SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Substance Use Counselor helps the homeless veteran substance-using population understand their addictions to alcohol, illegal substances, and unhealthy behaviors. The counselor supports the collaborative efforts of the Intensive Case Management Team to handle the substance-use treatment, recovery, and stabilization efforts of program participants. The Counselor will have a caseload of clients to support the ICM team. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Intake, assessment, orientation, referral of Drug and Alcohol clients • Reinforce long-term self-sufficiency goals and efforts and document progress • Drug and alcohol treatment planning • Drug and alcohol individual counseling and case management • Must work in a team environment to provide comprehensive services to program participants. • Assist client with referrals to recovery meetings • Assisting client with transportation and support to recovery meetings • Attend random recovery meetings in the community • Collect and maintain log sheets that document client substance-use meeting attendance • Conduct client drug testing as needed • Complete Treatment Plans • Hold a caseload of 10-15 clients • Assist client with transportation to court dates and other mandatory events • Conduct mental-health screenings and facilitate necessary treatment • Make in-home visits to observe indicators of the client recovery progress • Facilitate relapse-prevention services • Understanding of Housing First Model • Understanding of Harm Reduction • Screen for potential use of Naltrexone therapy • Make appropriate referrals to St. Patrick Center programs or other appropriate substance abuse programs that include in-patient and long-term facilities • Conduct and document 30- and 60-day follow-up on program placements • Input client contacts, documentation and verification requirements into ECM • Complete daily and monthly departmental paperwork • Update daily clients’ electronic files in ECM to include any contact with clients • Cultivate strong relationships with area drug programs and/or hospitals to ensure placement and retention • Refer clients to resources to address other service needs • Research additional benefits available to enhance services. • Participate in ICM team duties and tasks such as team meetings, ISS development, home visits, programming, and ECM documentation • Keep an up-to-date and accurate listing of clients • Responsible for the completion of departmental goals of case management as outline by grants • Responsible for maintaining records and statistics for the completion of the annual reports • Provide instruction in living skills classes • Assist with various clerical duties as needed • Must possess a Missouri Class E Driver License (MO residents only) • Assist and complete special case management projects as directed by department management staff DIRECT REPORTS: • None KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in related area; MSW preferred • CRADC required • Experience with homeless veterans preferred • At least one year of experience working with low-income or homeless individuals/families • Experience with wrap-around services preferred • Experience in conducting home visits and family-centered casework • Understanding of area resources to provide quality referrals for client needs • Competent in cultural issues • Well-versed in ethical issues in drug/alcohol counseling • Ability to work a minimum of 37.5 hours a week • Reliable transportation required SKILLS AND ABILITIES: • Adhere to the agency mission and policies • Understands the importance of client confidentiality • Understanding and empathy for the needs and concerns of low-income individuals • Excellent listening, writing, and communication skills • Ability to analyze problems and make sound decisions • Excellent organizational skills • Creativity in designing and implementing effective programs • Able to give and receive useful feedback and instructions • Ability to use Microsoft Office computer software • Capable of working independently and/or in high stress environments RELATIONSHIPS REQUIRED: • Attend and participate in all St. Patrick Center and Employment team meetings • Participate on community boards and committees that deal with veterans, homelessness, and substance abuse issues • Veteran Service agencies