Counselor
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Counselor
SUMMARY
Provides clinical direct services, case management, individual and group therapy, and family focused therapy to residents with a Substance Use Disorder, in accordance with State and County regulations, following the individualized treatment plans of male and female adults at the residential treatment facility. This service is designed to meet the specific needs of the identified client as they relate to their diagnosis. Therapy includes cognitive behavioral and psychoeducational activities/interventions designed to assist the client in the reduction of symptomatology, and the effects of trauma. Services are provided with client-centered and family-centered approaches and are delivered through intensive, goal specific interventions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
% of Time Essential Duties and Responsibilities
40% Conduct individual and group therapy sessions; maintain timely and appropriate clinical documentation.
15% Complete and monitor treatment plans, monthly progress reports, and continued stay authorizations.
10% Monitor morning meetings, and resident operations, intervening and conducting psychoeducation as needed.
10% Answer calls, process referrals, conduct assessments and intakes, and collect/input data (e.g., PA WITS).
5% Facilitate service coordination and transition from Alpha House to aftercare along the continuum.
5% Maintain relationships with community partners and other outside resources and referrals (e.g. Drug Court).
5% Attend weekly staff meetings. Maintain required State, DDAP, licensing and agency training.
5% Observe resident medication intake, assist with appointment scheduling, and appropriate transportation.
5% Supervises and provides impromptu guidance and support to Monitors in monitoring programming and managing clients.
100% Total Duties Equal 100%
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Implements and maintains the program's philosophy, principles, and procedures in all facets of performance.
- Conducts screening assessments to determine the need for a drug and alcohol assessment and for emergent care services in the specific areas of detoxification, prenatal care, and psychiatric care; make referrals to appropriate health and human services agencies as needed based on the outcome of the screening interview.
- Conducts confidential, quality assessments that are person-centered and trauma-informed, utilizing ASAM criteria to determine the appropriate level of care.
- Uses a strengths-based approach to work collaboratively with residents and internal and external treatment team members to help support residents in their treatment and recovery.
- Provides clinical consultation to referral resources, mentors, family members, and others to help support residents in their recovery.
- Works closely with residents to engage them in the decision-making process and help them understand the benefits of assessment and accessing the appropriate level of care as indicated.
- Conducts initial admission interviews, completes psychosocial histories, and develops aftercare plans with residents.
- Provides resident psycho-education groups, adapting material to meet individual needs, and structuring therapeutic activities in the program.
- Assists residents in identifying strengths and needs, is responsible for clinical notes, development, implementation, monitoring, and reviewing treatment plans and ASAMs in a timely manner, and maintain documentation for third party billing.
- Maintains the data in the PA WITS system according to state and county regulations.
- Develops, monitors, and reviews treatment plans based on clinical necessity, agency policy, and state regulations.
- Plans and coordinates program services and activities provided by Alpha House staff and refers residents for additional services through community resources as needed and appropriate.
- Maintains contact with referral agencies and other service providers.
- Ensures resident records are complete and in alignment with all Federal, State, County, and Insurance regulatory requirements, and that all documentations are present and clear.
- Serves as agency representative for residents at court hearings (when indicated and appropriate).
- Provides consultation to peers and supervisor(s) concerning resident and agency needs, and strategies for the development and monitoring of the therapeutic community.
- Conducts urine screening on all residents as warranted. (Men screen men, women screen women).
- Schedules and facilitates meetings with residents, legal authorities, and other service providers.
- Attends and participates in weekly staff meetings with supervisor and administrator.
- Provides weekend residential coverage as may be necessary to maintain adequate coverage.
- Participates in non-traditional treatment activities, such as accompanying residents to activities, demonstrating positive leisure learning experiences.
- Performs other related work as assigned.
COMPETENCIES/QUALIFICATIONS
Decision making.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Independent thinking and sound judgment.
Problem solving/analysis.
Acceptance, diversity and inclusion.
Presentation skills.
Leadership.
Project management.
Time management.
Stress management/composure.
On the job:
- Ability to work well with diverse populations.
- Exposure/knowledge of evidenced-based clinical theories and approaches.
- Experience with individual and group counseling, especially in a Drug and Alcohol treatment setting.
- Experience with varied counseling techniques and modalities (e.g. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt, and Psychodynamic).
- Willingness to practice and engage with individuals in a person-centered, harm reduction based, and trauma informed way.
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree or pursuing a Master’s degree in the social service field from an accredited college or university, and certification, or eligibility for certification, as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Social Worker (LSW). Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a major in psychology, social work, or the human services. Two years’ work or practicum experience in the treatment of substance use disorders, mental health, and/or other clinical therapeutic work preferred. CPR/AED/First Aid training and certification encouraged. Must be able to pass a background check. Must complete DDAP Clinical Supervision Training within one year, preferably six months.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands 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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The physical environment requires the employee to work primarily inside, occasionally outside, and sometimes in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. May be requested to work overtime and weekends for coverage and special program events. Reliable transportation is necessary for this position.
HOURS OF WORK AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Alpha House, Inc. operates 24/7, 365 days a year, with primary clinical hours from 9am – 9pm, daily. Scheduled days may be Weekdays, Weekends, and Holidays. Shift schedules can include, but are not limited to, 9am – 5pm, 1pm – 9pm, 9am – 3pm, 3pm – 9pm, and 9am – 9pm. Transportation of residents, and travel to training, advocacy, resource fairs, fundraisers, and other agency events may be required. A valid driver's license is required.
NOTE: The essential responsibilities of this position are described under the headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Also, this document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
Employment at Alpha House, Inc. and within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is employment At-Will. An At-Will employment relationship can be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice by either the employer or the employee. As an at-will employee, it is not guaranteed, in any manner, that you will be employed with Alpha House, Inc. for any set period. This at-will employment relationship exists regardless of any statements by office personnel to the contrary. Nothing in this job description may be construed as creating a promise of future benefits or a binding contract between Alpha House, Inc. and any of its employees.
___________________________________ _______________________
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Counselor
SUMMARY
Provides clinical direct services, case management, individual and group therapy, and family focused therapy to residents with a Substance Use Disorder, in accordance with State and County regulations, following the individualized treatment plans of male and female adults at the residential treatment facility. This service is designed to meet the specific needs of the identified client as they relate to their diagnosis. Therapy includes cognitive behavioral and psychoeducational activities/interventions designed to assist the client in the reduction of symptomatology, and the effects of trauma. Services are provided with client-centered and family-centered approaches and are delivered through intensive, goal specific interventions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
% of Time Essential Duties and Responsibilities
40% Conduct individual and group therapy sessions; maintain timely and appropriate clinical documentation.
15% Complete and monitor treatment plans, monthly progress reports, and continued stay authorizations.
10% Monitor morning meetings, and resident operations, intervening and conducting psychoeducation as needed.
10% Answer calls, process referrals, conduct assessments and intakes, and collect/input data (e.g., PA WITS).
5% Facilitate service coordination and transition from Alpha House to aftercare along the continuum.
5% Maintain relationships with community partners and other outside resources and referrals (e.g. Drug Court).
5% Attend weekly staff meetings. Maintain required State, DDAP, licensing and agency training.
5% Observe resident medication intake, assist with appointment scheduling, and appropriate transportation.
5% Supervises and provides impromptu guidance and support to Monitors in monitoring programming and managing clients.
100% Total Duties Equal 100%
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Implements and maintains the program's philosophy, principles, and procedures in all facets of performance.
- Conducts screening assessments to determine the need for a drug and alcohol assessment and for emergent care services in the specific areas of detoxification, prenatal care, and psychiatric care; make referrals to appropriate health and human services agencies as needed based on the outcome of the screening interview.
- Conducts confidential, quality assessments that are person-centered and trauma-informed, utilizing ASAM criteria to determine the appropriate level of care.
- Uses a strengths-based approach to work collaboratively with residents and internal and external treatment team members to help support residents in their treatment and recovery.
- Provides clinical consultation to referral resources, mentors, family members, and others to help support residents in their recovery.
- Works closely with residents to engage them in the decision-making process and help them understand the benefits of assessment and accessing the appropriate level of care as indicated.
- Conducts initial admission interviews, completes psychosocial histories, and develops aftercare plans with residents.
- Provides resident psycho-education groups, adapting material to meet individual needs, and structuring therapeutic activities in the program.
- Assists residents in identifying strengths and needs, is responsible for clinical notes, development, implementation, monitoring, and reviewing treatment plans and ASAMs in a timely manner, and maintain documentation for third party billing.
- Maintains the data in the PA WITS system according to state and county regulations.
- Develops, monitors, and reviews treatment plans based on clinical necessity, agency policy, and state regulations.
- Plans and coordinates program services and activities provided by Alpha House staff and refers residents for additional services through community resources as needed and appropriate.
- Maintains contact with referral agencies and other service providers.
- Ensures resident records are complete and in alignment with all Federal, State, County, and Insurance regulatory requirements, and that all documentations are present and clear.
- Serves as agency representative for residents at court hearings (when indicated and appropriate).
- Provides consultation to peers and supervisor(s) concerning resident and agency needs, and strategies for the development and monitoring of the therapeutic community.
- Conducts urine screening on all residents as warranted. (Men screen men, women screen women).
- Schedules and facilitates meetings with residents, legal authorities, and other service providers.
- Attends and participates in weekly staff meetings with supervisor and administrator.
- Provides weekend residential coverage as may be necessary to maintain adequate coverage.
- Participates in non-traditional treatment activities, such as accompanying residents to activities, demonstrating positive leisure learning experiences.
- Performs other related work as assigned.
COMPETENCIES/QUALIFICATIONS
Decision making.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Independent thinking and sound judgment.
Problem solving/analysis.
Acceptance, diversity and inclusion.
Presentation skills.
Leadership.
Project management.
Time management.
Stress management/composure.
On the job:
- Ability to work well with diverse populations.
- Exposure/knowledge of evidenced-based clinical theories and approaches.
- Experience with individual and group counseling, especially in a Drug and Alcohol treatment setting.
- Experience with varied counseling techniques and modalities (e.g. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt, and Psychodynamic).
- Willingness to practice and engage with individuals in a person-centered, harm reduction based, and trauma informed way.
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree or pursuing a Master’s degree in the social service field from an accredited college or university, and certification, or eligibility for certification, as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Social Worker (LSW). Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a major in psychology, social work, or the human services. Two years’ work or practicum experience in the treatment of substance use disorders, mental health, and/or other clinical therapeutic work preferred. CPR/AED/First Aid training and certification encouraged. Must be able to pass a background check. Must complete DDAP Clinical Supervision Training within one year, preferably six months.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands 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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The physical environment requires the employee to work primarily inside, occasionally outside, and sometimes in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. May be requested to work overtime and weekends for coverage and special program events. Reliable transportation is necessary for this position.
HOURS OF WORK AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Alpha House, Inc. operates 24/7, 365 days a year, with primary clinical hours from 9am – 9pm, daily. Scheduled days may be Weekdays, Weekends, and Holidays. Shift schedules can include, but are not limited to, 9am – 5pm, 1pm – 9pm, 9am – 3pm, 3pm – 9pm, and 9am – 9pm. Transportation of residents, and travel to training, advocacy, resource fairs, fundraisers, and other agency events may be required. A valid driver's license is required.
NOTE: The essential responsibilities of this position are described under the headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Also, this document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
Employment at Alpha House, Inc. and within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is employment At-Will. An At-Will employment relationship can be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice by either the employer or the employee. As an at-will employee, it is not guaranteed, in any manner, that you will be employed with Alpha House, Inc. for any set period. This at-will employment relationship exists regardless of any statements by office personnel to the contrary. Nothing in this job description may be construed as creating a promise of future benefits or a binding contract between Alpha House, Inc. and any of its employees.
___________________________________ _______________________