Job Description

The Substance Use Counselor I is an integral member of the multidisciplinary treatment team who is primarily responsible for evaluating patients and coordinating individual and group counseling toward the goal of patient education regarding substance use disorders and relapse prevention.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. These are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Will perform a full range of clinical counseling services for patients as well as case management functions.
2. Performs individual substance use assessments and screening for patients prior to or during treatment as needed.
3. Establishes, coordinates, and conducts educational and individual counseling sessions.
4. Develop, implement, and maintain SMART treatment plans based on regulations and clinical necessity.
5. Maintain supervision as requested by the state licensing board and University of Maryland.
6. Provide referrals and ongoing support to facilitate patient use of community supports including continuing therapy, transitional housing, and other needs as appropriate.
7. Submit timely and clinically supported documentation for individual caseload.
8. Attends in services, conferences, and seminars as appropriate to maintain and improve skills.
9. Demonstrates support and compliance with University of Maryland mission, vision, values, philosophy, goals, objectives and policies.
10. Confers with various hospital personnel, as necessary, on behalf of the patient and family. Works with and participates as a team member within the multi-disciplinary health care team.
11. Attends and participates in departmental meetings, activities, and relevant committees, as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

1. Must have Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT) status approval and minimum of High School Diploma and 15 hours of semester course work in alcohol and drug counseling. Experience is preferred however not required. Or
2. An approved license by MD Board of Professional Counselors and Therapist or Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. Experience preferred however not required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Basic understanding of Substance Use Disorders.
2. Knowledge of basic insurance guidelines, professional code of ethics (professional standards), patient rights, and confidentiality and privacy, as applicable to the particular area of specialty.
3. Ability to make treatment recommendations based on drug screening results.
4. Ability to adequately express ideas orally and in writing; to establish effective working relationships with clients, staff members and the general public.
5. Ability to accurately apply cultural competencies to a diverse population.

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
3. Implements policies, procedure, and standards consistently in the performance of assigned duties.
4. Develops effective working relationships and maintains good communication with other team members.
5. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.