Certified Counselor (48299)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The  MOUD Counselor will provide counseling and treatment services to individuals incarcerated in a correctional facility, focusing on the assessment, treatment, and recovery of those with substance use disorders. This role is responsible for delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions through conducting individual and group counseling sessions, and collaborating with correctional staff and multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated care. The counselor will work to reduce substance use, support recovery, and improve the overall well-being of incarcerated individuals, while promoting successful reintegration into the community. Essential Job Functions are below:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Administer, score, and interpret all required screening and assessment tools including but not limited to the TCU Drug Screen, Treatment Assignment Protocol and the URICA
• May also use other assessment and substance abuse evaluation tools to support level of care ASAM placement
• Conducts screenings and assessments during the intake process and back-end screenings for standing populations
• Deliver treatment services to the participants.
• Conduct group and individual meetings.
• Evaluate the progress of the participants assigned.
• Work directly with the participants to develop and implement a treatment service plan.
• Work with the participant to create a support network for the participant’s pending return to the community.
• Initiate and sustain each participant’s motivation to participate in treatment, using techniques of engagement including therapeutic relationships, individual counseling, and brief interventions.
• Maintenance of individual client treatment files in accordance with agency policies and procedures, including documentation of vocational/educational activities as well as all other pertinent documentation and ensure files are securely stored.
• General participant supervision including planning and scheduling therapeutic activities.
• Maintain all information according to the laws of confidentiality as required by the Federal Register, General Provisions, Title 42, Chapter 1, Part 2, which prohibits making disclosures without the specific written consent of the client, or as otherwise permitted by such regulations.
• Participate in staffing regarding participants with other team members
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to understand a variety of models including cognitive behavioral therapy, theories of addiction and dynamics related to substance use and other criminogenic risk factors.
• Knowledge of offender populations, criminal subcultures, and cultural differences, substance abuse assessment tools, therapeutic community concepts.
• Ability to know and comply with program documentation requirements, applicable ethical and professional standards of conduct.
• Ability to conduct initial clinical assessments and/or evaluations which serve as the basis for diagnosis and treatment.
• Ability to provide services appropriate to the personal and cultural identity and language of the participant.
• Ability to tailor helping strategies and treatment modalities to the participant's stage of dependence, change or recovery.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner in both individual and group counseling settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in word processing  
• High level of initiative.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Bilingual (fluent in English and Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from Maryland Department of Corrections.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle ins