Position Summary

The Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) helps provide direction and support for clients identifying addiction or substance use issues. The SAC is responsible for developing treatment and recovery plans, coordinating services, identifying behaviors that impede rehabilitation, and participating in multi-disciplinary treatment teams. The SAC may also be required to facilitate individual and group therapy sessions. This position requires schedule flexibility and on-call duties.  

Responsibilities
•    Manage all aspects of a case from date of entry to date of discharge.
•    Evaluate clients’ physical and psychological behaviors.
•    Develop appropriate treatment and recovery plans.
•    Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions.
•    Monitor clients over time to access treatment progress.
•    Work with other professional staff to collaborate on treatment methods and plans for patients and to assess suitability for counseling services or referrals to other treatment centers.
•    Collaborate with psychiatrists, doctors, nurses, and social workers to develop a treatment plan.
•    Identify behaviors that interfere with treatment and recovery.
•    Assist staff to manage addiction-related behavior.
•    Maintain confidentiality and always protect client information in all forms of communication according to CVP policies and procedures.  
•    Notification to Program Managers of any client grievances and/or urgent needs.
•    Client transportation by CVP vehicle, as authorized by Executive Director and/or Client Services Coordinator.
•    Facilitate and maintain evidence-based practices.
•    Act as a knowledgeable advocate within the behavioral health system, with a working knowledge of procedures for filing for and obtaining Protective Orders.  
•    Promote a sense of community by teaching and modeling cooperation, respect, and responsibility in the residential environment.
•    Other duties as assigned.

 
Required Background
•    Associate degree in chemical dependency counseling, or a bachelor's degree with coursework in chemical dependency.
•    Master's degree in counseling preferred.
•    Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or similar.
•    Previous experience with the treatment of substance abuse disorders.
•    Experience with co-occurring health and mental health problems.
•    Application of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services’ (SAMHSA) best practice indicators.
•    In-depth knowledge of drug and alcohol testing to monitor treatment plans and medical instructions.
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills.
•    Exceptional interpersonal skills and a compassionate nature.
•    Possess good organization, written, and oral communication skills.
•    Pass a criminal background check.
•    Possess a valid Mississippi Driver’s License and have a clear Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Required Skills
•    Ability to read, write, and speak English;
•    Ability to understand and work within the Team Model;
•    Understand the dynamics of trauma-informed care and has the ability to identify and respond to victims of violence;
•    Demonstrate the ability to exercise and model healthy boundaries with clients and others;
•    Maintain professional working relationships with staff and program stakeholders;
•    Possess strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills;
•    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
•    Ability to operate a computer, multi-line phone, and other office equipment.

Salary/Hours
•    Salary is dependent on experience and education. $42.000 - $45,000
•    Hours are fulltime and require some weekend work and on-call duties.