POSITION SUMMARY:
The alcohol and substance abuse counselor have received specialized training in alcoholism and substance abuse and is credentialed by the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services. The counselor works cooperatively with the full clinic staff coordinating patient treatment with consulting physicians, vocational rehabilitation counselors, administrative staff, social work staff and other counselors.
Alcohol and substance abuse counseling means the direct application to alcoholics and other substance abusers, and related persons of the professional counseling techniques of evaluation, intervention, education, treatment and referral as specifically adapted, based on research and clinical experience to the special needs and characteristic of persons suffering from alcoholism, substance abuse, or alcohol abuse and their significant others.
The alcohol and substance abuse counselor will work under clinical supervision which means the process of on the job teaching, training, guidance, direction and review of the patient care activity of an alcoholism and substance abuse counselor by a qualified health professional appointed by the Director to monitor the counselor’s development and use of clinical knowledge and skill relevant to the professional practice of alcohol and substance counseling.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Crisis intervention, patient intake and orientation
• Alcohol and substance abuse education
• Individual and group counseling, including involvement of family and significant other.
• Prevention outreach and case finding
• Development of and implementation of individualized goals, objectives and aftercare.
• Progress review of individualized goals, objectives and revision of plans based on progress or lack thereof.
• Continuous evaluation of patients including evaluation as part of a treatment team.
• Preparations of reports and necessary correspondence and maintenance of clinical reports.
• Discharge planning and referral procedures
• Coordination and consultation with other programs and services on behalf of patients, in accordance with applicable federal and state confidentiality laws.
