Counselor (SRC)

SUMMARY: The Senior Counselor provides counseling in individual and group settings, behavior management, and case management to patients in alcohol and drug treatment programs. This position actively collaborates with community partners, ensuring timely reporting and collaborates with patient to adjust course of treatment as needed.

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.
• Apply effective clinical practices that are evidence based and support patient-centered care.
• Adhere to professional and regulatory standards of practice and care.
• 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.
• 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.
• Actively coordinate care with invested community partners and family members through collaborative inclusion, consultation and timely reporting.
• Conduct thorough assessment and develop collaborative treatment plan.
• Participate and engage in team meetings, patient staffing and program improvements.
• Consistent attendance and punctuality are required of this position.
• Demonstrate ability to apply principles of motivational enhancement, cultural sensitivity, patient education and relapse prevention.
• 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.
• Travel to attend training and other meetings.
• 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:

• Must have Bachelor's Degree in an addictions-related field OR be in at least the third year of a related Bachelor's Degree program.
• Minimum 1 ½ years of experience in addictions counseling is required or related allied health field as a member of a clinical work team responsible for counseling patients in recovery.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• Must be able to work independently and with teamwork.
• Ability to gather, analyze and interpret data to determine treatment recommendations and client's readiness for treatment and change.
• Ability to make constructive therapeutic responses when the client's behavior is inconsistent with stated recovery goals.
• Ability to tailor helping strategies and treatment modalities to the client's stage of dependence, change, or recovery.
• Ability to assess patient needs and establish linkage between patients and resources in a coordinated, effective, and efficient manner.
• 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.
• Has advanced knowledge of and is able to effectively apply advanced principles of Social Learning Theory, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and similar strategies for facilitating recovery and empowerment.
• 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 maintain professional communications and boundaries while managing complex situations and interacting with individuals diagnosed with substance use or co-occurring conditions.
• 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)
• CADC-I certification or ability to acquire within 6 months of hire date.
• 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• 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.