Senior Chemical Dependency Counselor

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

Evaluation and Assessment:

• Performs intake evaluations by direct interview of persons applying for treatment.  
• Assesses chemical use history including pattern, type, and amount of use of licit, prescription, or illicit substances.
• Assesses patients for symptoms of substance use disorder, psychosocial history including, motivation for change, and personal resources.
• Gathers family historical data concerning drug and alcohol usage, relationship, and current functioning; prepares oral and written clinical reports of interview.
• Prepares and submits written and oral reports with supervision.

*Percentage of time spent on this responsibility will vary based on role assignment.

Individual Counseling:

• Carries out counseling of SUD and COD patients within the structure of a comprehensive treatment plan.
• Demonstrates utilization of evidence-based practices and listening skills, empathy, confrontation and supportive skills, ability to monitor patient participation, engagement, and motivation.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate treatment with other members of interdisciplinary team.
• Establishes long-term counseling relationships with patients.

Group Therapy:

• Demonstrates ability to independently facilitate group therapy for persons with substance use disorders.
• Maintains a working knowledge of the concepts underlying group therapy.
• Develops creative group programming, organizing and managing group rosters and content specific documentation.

*Percentage of time spent on this responsibility will vary based on role assignment.

Collaboration of Care:

• Coordination of care and support for persons with substance use disorders with entities such as family, other health-related agencies, employers, criminal justice programs, and social service.
• Adheres to rules of confidentiality when communicating with outside providers.
• Coordinates appropriate referrals to community providers.

Case Records/Documentation:

• Maintains active case records including written strength-based treatment plans, problem-oriented progress notes, periodic updates of treatment plans, and appropriate documentation of incidents, discharge summaries, interagency communications, and correspondence.

Staff Development:

• Participates in program staff development and informational activities including:
  • Maintains continuing education in knowledge and skills affecting the discipline of substance use disorder counseling, and COD treatment, including attendance at in-service meetings.
  • Provides on-site teaching to multi-disciplinary students observing program components and therapy.
  • May give lectures/talks on specific topics to patients, and
  • their families.
  • Reports to clinical supervisor regularly for supervision of all clinical activity.
  • Regular program multidisciplinary staff/team meetings to review policy, and procedures as well as conduct case reviews.

Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to:

• Milieu supervisor
• Collaborative care sessions
• Mentor new staff and supervise interns
• Milieu management in clinic area
• Toxicology screen monitoring
• Assess patients for physical, behavioral signs of drug/alcohol use and perform BAC tests as needed.
• Preparing and administering toxicology screens
• Assist staff in assessing patient’s acting-out behavior, and develop a plan of action to help maintain the safety of other patients and staff in clinic.
• Provides supervision and consultation to Interns as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in a discipline related to human services required.
• 1+ years of related experience in substance use disorder treatment required.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Addiction treatment preferred. 
• Counseling theories and techniques preferred. 
• Clinical writing preferred. 
• Health and human services resources preferred. 
• NYS Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) or (CASAC-T) required.
• If CASAC-T upon hire, successful completion of examination and required hours to obtain full CASAC credential to remove the (T (training)) designation must be completed within 12 months of hire.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Classes). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.