Lead AOD Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead AOD Counselor directs and manages an effective clinical service delivery team using  client psychosocial assessment, group and individual therapy and person centered treatment planning. The Lead AOD Counselor is responsible for working collaboratively with the  treatment team to coordinate the transition of care upon the client’s completion of the program. This position is responsible for the oversight of the AOD Counselors. The Lead AOD Counselor will provide the required supervision for the counseling staff. The Lead AOD Counselor is responsible for the completion of chart reviews and providing the reports to the Clinical Program Director. The Lead AOD Counselor shall maintain a small case load within the  Therapeutic Community. The Lead AOD Counselor shall provide both individual and group  counseling services within the Therapeutic Community; as well as leading large group seminars. The individual should be familiar with the administration of assessments. The Lead AOD Counselor must be familiar with ASAM criterion. The AOD Counselors also determine  the level of care for the participant. Essential Job Functions are below: 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Daily supervision of AOD counselors assigned to the program.
• Developing staff schedule to be approved by the Clinical Director
• Monitor the adherence to the policies and procedures of the program
• Conduct monthly quality assurance reviews of the treatment case files of the assessment counselors to ensure compliance with program standards.
• 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
• Conducts post testing for participants as they go through the program
• Interviews participants to collect additional data not covered by above assessment tools.
• Reviews DOC (Department of Corrections) files.
• Scores and interprets results of assessment and testing tools.
• Prepares written reports based on results of assessment and testing tools.
• Become familiar with the concepts of the Therapeutic Community
• Conduct supervision with staff and maintain records to be provided to Clinical Director
• Will screen and assess patients for mental, chemical, and other factors to determine next steps.
•  Report on interactions and escalate serious cases.
•  Identify appropriate resources and connect clients to assistance.
•  Work with clients over the phone, virtually or in person to determine the crisis and immediate needs.
• 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 communicate clearly and effectively with staff and administration.
•  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 programs, preferably MS Word, and spreadsheet programs, preferably MS Excel. Internet skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• 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 insurance is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain OIG and NSOPW Clearance and
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Experience consisting of two (5) years of providing direct substance abuse counseling services to the criminal justice population preferred.
• Experience consisting of one (1) year supervising counseling staff services to the criminal justice population preferred.
• Must possess at a minimum a Masters degree in Human Services or Substance Abuse is required. Applicants possessing a Bachelor’s degree may be considered for this position if they have the ability to provide supervision.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• CAC AD , LCPC
• Must meet Approved Supervisory Status from the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors
  http://dhmh.maryland.gov/bopc/ADNewRequirementsCertificationLicensure.pdf

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in a correctional institution setting.
• Must be able to de-escalate situations in the program.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:

The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or without accommodation:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Requires mobility and physical activity: Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in a correctional environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), sitting for extended periods of time, bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, occasional lifting and carrying of up to 10 pounds.  Use of computer and telephone systems is required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and fine manipulation by the hands (typing, writing, and working with files).  Requires the ability to defend oneself and clients in physically abusive situations using approved physical de-escalation techniques.
• Requires talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.  Talking is required to impart oral information to employees, clients, patients, and the public, and in those activities in which the employee is required to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Requires hearing: Hearing is required to receive and communicate detailed information through oral communication.
• Requires seeing: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and at distance. This factor is required to complete paperwork for many of the employee’s essential job functions and to observe client behavior and activities in and out of the facility.
• The normal work routine involves no exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues.  However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions.
• Requires the ability to work and cooperate with clients, co-workers, managers, the public and employees at all levels to exchange ideas, information, instructions, and opinions. 
• Requires the ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings.
• The ability to defend oneself and clients in mentally/verbally abusive situations using approved mental/verbal de-escalation techniques.