Substance Abuse Counselor

SOUTH BEND, IN $40,000 Annually

Position: Substance Abuse Counselor

Department: Community Corrections

Location: 4161 Lathrop Street - South Bend

Status: Part Time

Job Category: PAT (Professional, Administrative, Technological)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Description:Incumbent serves as Substance Abuse Counselor of Community Corrections, responsible for performing substance abuse assessments on assigned participants and providing related counseling. Provide treatment and educational services to participants with primary emphasis on substance abuse and substance dependency. Assist clients with dual diagnosis and/or mental disabilities.

Essential Functions:Conducts assessment interviews of assigned participants, including scoring and evaluating substance abuse subtle inventory. Refers participants to appropriate treatment programs.

Develops treatment plans for participants based on assessments and provides treatment, educational services, and individual/group counseling. Also provides case management and aftercare services.

Coordinates participant drug testing for all Community Corrections programs, including receiving monthly drug test list, ensuring copies are appropriately distributed, and ensuring compliance with testing orders. Informs participants of results of drug tests.

Maintains working relationship with referral sources and related agencies in the community.

Provides Case Managers with information on participants for progress reports to be sent to the courts, information on available substance abuse counseling, and results of drug screens.

Completes required documentation for participant participation in substance abuse programs. Prepares required weekly reports.

Teach other cognitive programs such as Anger Management, Thinking for a Change, etc.

Assess and approve client medication.

Regularly meets with the Director to discuss substance abuse issues, status, certifications, etc.

Regularly meets with case managers and management team regarding substance abuse and participants files.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:Two years supervised experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor.

Baccalaureate degree in social work, psychology, counseling or human services preferred.

Certified in alcohol and drug abuse counseling as issued by DMHA, ICAADA, or a recognized affiliate of the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors.

Thorough knowledge of Community Corrections programming, and ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks, and operations.

Ability to interview and evaluate participants in relations to substance abuse and determine participant appropriateness for Community Corrections and treatment programs.

Working knowledge of standard office procedures, spreadsheet/database software, word processing software, and various other computer programs used by the Department, and ability to prepare detailed written reports and maintain complete and accurate files.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation and ability to operate standard office equipment, such as computer, keyboard, copy machine, typewriter, telephone, and fax machine.

Working knowledge of area social service agencies and substance abuse programs and ability to make referrals for clients and families.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of Department information and records according to State requirements.

Ability to meet all Department hiring and retention requirements, and ability to comply with all employer and Department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and written with co-workers, other County departments, community organizations, court personnel, social service agencies, substance ab se program providers, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities. Represents the agency at community functions and meetings: local, regional, and state.

Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile persons.

Ability to work on several tasks at the same time and work rapidly for long periods, occasionally under time pressure.

Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.

Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment.

Ability to testify in legal proceedings.

Ability to serve on 24-hour call for emergencies and respond swiftly and rationally to emergencies from off-duty status.

Ability to work extended and/or evening hours, and travel out of town for training and meetings, sometimes overnight. Flexible schedule required to teach multiple classes tailored to fit the needs of clients schedules.

Possession of a valid Indiana drivers license and demonstrated safe driving record.