Counselor

SUMMARY: The Counselor provides introductory counseling, behavior management and case management to patients in alcohol and drug treatment programs, focusing primarily on the development of recovery tools and skill building.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

• Carry caseload of patients and engage in treatment planning. Plan and implement patient interventions. Provide individual / group counseling and skills training as outlined in service plan and per productivity expectations.
• Depending on site, may contribute to assessment and diagnosis of patients as part of a multi-disciplinary team and with supervisory review and approval.
• Use a strength-based and motivational approach in counseling patients. Monitor and track patient progress; implement outreach efforts to maintain patient's engagement in treatment process.
• Assist in planning and carry out procedures to address safety of patients, staff and community.
• Provide supportive case management services as needed and required by the treatment plan. Case management services include coordination of care activities, assistance with housing and employment or vocational tasks, advocacy, resource acquisition, and other similar activities designated or assigned.
• May coordinate services such as insurance re-authorization or attend community meetings as directed.
• Document service delivery at the time of service and in a manner that communicates an accurate reflection of service provision, assessment, and plan of care.
• Adhere to regulatory requirements and maintain professional, ethical and behavioral standards of conduct, especially during critical periods.
• Depending on the CODA site, may administer and observe patient urinalysis (UA); document results. May also oversee and maintain medication administration procedures to ensure standards are upheld.
• Maintain clean and safe physical environment.
• May be required to travel to attend trainings and other meetings or transport patients to appointments.
• Consistent attendance and punctuality are required of this position.
• Achieve outcomes using methods that align with CODA's mission and values:
• Communicate accurately and positively about recovery and the use of evidence-based treatments.
• Use data and science to identify barriers, overcome obstacles, and inform decisions.
• Be financially responsible; avoid waste, document accurately, seek new opportunities to serve.
• Demonstrate compassion and respect for others.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

• Provide coverage for other positions on a short-term basis as needed.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A two year degree or significant coursework towards a two year degree program in an addictions-related field.
• Minimum of 6 months related clinical experience in A&D or related allied health field as a member of a clinical work team responsible for patient care.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• Ability to facilitate the development of and client's engagement in treatment and basic life skills associated with recovery.
• Ability to assess patient needs and establish linkage between patients and resources in a coordinated, effective, and efficient manner.
• Demonstrated ability to understand the addiction professional's obligations to adhere to ethical and behavioral standards of conduct in the helping relationship.
• Assist the client in identifying the effect of substance use on his or her current life problems and the effects of continued harmful use or abuse.
• Demonstrate knowledge of accepted principles of client record management.
• Counselors working with Criminal Justice patients must demonstrate competency in criminogenic assessment tools, the principles of effective interventions for offenders, the Sanctuary Model, and must pass the credentialing assessment for Criminal Justice privileges within 3 months of hire.
• Ability to maintain professional communications and boundaries while managing complex situations and interacting with individuals diagnosed with substance use or co-occurring conditions.
• Ability to utilize both oral and written communications skills to effectively communicate with patients, co-workers, community resources, supervisors, and various other individuals encountered in the course of performing work while maintaining patient confidentiality and establishing professional rapport.
• Ability to operate a computer, utilize basic MS Office programs, and effectively navigate and maintain patient records in an electronic medical records system.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Attain CADC-R status within 30 days of hire (if not already in possession of CADC-R or higher)
• Must continually be working toward CADC-1 certification and receive certification within 2 years of hire.
• May be required to attain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or ability to acquire within 90 days of hire.
• Crisis Prevention training completion within 90 days of hire.
• May need a valid Oregon or Washington driver's license an acceptable driving record, and an acceptable level of personal automobile insurance as determined by CODA's insurance provider.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to safely operate a vehicle or CODA vehicle if required to drive.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to perform Basic Life Support for 15 minutes continuously if certified in BLS.
• Must be able to follow infection control practices and safely work in patient-focused environment.
• Must be able to operate a personal computer, including reading from a computer monitor, keyboarding, and using a mouse.
• Must be able to negotiate staircase, reach, bend, and handle objects.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• A negative result on all pre-employment, reasonable basis, and post-accident drug screens.
• An acceptable criminal record as determined by DHS, the Oregon Administrative Rules, and the Oregon Revised Statutes;
• An acceptable driving record and automobile insurance coverage as recommended by CODA's automobile insurance provider if driving is required.