Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor - Heartland Center for Behavioral Change

TITLE: Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor (LC)
REPORTS TO: Program Manager
PHI STATUS: Level 2
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
REVISED: 9/1/2018

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Licensed Counselor (LC) is part of a multi-disciplinary team rendering care and services to persons receiving substance use disorder treatment. The LC conducts assessments of persons who are seeking services and provides a multi-axis diagnosis or diagnostic impression as part of the assessment report. S/he identifies needs and goals for the person in the assessment process and indicates the most appropriate level of care for the person. The LC may also provide direct service to consumers, crisis assistance, and/or refer consumers for appropriate mental health services. All services are provided in compliance with the requirements of the Department of Mental Health. Work is performed under the administrative supervision of the Program Manager and reviewed through direct observation, reports, and staff conferences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Work may include, but is not limited to, the following examples:

1. Conducts intake diagnostic assessments for referred clients and documents findings.
2. Attends periodic meetings with designated team members to assist in the development of the individual's rehabilitation plan, as appropriate and Cosigns plan.
3. May provide direct services, including individual counseling, group counseling, group education, family education/therapy.
4. Maintains timely, clear, concise and well-organized information in the electronic health record of services provided. Enters into Care Logic, the EHR, and the results of assessments and prepares treatment plans, treatment plan updates, transition plans, discharge summary reports, progress notes, and other consumer related data.
5. Makes referrals for necessary services.
6. Responds appropriately to consumer crisis, including as applicable, making arrangements for 96 hour holds.
7. Assesses, monitors, evaluates and records consumer participation, progress, and adjustment against measurable recorded treatment goals in a timely manner.
8. Complies with all requirements of HIPAA Privacy and Security Act. Complies with regulations pertaining to the confidentiality of consumer protected health information.
9. Performs other related work, as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of social work, behavioral sciences and allied disciplines involved in the evaluation, care and rehabilitation of persons suffering from mental illness or emotional disturbance

Knowledge of individual, group and family psychodynamics as they relate to addiction

Considerable knowledge of the social bases of behavior, such as the psychology of interpersonal relationships, group processes, and organizational and systems theory

Considerable knowledge of individual differences, such as personality theory, human development, and abnormal psychology
Thorough knowledge of diagnostic criteria and application of the DSM IV-R

Knowledge of community resources used in the provision of services

Knowledge of State regulatory requirements as it relates to practice of social work and substance use disorder

Skill in resolving conflicts and negotiating with others

Ability to collect and analyze information in making diagnostic decisions concerning a consumer's treatment

Ability to act decisively when necessary to protect consumers; to make judgments about crisis and carry out appropriate course of action

Ability to establish a professional and therapeutic rapport with consumers; to assist, and exercise tact, patience, respect and understanding of others

Ability to recognize symptoms of substance use disorder and to elicit information from individuals necessary for therapeutic interventions

Ability to work effectively with persons from diverse cultures and backgrounds and to respect individual differences

Ability to maintain organized consumer records in accordance with certification requirements

Ability to recognize potential ethical problems and address in ethical manner

Ability to plan and organize working time effectively

Ability to work with autonomy or with minimum direction

Ability to motivate consumers in recovery process

Proficiency in use of computers and knowledge of basic software

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
The following education and experience qualifications are the minimum requirements used to admit or reject applicants for consideration.

A physician, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed masters social work (LMSW), licensed professional counselor (LPC), provisional licensed professional counselor (PLPC), or nurse practitioner licensed under Missouri state law

AND

Has at least one year of full time equivalent experience in the treatment or rehabilitation of substance use disorder.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATION
No candidate may be considered for employment who is or has been for the past two (2) years under the supervision of Federal, State, County or Municipal Corrections Department nor have any pending felony or misdemeanor charges other than minor traffic charges.

Driving may be required for this position. The successful candidate must have and remain in possession of a valid current driver's license, automobile insurance, and be insurable under the agency's motor vehicle insurance policy.

All candidates for employment must meet the established minimum qualifications for employment as identified by the applicable regulatory agencies.