Department of Administrative Services

In the Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Veterans' Affairs this class is accountable for providing specialized counseling services to clients in a behavioral health treatment program.

Works under the supervision of a Supervising Addiction Counselor or other health care professional of a higher grade.

Provides counseling services to alcohol and drug dependent clients; screens clients to determine eligibility for programs; assesses strengths, weaknesses and treatment needs; orients clients to treatment program; participates in treatment planning and individual and/or group counseling; responsible for case management activities; provides crisis intervention services in response to emotional and/or physical distress; makes referrals to outside or other programs for medical and/or psychological intervention; maintains confidential reports and records of client data; represents program at community events and seminars; educates clients on substance abuse issues and availability of resources; consults with service providers to assure comprehensive integrated care; may escort clients; may provide coverage duties; may collect urine for drug screening; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of physical, psychological, social, family and economic effects of substance abuse; knowledge of counseling principles and techniques; knowledge of community resources; knowledge of confidentiality provisions; some knowledge of infectious diseases; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to gather, analyze and evaluate information pertinent to treatment, diagnosis and rehabilitation of an individual.

Certification from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor and three (3) years of experience involving risk reduction education and counseling to assist alcohol and drug dependent individuals.

1. Licensure from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor may be substituted for the General Experience.
2. For state employees three (3) years as a Certified Addiction Counselor Trainee may be substituted for the General Experience.

1. Incumbents in this class must retain the certification and/or licensure outlined above.
   
2. Individuals recovering from addiction to alcohol or drugs are required to have two (2) years of substance free time to be considered for a position in a substance abuse program.
   
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to speak a foreign language or be fluent in American Sign Language.
   
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid driver's license.
   
5. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Incumbents in this class may be required to perform moderate amounts of lifting or restraining of patients and exposed to communicable and/or infectious diseases and risk of injury from assaultive and/or abusive patients.