AODA Counselor 1
Purpose and Summary
This position is a part of the clinical treatment team of the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Center. AODA Counselors provide a full continuum of outpatient services to individuals seeking addiction treatment. As part of the clinical team, AODA Counselors participate in clinical staffing, treatment planning, information and referral inquiries, crisis intervention, and provide consultation within the agency, to community service partners and the public.
Essential Duties
Completes comprehensive initial assessments that reflect the client’s need for outpatient addiction treatment services to include presenting problems, substance use history, psychosocial history, diagnostic impressions, areas of functional impairment, and recommendations for treatment. Recommendations for treatment include application of the approved placement criteria and review of the diagnosis and level of care recommended by the medical director (staff psychiatrist) or a licensed clinical psychologist.
If an AODA counselor identifies symptoms of a mental health disorder and trauma in the assessment process, the service shall refer the individual for a mental health assessment conducted by a mental health professional.
Provides results of the assessment to the client (and/or parent/legal representative) as well as treatment alternatives, client’s rights and responsibilities, the anticipated fees for treatment, and the clinic’s grievance procedure.
Develops a treatment plan in collaboration with the client based on the initial comprehensive assessment and describe the patient’s individual or distinct problems. The treatment plan shall specify short- and long?term individualized treatment goals that are expressed in behavioral and measurable terms, and are explained as necessary in a manner that is understandable to the patient. The treatment plan should include realistic goals, expected outcomes, the treatment, rehabilitation, and other therapeutic interventions needed to reach the client’s treatment goals, and describe the criteria for discharge from services.
Ability to abide by the state rules and regulations regarding client confidentiality and client rights as they relate to AODA services.
Conducts treatment plan reviews (staffing reports per DHS 75.03) with the client to evaluate progress toward goals, the need for additional assessment or changes in the plan, and verification of current medications. Clinical treatment plan reviews must be scheduled every 90 days for clients who attend treatment one day per week or less and every 30 days if clients are seen more than once per week.
Participates in the on-call coverage that supports clinic’s response to telephone calls and individuals walking in to obtain information about mental illness, addiction, and treatment and/or to apply for services. A minimum of 4.5 hours per week is expected by each staff member to cover all hours of clinic operation Monday through Friday.
Provides crisis intervention to individuals who present to the clinic in crisis which may include development of a crisis plan and/or collaboration with our crisis system service partners in the community.
Provides individual, couples/relationship, family and group psychotherapy to clients based on their treatment/recovery plan using evidence-based, best practice models of treatment and therapeutic intervention. Group therapy programs will be developed based on need for a specific service based on referrals to the treatment center. May provide treatment services to individuals in the Sheboygan County Alcohol and Drug Treatment Court.
Maintains client’s electronic record in accordance with confidentiality rules and regulatory requirements and standards. Timely completion of documentation is required to include the initial (and subsequent) assessments, progress notes, staffing/supervision meetings, collegial clinical collaboration, treatment plans and reviews, case management, education, referrals, collateral contacts, phone calls/texts/emails, and a closing/discharge summary.
Monitor need for and complete any documentation/forms required by third party payers to support reimbursement of services provided. Provide accurate, adequate documentation in electronic record to support billing and reimbursement of services rendered.
Performs basic case management functions for assigned clients including:
o collaborating with other providers working with client from other agencies regarding treatment and aftercare planning
o assisting clients in residential care to return to the community
o providing advocacy to facilitate a client’s adjustment in the community by providing education to employers, family members, landlords, physicians, community agencies, and aftercare resources
o referring client to case management services within DCP if case management needs exceed that which can be provided within counselor role.
Provides information and referral to individuals about community mental health and addiction resources; consults with agencies, schools, and other health professionals concerning assessments, treatment planning, and recommendations.
Promotes recovery and assures the involvement of families, and/or other natural supports whenever possible with client consent.
Maintains professional licensure/certification and competence through continuing education focused on evidence based interventions and other best practices.
Participates in administrative and other duties as assigned which may include being a member of a committee to promote awareness of and maintain community mental health and addiction services and delivery systems.
Provides client’s family, as appropriate, education concerning the effects of use and abuse of alcohol or other substances, the dynamics of abuse and dependency and available services and resources.
Performs other duties within the scope of professional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications
Licensed/Certified Substance Abuse (AODA) Counselor in the State of Wisconsin required (CSAC, SAC) as verified by the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
Experience in an agency setting providing AODA evaluation and treatment services desirable.
Thorough knowledge of the disease concept of addiction, physiological, psychological, emotional, and spiritual effects of addiction, effects of addiction on the family, familiar with the recovery process and systems of relapse, and be familiar with treatment of clients with co-occurring disorders.
Skilled in employing various types of educational and counseling modalities as well as strategies for assessing and incorporating client’s current motivation for change.
Excellent communication skills (oral and written), aptitude for critical thinking, good time management with ability to effectively prioritize responsibilities, and high level of professionalism and ethical practice.
Positive attitude, enthusiasm, and sincere conviction for providing services to clients with addiction and/or co-occurring disorders with complicated psychosocial circumstances.
Ability to establish positive connections and develop relationships with clients, their natural supports, and other professionals. Able to meet each client where they are and instill hope for recovery.
Capable of demonstrating sensitivity and respect for the life experiences, individual differences, belief systems and practices, and the motivation for change of each client. Ability to communicate with individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Ability to maintain a calm demeanor and make good clinical decisions while adhering to clinical, ethical, and regulatory standards and comfortable seeking consultation when needed.
Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Unlimited access to a car, valid driver’s license, and ability to drive or arrange travel in and out-of-county, as requested by supervisor or his/her designee.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Regular contact with clients and their family/natural supports, Division of Community Programs (DCP) clinicians and case managers, representatives from our crisis services continuum, other SCHHS staff, community service partners, and members of the public.
May occasionally deal with aggressive or violent individuals.
Applicants will be accepted until position is filled.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Work is generally performed in a standard office setting with occasional need to provide services in the community. There may be travel to a variety of community and/or regional locations.
Must be able to operate standard office equipment including telephone, computer, facsimile, calculator, printer, and photocopier.
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and a combination of sitting and standing postures may be required.
Risk of blood borne pathogen exposure is considered low.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sheboygancounty?
Deadline Note: Applicants will be accepted until position is filled.