Substance Abuse Counselor

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the designated Supervisor, carries out the direct therapeutic interaction with clients, in accordance with the Hina Mauka policies and procedures. The therapeutic interaction is designed to bring about the transmittal of education, direction and support to the clients, resulting in an increased level of functioning and an amelioration of the damaging effects of substance abuse/dependence and, for dually diagnosed clients, the damaging effects of serious mental illness. Also shares in the responsibility for the safety and well being of the Hina Mauka clients. Protects the confidentiality of clients and client records in accordance with all applicable federal regulations.

Position Accountabilities

I. Essential Functions

1. Serves as primary counselor for each client assigned to his/her caseload.

2. Evaluates clients in the screening process utilizing a bio-psycho-social assessment to determine each client’s need for treatment and level of motivation, and makes recommendations for appropriate level of care.

3. Coordinates with insurance/case management office for approval of care reimbursement; coordinates additional requests for payment authorization as necessary.

4. Communicates with referral source regarding prospective client to ascertain treatment history/goals. Coordinates additional requests for payment authorization as necessary.

5. Bases on comprehensive assessment, develops treatment plan in collaboration with each client and the respective treatment plan.

6. Conducts psycho-education and skill building activities in the areas of substance abuse and recovery information, and mental illness and recovery education with clients.

7. Maintains client records in accordance with Hina Mauka policies and procedures and in compliance with all state and federal laws, licensing and accreditation standards and contract stipulations.

8. Completes fiscal and statistical reporting tasks as required.

9. Conducts family education as schedule.

10. Facilitates group therapy, using process oriented groups for clients in Addictions Recovery Track, and solution oriented groups for clients in the Dual Recoveries Track.

11. Conducts individual counseling weekly and as needed with each client in his/her caseload.

12. Consults with and reports to Registered Nurse and/or Associate Medical Director regarding client conditions and need for medical attention.

13. Arranges for client transportation for emergency medical care as directed by Associate Medical Director, R.N., and/or Manager of Adult Services.

14. Participates in shift change and treatment planning conferences as arranged by supervisor.

15. Provides guidance and treatment planning for clients toward successful accomplishments of skill building goals in the following areas: personal hygiene, personal housekeeping, personal meal preparation and service.

II. Other Functions

1. Performs other related duties as assigned.

III. Qualification Requirements

Experience and Training:

1. In the process of obtaining certification in the State of Hawaii as a Substance Abuse Counselor and/or receiving higher education in the field of Social Work, Psychology or related field.

2. Eligible for certification in CPR and First Aid.

3. Valid driver’s license with clean abstract.

Substance Abuse Counselor I

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Ability to work with and relate to clients with substance abuse disorders, including dually diagnosed and the criminal population.

2. Ability to respond calmly and efficiently to stressful situations with crisis management skills.

3. Well organized and able to maintain accurate and concise records.

IV. Physical/Mental Demands

Light physical effort (lift/carry up to 10 pounds); occasional standing/walking; occasionally lifts supplies/equipment. May be exposed to infectious and contagious disease. May perform emergency care.

Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits to employees that increases over their length of employment. 22 days off in the first year.

Holidays. Hina Mauka provides paid time off for 16 annual holidays

Health Insurance HMSA/Kaiser/HDS.

Supplemental insurance plans are available through AFLAC.

FREE Parking

Hina Mauka utilizes an Employee Assistance Program through Work Life Hawaii at no cost to the employee.

Training and support are available for work-related workshops.

Hina Mauka offers employees a 403(b) plan that allows for pre-tax contributions by the employee for deferred tax saving.

Group life insurance is offered at no cost to the employee.

Other benefits including family and medical leave, worker’s compensation, TDI, bereavement leave, and supplemental pay for jury duty are also available.

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