Substance Abuse Counselor MSW - CentraState Healthcare System

If you’re looking to begin, transition, or further your career in the rewarding specialty of behavioral Health, this humanistic, highly patient-centered unit is for you.  This acute, general behavioral health unit has nineteen blended beds, including twelve for voluntary patients and seven for involuntary patients.  The Behavioral Health Unit team cares for adults 18 years and older who are experiencing acute illnesses, including and not limited to schizophrenia and psychotic spectrum disorders, depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma and stressor related disorders.  Patients with co-occurring spectrum and addictive disorders are also treated in the unit.  Experience becoming part of a cohesive, experienced, evidence-based MAGNET nursing team in this dynamic and rewarding multidisciplinary care environment. 

Participates as a multi-disciplinary team member. Provides comprehensive substance abuse assessments, individual counseling, therapeutic groups, and family interventions. Provides treatment and referral recommendations based on assessment of the clinical needs of the patient. Complex discharge planning assistance, supportive counseling and advocacy services of assigned patients. Completes substance abuse assessments. Participates in the development of an outcome oriented patient plan of care and in monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of service through the Performance Improvement Program.

• Provides considerate respectful care focused upon the patients' individual needs.
• Affirms the patient's right to make decisions regarding his/her medical care, including the decision to discontinue treatment, to the extent permitted by law.
• Assists the patient in the exercise of his/her rights and informs the patient of any responsibilities incumbent upon him/her in the exercise of those rights.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the range of care needed based on the age of the patients cared for.
• Demonstrates knowledge of growth, development and/or adult health throughout the life span as appropriate to the job performed.
• Successfully completes life-span education as appropriate.
• Completes a substance abuse assessment within 72 hours of admission.
• Provides patients with a comprehensive substance abuse/dependence assessment.
• All assessments shall include treatment recommendations in consideration of factors including, psycho-social, physical, psychological, emotional, vocational, financial, spiritual, and cultural.
• Obtains collateral information from family members and/or significant others as appropriate to further identify patient needs.
• Identifies situations indicating possible abuse, dependencies, growth and development problems, and sexual orientation issues.
• Communicates the impact of substance abuse issues on patient’s behavior and/or attitudes as a member of the clinical treatment team.
• Coordinates treatment planning with other members of the multidisciplinary treatment team, including the Physician, Nurses, Clinical Social Worker and the Discharge Planner.
• Develops appropriate treatment plan and priorities based on patient assessment and diagnosis and history of substance abuse.
• Collaborates with the Clinical Director to establish short term and long term goals for the department.
• Evaluates patient progress, goal attainment and need for further services following discharge, accesses available resources to support the continuum of care in conjunction with other health care providers and the patient.
• Appropriately revises treatment plan, priorities, and goals based on reassessment.
• Provides supportive interventions to assigned patients and/or family members.
• Provides assistance to the Discharge Planner as needed in coordinating referrals to ongoing treatment services.
• Recommends appropriate method or methods of therapy including individual, couple, family or group.
• Effectively leads therapy groups within the framework of the Wellness and Recovery philosophy.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Utilizes appropriate community such as Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Ala-teen, alcohol rehabilitation facilities or any health or welfare agency that would benefit the patient/family in their recovery process.
• Identifies therapeutic resources through research and negotiation of service.
• Assesses the patient and family educational needs and abilities and provides appropriate education.
• Provides patients and families or significant others with education related to substance abuse and the addictive process as clinically indicated and appropriate.
• Provides patients with necessary alcoholism and drug information utilizing books, pamphlets and other reading materials.
• Maintains knowledge of and professional relationship with agencies providing community and mental health services.
• Serves as liaison with agencies to ensure patients receive needed services.
• Reports possible abuse cases to appropriate agencies for investigation and follow-up.
• Reviews laws, statutes and regulations to keep current with new information and understand the report process.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses.
• Reviews professional and clinical literature to facilitate evidence-based practice.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in the assessment of patients and in the coordination of care to assure the achievement of optimal outcome.
• Attends at least 50% of staff meetings.

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology required
• Master's degree in Social Work required
• Minimum of 3 years related experience, with one year in an inpatient or residential setting working with individuals experiencing co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders required
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) / New Jersey
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention certification required.  New hires must receive certification within 3 months of hire.  Renewal certifications will be completed every 2 years
• Strong professional, organizational, and interpersonal skills to effectively relate with all members of the healthcare team

CentraState Healthcare System, a partner of Atlantic Health System, is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, community-based health system that provides comprehensive health services in the central New Jersey region. In addition to offering a full range of leading-edge diagnostic and treatment options, CentraState serves as a valuable health partner focused on the latest ways to prevent disease, promote healthy behaviors, and help people of all ages live life well. Based in Freehold, CentraState is comprised of a 284-bed acute-care hospital, a vibrant health and wellness campus, three award-winning senior living communities, a charitable foundation, and convenient satellite health pavilions offering primary care and specialty physician practices, along with access to outpatient services, such as lab and physical therapy. The system also offers a family medicine residency and geriatric fellowship training program in affiliation with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Among its many honors and accreditations, CentraState is one of less than two percent of hospitals nationwide to earn Magnet® designation for nursing excellence four times and was designated a Great Place to Work-Certified™ Company by Great Place to Work® for the second consecutive year.

When you bring your talent to CentraState, you are joining a trailblazing healthcare facility, committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused care. Join us in making incredible strides in health care, and making a difference in our community. We believe in enriching the lives of our employees through work/life balance initiatives, tuition assistance, career advancement opportunities and much more.

Find out why our employees love their jobs and being part of the CentraState family!

What We Offer:

• Highly competitive compensation
• Excellent benefits package and rewards program
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• 401(a) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Life Insurance 
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Profit Sharing Program
• Growth Opportunity and Workforce Development Initiatives
• Continuing Education / Onsite Training
• A warm, welcoming company culture based upon mutual respect and a collaborative goal of providing excellent patient care
• Concierge Services with Work & Family Benefits
• Magnet recognized healthcare facility