HERO Substance Abuse Counselor #HIRING

Purpose: This position is responsible for providing treatment services, including treatment, assessment, psychotherapy, counselling, outpatient, intensive outpatient educational activities, running clinical and non-clinical psychoeducation groups daily to a population diagnosed with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. This is a professional level position responsible for ensuring programs and services comply with applicable federal, state and grant health related standards. Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

Key Accountabilities:

Service Delivery

·Lead and conduct therapeutic individual and group counseling sessions using evidence-based curriculum.

·Provide mental health and/or substance abuse and dependency evaluations.

·Responsible for evidence-based, quality service delivery to individuals, groups and families.

·Plan treatment strategies and develop written individual service plans including both short- and long-term goals.

·Continuously review and update program participants’ mental health/substance use needs; and adjust treatment plan with LMHP/LIMHP/LADC.

·Assist in the promotion of agency services through community contacts and appropriate related workshops and classes.

·Develop a positive working relationship with referral sources and community partners.

·Follow agency policies and procedures.

·Integrate cultural considerations into service delivery.

·Document client's progress objectively (e.g. client's behavior, words/actions, progress, treatment participation) complying with CMHC policies, procedures and accreditation standards.

·Prepare and maintain accurate client’s charts and records documenting daily/weekly progress, assessments, evaluations, diagnoses, treatment plans, treatment activities and discharge summaries.

·Attend clinical and all staff team meetings.

·Maintain a strong knowledge of state and federal guidelines surrounding co-occurring services.

·Perform assessments within established timeframes.

·Operate within scope of practice maintaining ethical and legal guidelines

·Ensure all services provided comply with professional standards, state, and federal regulations and the policies and procedures.

·Maintain knowledge of current trends, developments, skills and techniques e.g. webinars, seminars, research).

Record Keeping

·Maintain timely and legible records of services provided per established program, agency, state and CARF standards; including client assessments, treatment plans, and discharge.

·Maintain client progress reporting documents required by area courts and systems, accreditation standards, and internal policies and procedures.

·Timely completion of any provider enrolment forms and reports needed to maximize third party reimbursement.

·Ensure services have prior authorization, are billable and coded properly in collaboration with designated staff.

·Maintain documentation of supervision with clinical supervisor/supervising practitioner, when applicable.

·Complete billing and pre-authorizations as needed.

Clinical Supervision (optional)

·Provide clinical supervision for students in the field placement and several less experienced therapists using evidence-based supervision strategies and an approved learning objectives tool, if applicable.

Professional Growth and Development

·Participate in regular supervision sessions for the purpose of reviewing cases, discussing treatment strategy and monitoring client progress.

·Continue personal and professional growth and development through reading, research, workshops, seminars, and other strategies which will broaden knowledge on therapeutic approaches and techniques and support the maintenance of the mental health practitioner’s license.

·Participate in agency required training.

Professionalism and Confidentiality

·Keep all client names and information and other agency business confidential.

·Guard client confidentiality in waiting areas, during phone contact, and in handling of records.

·Ensure that all office and record security procedures are followed.

Interpersonal Relationships

·Maintain a positive and respectful demeanor on all contacts with staff and the public.

·Seek needed guidance in handling difficult client situations and establishing priorities for the job.

·Work to build positive, productive relationships with other staff.

·Perform other duties as assigned and/or directed.

·Report to work with regular, consistent attendance.

Position Requirements:

·Minimum of Provisional Licensure in the state of Nebraska.

·Licensed Alcohol Drug Counselor (LADC) or PLADC.

·Ability to recognize, assess, and determine treatment needs for dual diagnosed clientele.

·Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, with responsibility to exercise substantial discretion and independent judgement.

·Personal convictions that are compatible with the mission, vision, organizational pillars and staff core values of the Stephen Center.

·Understanding of and ability to work with person of diverse cultural backgrounds.

·An authentic and honest employee plays a key role in the client’s recovery. Often, an employee will inadvertently become a role model for the client, regardless of whether an employee has direct contact with clients on a daily basis.  Therefore, Stephen Center employees will conduct themselves with honesty and integrity.

·Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Standing – Periodically

Sitting – Periodically

Kneeling – Periodically

Pushing/Pulling – Periodically

Lifting up to 20 pounds – Periodically