Job Detail

The Counselor I fulfills assigned role as a part of the treatment team, maintaining the well being of clients and integrity of the program.

Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities

• Report and record any changes observed in client condition or behavior, including unusual incidents. Identify, report and assist with the management of emergencies.
• Take and record accurate vital signs and perform urinalysis testing. Chart routine information e.g. vital signs, client progress and daily activities.
• Make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours on withdrawal management clients, document and record withdrawal symptoms.
• Observe and document client self- administration of medications.
• Administer anti -overdose medications as needed.
• Knowledge of drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, family systems and 12-Step/recovery resources in the community.
• Develop and maintain individualized records of client progress and participation in treatment including admission and discharge, individual, group, family, vocational (both individual and group) literacy training, and other occasions as appropriate.
• Ability to write clear statements, summarizing client’s feelings, expressions, resistance and response to their treatment plan; goals and objectives. Includes letters to referral agencies, courts/probation.
• Ability to confront behavioral changes, identify a crisis, and recognize when additional assistance is necessary.
• Ability to recognize personal issues that have an impact on job performance and interactions with clients.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
• Ability to convey respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.
• Ability to prepare for, and facilitate related educational groups.
• Basic knowledge of referrals, both in and out of the BHS treatment system.
• May carry a caseload as needed.
• Working knowledge of the philosophy and approach of the 12-Step model of recovery (AA, CA, NA, Alanon).
• Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources.
• Basic understanding of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word). Ability to readily adapt to the electronic health record information system.

Counselor I Competencies and Performance Expectations

All Counselor I’s are expected to:

• Document client intake and treatment progress
• Identify a crisis
• Know and understand withdrawal management
• Recognize the symptoms associated with chemical dependency and detoxification
• Facilitate an educational group
• Liaison with and refer to treatment team, inside and outside agencies
• Assess and report client behavioral changes
• Identify personal boundaries and be able to work as part of the treatment team
• Adhere to professional standards

• Recognize personal biases working within diverse populations

   

• The Counselor II works as a member of the treatment team, coordinating program services, and maintaining the well being of clients and the integrity of the program.

   

  Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities

   

• Report and record any changes observed in client condition or behavior, including unusual incidents. Identify, report and assist with the management of emergencies.
• Take and record accurate vital signs and perform urinalysis testing. Chart routine information e.g. vital signs, client progress and daily activities.
• Make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours on withdrawal management clients, document and record withdrawal symptoms.
• Observe and document client self- administration of medications.
• Administer anti-overdose medications as needed.
• Thorough knowledge of drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, family systems and 12-Step/recovery resources in the community.
• Develop and maintain individualized records of client progress and participation in treatment including admission and discharge, individual, group, family, vocational (both individual and group) literacy training and other occasions as appropriate.
• Ability to write clear statements, summarizing client’s feelings, expressions, resistance and response to their treatment plan; goals and objectives. Includes letters to referral agencies, courts/probation.
• Ability to confront behavioral changes, identifies a crisis, and recognize when additional assistance is necessary.
• Ability to recognize personal issues that have an impact on job performance and interactions with clients.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
• Ability to convey respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.
• Ability to prepare for and facilitate related process and educational groups.
• Knowledge of referrals, both in and out of the BHS treatment system.
• Knowledge of the philosophy and approach of the 12-Step model of recovery (AA, CA, NA, Alanon).
• Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources.
• Knowledge of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word). Ability to readily adapt to the electronic health record information system.

• Counselor II Competencies and Performance Expectations:

   

• Admit, orient, and discharge clients
• Facilitate group process
• Conduct assessments
• Know and understand withdrawal management
• Recognize the symptoms associated with chemical dependency and detoxification
• Formulate treatment plans
• Intervene in crisis situations
• Adhere to professional boundaries
• Maintain client records