Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD) Counselor

Full Job Description

The purpose of this position is to provide quality chemical dependency counseling to youth ages 12 to 17 years of age with substance use/chemical dependency/co-occurring problems.

Serves actively and constructively as a member of the multi-disciplinary treatment team, supports the organization and program philosophy of care; ensures the safety and well-being of each resident.

The incumbent reports to the Clinical Director of Sacred Oaks Healing Center.

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social).

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: Behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position; or combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field; or four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-9) in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: provide substance use disorder counseling; recognize and respond to deviations from normal behavior and identify problematic behaviors of patients; prepare accurate written case documentation involving multiple treatment goals; assess needs of patient, provide counseling in recognition of their substance use and misuse, and recommend techniques and goals during the treatment phase; teach therapeutic techniques in prevention and intervention for substance use disorders to assist patients in the recovery process; and review and analyze biopsychosocial history to develop treatment plans.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: In addition to the Basic and Minimum requirements, you must currently hold at least one of the following certifications in order to be qualified for this position: Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor II or higher Certification; Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC); International Certified Alcoholism or Drug Counselor Certification (ICADC or AODC); and/or a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor.

A copy of the license/certification must be submitted with your application. Your license/certification must be maintained during employment.

Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level.

Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Major Duties:

Provides thorough assessment, counseling, and consultation services to residents who present for care with substance use risk factors and/or disorders.

Interviews individuals and family members to explore and analyze factors influencing personality development and family structure in relation to the development of symptomatic behavior patterns and complicated interpersonal problems.

Independently devises workable treatment plans (e.g.

individual counseling, family counseling, referral for higher level treatment, etc.) and provides direct treatment using a wide variety of techniques for the resolution of personal, social, or environmental difficulties related to substance use disorders.

Provides individual, family, and group counseling according to treatment plan established by interdisciplinary team.

Coordinates with community referral resources in the development of specific treatment programs. Makes referrals to other social or medical resources, as appropriate.