Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Description: Substance Abuse Counselor

Reports To: Excutive or Clinical Director

 

POSITION SUMMARY AND OVERVIEW:

The Substance Abuse Counselor is a professional who is licensed and certified by the State of Iowa.  This position is responsible for skillful and proficient performance of functions within the scope and role of the license.  This position is accountable and responsible for providing high quality services to clients of the YWCA Women with Children. 

 

 

Acts in a professional manner reflecting the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Fort Dodge YWCA.

Demonstrate familiarity/support, and abides by all of the Fort Dodge YWCA Policies and Procedures. 

Assists in the care of environment and equipment to ensure patient and staff safety.

Willingly assumes additional responsibilities to support team efforts.

Works cooperatively within own department.

Maintains confidentiality.  Promotes the dignity of others by protecting clients, caregivers, and agency privacy.

Contributes appropriately to the changing conditions of the agency and its clients.  Responds to change positively and productively.

Communicates with all staff and clients in an honest and open manner.

Treats guests, clients, and other associates with care, courtesy, and respect.

Looks for and suggests ways to continually improve services. 

Promotes and participates in educational programs, trainings, and meetings as related to the position.

Maintains a professional appearance and complies with standards set by the YWCA.

Serves as a role model in performing activities and job duties.

Builds a sense of unity and purpose among staff, supervisors, and clients by working as a team player.

Provides a clear explanation of role and position at the YWCA to all customers and clients.

 

 

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Responsible for insuring compliance with applicable state and federal policies, laws and regulations.  Maintains awareness of current federal, state, and local government rules and regulations that pertain to the delivery of substance abuse treatment services.

Maintains strict adherence to Federal Confidentiality Regulations that apply to alcohol/drug abuse patient records.

Maintains appropriate certification, attends in-service training and continuing education seminars to maintain professional competency and maintains membership in appropriate professional organizations.

Plans and provides marketing and public relations activities for the YWCA.

 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO PROVIDING SERVICES TO HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS, INCLUDING INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT ADDICTIONS

 

Interview potential residents and determine their appropriateness for the YWCA.

Meet with each assigned resident weekly to assist them in setting appropriate goals to work toward self-sufficiency.

 Make referrals to other human services agencies as needed.

Conduct or attend daily group meetings.

Assist residents in scheduling appointments and provide follow-up appointment attendance.

Maintain individual records using specific computer software.

Provide orientation to each new resident.

Provide advocacy services as required by residents at various appointment and hearings. 

Provide leadership to Techs.

Maintain current, accurate resident files. 

Provide resident reports demonstrating length-of-stays and outcomes.

Develop and maintain housing policies, procedures, and resident rights and responsibilities.

Develop and supervise content of non-CD related group meetings.

 

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

 

Bachelor of Arts or Science degree, preferably the field of Human Services OR successful completion of the experience educational track which also leads to state licensure.

Alcohol and drug counselor certification (CADC) attained or in process required.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Good organizational ability, flexibility, resourcefulness and the ability to work independently.

The ability to distinguish resident’s life skill and assists them in setting goals to become self-sufficient.

Knowledge of area resources.

Excellent computer and documentation skills.

The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals of varied backgrounds and to work as part of a team.

Excellent conflict resolution skills.