POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary focus of the Substance Use Counselor II is to use a patient centered approach and effective communication to assist patients to cope with the substance abuse and dependence issues and practical arrangements related to the patient’s illness. Effective outreach and engagement strategies that establish trust and overcome barriers resulting from isolation, stigma, and the symptoms of mental health and/or substance use problems will be utilized. A sustained support model to meet basic needs and respond to individual preferences as well as trauma-informed services that restore hope will be utilized. The Substance Use Counselor II is a member of the healthcare team providing assessments, coordination, treatment planning, information and referral to community resources and other social work services. The primary goal and offered individualized and group intensive substance use services using a multidisciplinary approach, including, but not limited to: Mental health and substance use assessment; health system navigation; housing and benefits advocacy; health coaching, referrals and brief treatment, pharmacy consultation and supportive counseling.  The Substance Use Counselor II reports to the Associate Director of Substance Use.  

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Conducts individual counseling related to substance use, substance use treatment and recovery services.
• Transports/escorts patients to/off hospital grounds to patient care activities.
• Performs patient and family interviews/ assessments to obtain psycho social histories.
• Conducts environmental and patient safety rounds to ensure safety of the patients.
• Participates with the multidisciplinary treatment team in the development, implementation and evaluation of treatment or therapy approaches for patients and their families in all phases of comprehensive substance use and/or mental health programs.
• Maintains communication between patients, family, care-team and other employees utilizing appropriate channels and assists in coordinating patient linkage with substance use recovery services.
• Monitors and documents client and patient progress in substance use/mental health recovery.
• Develops and promotes interest in the substance use and/or mental health fields by speaking before community groups.
• Uses effective communication skills and motivational interviewing techniques to obtain relevant psycho-social information from patients and families
• Identifies financial, environmental, emotional, and social factors which greatly contribute to the condition/illness or work against the ability of the patient and family/caregiver to benefit from medical and health care.
• Creates and implements an efficient and sure social work treatment scheme for patients and families/caregivers based on analysis of the psycho-social factors as well as the medical illness of the patient.
• Conducts home visits that would help identify the need for added equipment or service and arranges supportive services as appropriate.
• Collaborates with primary care providers, the behavioral health clinician, pharmacist and other members of the treatment team through a multi- or interdisciplinary approach.
• Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One year of experience as a Substance Use Counselor
• Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certificate issued by the State of California.  
• Must possess knowledge of chemical dependency, substance use and personality dynamics of the substance user.
• Excellent Microsoft Office Program skills.
• Must be in possession of a valid California Driver’s License.
• Current CPR Certificate or ability to obtain a CPR Certificate.
• Fluent Spanish preferred but not required.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of principles and practices of counseling techniques
• Knowledge of community resources and referral agencies
• Knowledge of group dynamics
• Knowledge of office management principles and practices
• Skill in counseling
• Skill in interviewing and communicating to elicit information and cooperation from patients
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, staff, and the public
• Skill in public speaking
• Skill in facilitating support groups
• Ability to write reports, correctly reflecting intervention and document progress

 
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
May require sitting for long periods of time; also stooping, bending and stretching for files and supplies.  May require lifting up to 25 pounds.  Vision must be correctable to 20/40 and hearing must be in the normal range for telephone contacts.  Requires ability to drive to outreach areas for presentations and other activities.
 
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in an office environment.  Involves fre­quent contact with staff, patients and the public.  Some extended workdays and weekends may be required.  Work may be stressful at times.  May require contact with individuals with communicable diseases.  May encounter individuals who are violent, abusive and/or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.