Certified Addiction Counselor (40 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Southeastern Mental Health Authority (SMHA) seeks qualified individual for the position of Certified Addiction Counselor (PCN26116) Wellness Recovery Advocacy Program, Norwich, CT,  Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  This is a full time, 40 hours per week position. 

The Certified Addiction Counselor will provide counseling and case management services to clients suffering from substance abuse and mental health concerns.

In this role you will:

• Provides counseling and case management services to clients suffering from substance abuse and mental health concerns;
• Orients clients to treatment programs, participates in treatment planning, assists staff with treatment plans for clients with substance abuse issues, recommends interventions regarding substance abuse concerns, educates staff on substance abuse issues;
• Responsible for case management activities such as recovery plans, all WRAP team required documentation (including WITS notes and other clinical records);
• Maintains confidential reports and client data records;
• Conducts staff training and provides assistance with substance abuse issues;
• Serves as a representative on the Agency's Substance Abuse Steering Committee;
• Acts as a liaison with other teams and community-based agencies;
• Prepares reports and correspondence;
• Facilitates substance abuse groups for WRAP clients;
• Provides individual counseling services for alcohol and drug dependent clients;
• Coordinates counseling services for clients;
• Helps clients in identifying and getting to self-help groups in the community and accessing higher level of care substance abuse treatment/services, such as inpatient detox, rehab, residential programs, half-way houses, partial and intensive outpatient programs;
• Provides substance abuse training and education to SMHA staff in order to ensure that their interventions and services are stage appropriate;
• Engages clients in discussions about the role of Medication Assisted Treatment so that they can participate in informed discussions with their prescriber(s) regarding this treatment option;
• Works with clients in completing Decisional Balances and Relapse Prevention Plans, when clinically indicated.

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume in the 'Resume Tab' of your application.  You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system. Applicants invited to interview may be requested to supply the following: Certification OR License from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor and copy of driver's license. 

Please be advised the applicants new to state service start at the bottom of the salary range.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Edra Knight, Edra.Knight@ct.gov, (860) 418-6866.

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.

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.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.