Job Title: Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Description: Provides individual and group counseling services to meet the developmental, preventive, and remedial needs of the client. Consults with client, parents, and other treatment providers to assist in meeting the needs of the client. Coordinates counseling services for the client and assists with the coordination and implementation of additional services. Adheres to ethical standards of the counseling profession, and abides by the laws, policies, and procedures set forth by Winchester Community Mental Health Center, Inc.

Supervisor: PHP/IOP Supervisor/ Clinical Director

Job Duties and responsibilities:
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients’ treatment.
• Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, and help them to develop insight into themselves and their relationships.
• Guide clients in the development of skills and strategies for dealing with their problems.
• Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.
• Counsel clients to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes.
• Collect information about clients through interviews and observation.
• Act as client advocates in order to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
• Refer patients, clients, or family members to community resources or to specialists as necessary.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and clients’ progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives.
• Plan, organize and lead structured programs of counseling, work, study, recreation and social activities for clients.
• Modify treatment activities and approaches as needed in order to comply with changes in clients’ status.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field and one year of related field experience working with substance abuse counseling/addiction services.

Knowledge/Skills/Qualifications: Ability to listen effectively; knowledge of factors which may contribute to addiction, substance abuse, and recovery; knowledge of behavioral management techniques; general knowledge of community resources and services; knowledge of crisis intervention strategies; good problem solving skills; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.