Outpatient Counselor

Job Code: 21-1011.01 to 21-1011.03 

Salary: $16.10-$38.65

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Permanent

Location: Health Services

Department: HS A/CDP Outpatient 

Reports To: A/CDP Outpatient Coordinator

Telecommute: No 

Fleet: No

Mandated Report: Yes 

Background: PL 101-630

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the A/CDP Outpatient Coordinator, the Outpatient Counselor provides alcohol and substance use disorder counseling services to individuals and families within the community. The incumbent conducts assessments, develops treatment plans, facilitates individual and group counseling sessions, and collaborates with internal and external service providers to support client recovery and wellness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Must follow CFR-42 and be HIPPA compliant;
• Complete alcohol/drug evaluations with clients using assessment tool to determine a diagnosis;
• Provide individual and group counseling to clients to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life and making changes;
• Develop treatment plans for outpatient and aftercare services, and provide tobacco cessation and compulsive gambling counseling, when needed;
• Provide insight into the 12 Steps of A.A/N.A. with clients;
• Maintain clients’ files including admission data, progress notes, staging tools, assignments, and case consultation forms etc.;
• Participate in weekly treatment team meetings and case consultations;
• Maintain contact with referral agency by phone and/or written letter while clients are in treatment;
• Collaborate with and maintain documentation for county and tribal drug courts, DSS, Franklin County Probation, Federal Probation, and NYS Parole and other professionals to assist with client’s needs;
• Impaired Driving System – web-based data collection, tracking and reporting to facilitate the clinical screening and assessment of the impaired driver;
• Completion of documentation and paperwork to meet NYS OASAS regulations regarding admission, medical, utilization review, treatment planning and discharge planning;
• Participate in scheduled community presentations for education/presentation and public relations efforts when assigned;
• Additional training requirements to meet OASAS standards;
• Continue education and training to obtain, advance, and/or maintain level of credential;
• Work in a team-based setting and help new staff and interns develop and implement skills needed.

MANDATED REPORTER: must become a mandated reporter prior to having contact with children in a job-related capacity and maintain that status throughout employment. This includes completing any necessary training and adhering to all reporting obligations as defined by applicable laws and tribal policies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: There are no supervisor requirements for this position.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of information and personnel files maintained within Outpatient Program, must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

• Must have a thorough understanding of the disease concept of addiction, and how the disease affects the family and Native American communities in general.
• Must work towards becoming a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor-Trainee (CASAC-T), continue to work towards becoming a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in an appropriate time frame, and maintain certification.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• · Associate’s degree in human services, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Addiction Studies, or a related field;

OR

• High School Diploma or equivalent and
• Two (2) years of experience working in the addiction treatment field.
• Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC-T) preferred

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong listening, oral, interpersonal and written communication skills required. Knowledge of computer skills is preferred. Work independently and in a team based setting. Possess individual and group counseling skills.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.

The successful candidate must pass a drug test and background check for both Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and NYS OASAS prior to employment. Health Service