Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor 1

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

2613 W Henrietta Rd, Brighton, New York, United States of America, 14623

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500130 Psychiatry SMH Addiction Psych

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URC 207 H

Compensation Range:

$22.91 - $30.93

Responsibilities:

GENERAL PURPOSE
Provides counseling services, under direct supervision, as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team caring for alcoholics, addicts and drug abusing persons and their families. Works on specific treatment goals as designed with supervision.

Carries out responsibilities with considerable latitude for independent judgment. Fosters and enables a positive work environment by modeling the I CARE values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs Intakes and Assessments

• Performs intake evaluations by direct interview of persons applying for treatment. Assesses chemical use history, including type, quantity, frequency and pattern of use of licit, prescription, or illicit substances, including psychological, social, legal, medical, psychiatric, financial, vocational and educational consequences, and history of treatment efforts, including detoxification, rehabilitation, drug-free treatment, and chemotherapy programs.
• Assesses patients for symptoms of psychological dependence, motivation for change, personal resources. Gathers family historical data concerning drug and alcohol usage.
• Prepares oral and written clinical reports of interview data to be reviewed at multidisciplinary intake review and diagnostic conferences.
• Prepares and submits written and oral reports with supervision.
• Maintains productivity in accordance with programs and departmental standards and complies with program and departmental policies and procedures.

Documentation and Communications

• Establishes communication using established rules of confidentiality and laws concerning rights of patients and uses correspondence with other health-related agencies, employers, criminal justice programs and social service programs to assess reasons for referral or applicant's legal or social service status.
•  Provides senior clinical staff with data for its incorporation into diagnostic team assessment of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of the patients and their families.
• Maintains active case records, including written treatment plans, problem-oriented progress notes, periodic updates of treatment plans, appropriate documentation of incidents, discharge summaries, interagency communications and correspondence.

Provides Counseling

• Demonstrates general working knowledge of psychological, social, spiritual, behavioral, vocational and physical effects of drug/alcohol use, including alcohol, opiates, stimulants, sedatives, hallucinogens, compulsive drug-related behavior, peer group relationships among substance abusers, patterns of family interactions around drug/alcohol abuse.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the indications and limitations of various treatments for alcoholism and addiction, including drug-free treatment and the use of methadone or other medications for detoxification or maintenance.
• Shows understanding of the indications and limitations of bioassays for drugs, such as urine drug screens.
• Maintains a working knowledge of and the ability to work with local and regional services and agencies for alcoholic and drug abuser, including self-help spiritually oriented programs for patients and families, education, information and referral resources, inpatient detoxification, rehabilitation and therapeutic community programs, residential facilities, vocational counseling and employment agencies.
• Assists and facilitates maintenance of group process.
• Maintains continuing education in knowledge and skills affecting the discipline of chemical dependency counseling, including attendance at in-service meetings. Reports to clinical supervisor regularly for supervision of all clinical activity.
• Assist staff in assessing patient’s acting-out behavior and develop a plan of action to help maintain the safety of other patients and staff in clinic.

Customer Satisfaction

• Assures I CARE values are demonstrated by all staff at all times.
• Acts as an excellent representative of the unit at departmental, service and institutional meetings. Serves as point person for the management of patient complaints regarding front end operations and in this role, serves as a front-line problem solver.
• Answers correspondence and other inquiries involving the interpretation of University as well as departmental policy, regulations, procedures, etc.; guides subordinates on replies to routine correspondence.

Acts as a liaison

• with physicians, staff and with other community health, social and government agencies.

Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to:

• Toxicology screen monitoring
• Assess patients for physical, behavioral signs of drug/alcohol use and perform BAC tests as needed.
• Assisting in coverage based on program need

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to human services and 1 year of related experience required or equivalent combination of education and experience Required
• Ability to work as a directly supervised co-therapist in group therapy for alcohol/drug dependent persons and has a working knowledge of the concepts underlying group therapy including role of feelings, defenses Required
• Knowledge of legal rights and societal attitudes toward the alcoholic/addicted person in and out of treatment Required
• Experience in drug/alcohol dependence treatment Preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent organization, communication skills and attention to details. Preferred
• Demonstrates ability to function independently and effectively, with minimal direction within a diverse workplace. Preferred
• Experience in University/ Hospital settings helpful. Preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills Preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs Preferred
• Ability to think strategically and operationally at the same time. Preferred
• Ability to think critically and systemically. Preferred
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization. Preferred
• Ability to promote and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. Preferred
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines. Preferred
• Experience with electronic medical records Preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• CASAC Certification upon hire preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.