close supervision.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.