Lead Clinician - RCS

Recovery Counseling Services (RCS) is a CARF accredited, and Department of Public Health licensed, co-occurring clinic providing outpatient substance abuse and mental health services in a trauma-informed environment to adult men and women. Located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the facility accepts men and women ages 18 and older with needs regarding substance abuse only, mental health issues only, or with co-occurring issues relating to both areas. 

SUMMARY: In accordance with RNP's Mission Statement, Philosophy of Client Care and Code of Ethics as stated in the Personnel Policies and under the supervision of the Director of RCS, the Lead Clinician counsels individuals, groups, and families regarding substance abuse problems and co-occurring disorders, and develops and implements therapeutic treatment plans. The Lead Clinician is responsible for administrative duties as assigned by the program director and serves as the clinical team leader in lieu of the program director. The Lead Clinician models exemplary client service, clinical documentation, and teamwork.

Monday-Friday  8:30 am -4:30 pm 

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: All duties are subject to accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Administrative Duties

•    Maintains an 85/15 split between clinical and administrative duties.
•    Supports the program director with quality reviews, scheduling, leading staff meetings, and other administrative tasks as assigned.

Clinical Responsibilities

•    Conducts screening, intake, orientation and assessment of clients to obtain information concerning substance abuse, mental health, medical history or other pertinent information.
•    Implements therapeutic treatment using approved methods of planning, case management and crisis intervention to assist clients in overcoming substance use and mental health disorders as well as other life issues.
•    Utilizes evidence-based theories and techniques to effectively counsel individuals, groups and families.
•    Actively engages in the role of group facilitator and promotes group process
•    Integrates discharge planning throughout the treatment process including the beginning, middle and termination phases of treatment.
•    Manages time appropriately to ensure that group and individual sessions occur at appointed times and that all documentation deadlines are met including but not limited to, treatment plans, SOAP notes, court reports, billing, discharges and intakes.
•    Learns and follows regulations and stipulations for the Court Support Services Division Program contract including adhering to timeliness of court reports and documentation.
•    Learns and follows regulations and stipulations for the Enhanced Care Clinic contract.
•    Consults with medical doctors or other specialists concerning recovery plan and amends plan as directed and in collaboration with client served.
•    Provides information and education to individuals, groups and families concerning co-occurring issues.
•    Refers clients to supportive services to compliment treatment and counseling.
•    Prepares and maintains quality clinical records for assigned caseload.
•    Issues accurate and timely reports as requested ensuring applicable consent forms are present in the client charts and client confidentiality is maintained to federal and state standards.

•    Ability to follow procedure in collecting and sending toxicology samples and utilizing the proper laboratory forms for same gender clients.
•    Meets regularly with supervisor for supervision as outlined in the personnel policy.
•    Assumes all other appropriate duties as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Master’s degree in the behavioral sciences and two (2) years’ experience in counseling preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
•    Clinical license (LPC, LCSW, LMFT), provisional license (LPCA, LMSW, LMFTA), or license eligible.
•    Considerable knowledge in the practice of integrated models of assessment, intervention, and recovery.
•    Knowledge of principles and techniques of counseling individuals and groups.
•    Knowledge of the physical, psychological, social and economic effects of substance abuse, mental health, trauma, homelessness and medical issues.
•    Ability to gather, analyze and evaluate information pertinent to the care of clients.
•    Considerable knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding client confidentiality.
•    Excellent communication, organizational and time management skills.
•    Ability to establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships.
•    Ability to project a positive professional image that serves as a role model to our clients.
•    Knowledge or experience with CSSD and ECC contracts preferred.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

•    Some substance abuse experience preferred.
•    Spanish bilingual a plus.
•    Incumbents may be required to secure a clinical license (LPC, LCSW, LMFT) in CT.
•    Valid Connecticut Driver’s license required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
The physical requirements and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate phones, computers, and other office equipment. The position requires the physical ability to kneel, bend and perform light lifting. This person must have the ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Generally, the working conditions are good with little or no exposure to extremes in health, safety hazards and/or hazardous materials. This person must have the ability to travel as required to work with staff.