Substance Use Counselor - FT - Day Shift

HOURLY RANGE: $29.77 - $40.05

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves the provision of substance use treatment services at the Erie County Medical Center Corporation (ECMCC) by applying evidence-based therapies. The incumbent implements established recovery plans, including structural activities, individual and group counseling and social network development. Work is performed under the direct supervision of higher-ranking counseling staff and other professional staff members. This is professional counseling work with limited responsibility for the supervision of lower-level counseling and support staff. Does related work as required and assigned by authorized personnel.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Completes assessments, makes preliminary recommendations as to appropriateness of patient services, recommends level of care;

Collaboratively works with patients, patient’s family members, collateral contacts, referral sources and other staff members to develop recovery, discharge and transition plans;

Works cooperatively with staff members participating in individual or group supervision, case conferences and staff meetings;

Applies generally accepted techniques of substance use counseling and evidence-based practices to facilitate individual and group counseling sessions;

Manages individual caseload, prepares and maintains patient records in accordance with applicable hospital and department policies and procedures;

Competes mandatory in-service and re-orientation programs;

Maintains compliance with all treatment and documentation regulatory guidelines;

Observes changes in patient’s condition and notifies appropriate personnel.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Thorough knowledge of the principals of interviewing, counseling and guidance; good knowledge of the principles and practices of substance use treatment; good knowledge of sources and uses of medical and occupational information; working knowledge of psychodiagnostics and psychodynamics; knowledge of and compliance with various ECMCC policies and procedures (including employee handbook, corporate compliance program, code of conduct, conflict of interest, patient safety, quality improvement and departmental safety plan); skill in dealing effectively with patients in a counseling setting; demonstrates competency in conducting process-oriented, educational groups, individual/family/collateral sessions and in psychosocial assessments and discharge summaries; ability to engage patients in treatment programs; ability to demonstrate professional etiquette and respect privacy and confidentiality of patients, visitors and co-workers by following ECMCC’s HIPPA and Privacy Policies; ability to demonstrate concern, respect and caring for persons internal and external to ECMCC; ability to work collaboratively and identify treatment goals; ability to meet deadlines; ability to express oneself clearly, both orally and in writing; ability to prepare detailed reports; initiative; resourcefulness; strong clinical judgment; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse constituency; physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree* and in addition either:

1. Possession of a Master’s Degree* in Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work or Mental Health Counseling; or:
2. Possession of a Master’s Degree* in therapeutic or counseling related field and one (1) year of supervised work experience providing substance use treatment services; or:
3. Two (2) years of supervised work experience providing substance use treatment services; or:
4. An equivalent combination or training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B) and (C).

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Possession of a license to practice in New York State as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) at time of appointment and maintenance throughout duration of appointment; or
2. Possession of a limited permit to practice in New York State as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW-P) at time of appointment and possession of licensure within one year of appointment and maintenance of licensure throughout duration of appointment, or possession of a limited permit to practice in New York State as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC-P) at time of appointment and possession of licensure within thirty-six (36) months of appointment and maintenance of licensure throughout duration of appointment; or
3. Possession of a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) credential as issued by the New York State Office of Addiction Servi