Methadone Counselor

Job Description

Provides screening, orientation, assessment, and counseling services to patients. Performs individual and group counseling to patients and families. Coordinates intakes and contributes to the treatment process.

Job Responsibility

• * Application / Assessment / Intake
  • Answers calls from individuals seeking information and assistance related to chemical dependency issues and/or problems. Offers basic information regarding chemical dependency and service availability; provides immediate crisis intervention if necessary; and completes pre-screening form and establishes intake appointments if requested.
  • Provides referrals for those not accepted into treatment.
  • Interviews applicants who request admission and completes CDC sections of Integrated Assessment form. Provides applicant with an overview of nature and goals of treatment; explores various treatment options available; explains system of levels of service.
  • Reviews information from Application/Assessment /Intake package and presents information to assigned interdisciplinary team at case conference.
  • Interviews patient and completes Biopsychosocial Addendum in order to obtain deeper understanding of individual, history of their chemical dependency, and their reason for seeking treatment at this time.
  • Completes a comprehensive diagnostic assessment.
  • Refers patients exhibiting opioid overdose and withdrawal signs and symptoms to medical staff for assessment and treatment as needed.
• * Treatment Planning
  • Interviews patients and coordinates efforts of Interdisciplinary Treatment Team to develop an Initial Treatment Plan. Refers patient in accordance with standards of care for more in-depth assessments regarding nutrition, HIV, voc/ed and life skill needs.
  • Continually reviews treatment plans with patients to ensure continued relevance and encourage attainment of goals.
  • Completes all quarterly, semiannual and/or annual treatment reviews, as required.
  • Updates treatment plan as necessary and appropriate and obtains all necessary signatures and approvals.
  • Completes HIV Risk Assessment on an annual basis for all patients receiving outpatient services, and provides follow-up in accordance with departmental policy.
  • Initiates discharge planning process. Finalizes aftercare plan and makes all necessary referrals. At the time of actual release, completes the Discharge Summary.
• * Case Management
  • Functions as a case manager with overall responsibility for providing oversight of treatment being provided, including the establishment and continued review of treatment goals; coordinating referrals and engagement in ancillary support services; and resolving any problems being experienced by patient.
  • Completes Financial Assessment Form on a semi-annual basis for all outpatients; follows up as necessary with collection and billing issues; and addresses outstanding balances in excess of program limits.
  • Serves as the primary contact with insurance carriers and managed care companies; ensures patients are appropriately certified.
  • Assists with obtaining entitlements. Monitors voc/ed involvement and compliance with WEP requirements and encourages patients to take advantage of voc/ed services and return to work.
  • Monitors toxicology testing, records all results in patient’s chart, addresses results with the patients, and initiates appropriate follow-up actions.
  • Functions as a patient advocate to assist with attaining all necessary services in an appropriate setting and within reasonable time frames.
  • Collaborates with family and/or significant others to develop support systems necessary to further treatment goals and positively impact on the individual’s ability to achieve/maintain recovery.
  • Monitors attendance at clinic and treatment activities; provides reminders of appointments as necessary; and follows up with missed visits.
  • Schedules clients for all appointments and activities and/or follow-up care in accordance with departmental policy and within expected time frames.
  • Provides patients with referrals to appropriate services in accordance with identified needs and assists patient with accessing desired services.
  • Initiates and facilitates movement of patients between the levels of care and provides necessary orientation, education, assistance and support.
• * Counseling
  • Establishes a therapeutic rapport with each patient assigned to his/her caseload.
  • Provides basic orientation to new patients regarding treatment, realistic expectations, treatment planning, and levels of care.
  • Provides individual counseling to patients in order to assist them with identifying problems and exploring potential solutions; setting realistic goals and developing implementation strategies; building upon their strengths; and motivating them to further their recovery.
  • Facilities group counseling sessions around specific topics of concern to patients such as womens or mens group, cocaine, etc.
  • Provides crisis intervention and support when necessary and appropriate. Counsels individuals regarding the value of completing treatment and adheres to the intervention policy of department in cases where patients are seeking to leave AMA.
  • Engages family members and significant others in the treatment process via individual, collateral, or group sessions.
• * Patient Education
  • Assists with identification of patient needs, development of appropriate educational activities, and the selection of materials.
  • Provides individual education and assistance to patients regarding a wide range of issues and in accordance with their identified needs and learning abilities.
  • Provides educational group seminars to patients regarding issues associated with chemical dependency, healthy living, and recovery in a manner which encourages participation in the process via questions, written assignments, role playing, etc.
  • Performs and/or assists with outreach activities designed to educate general public regarding chemical dependency and availability of treatment services as well as further program goals.
  • Assists patients with developing an awareness of resources and options open to them and following through with accessing desired services.
• * Enforcement and Emergency Situations
  • Monitors patient whereabouts and behaviors; enforces unit policy and procedures regarding appropriate behavior and appearance, loitering, smoking, toxicology testing, attendance at group sessions, participation in voc/ed activities etc.
  • Reports situations as necessary as well as follow through with patients, including initiation of disciplinary action where appropriate.
• * Documentation
  • Records all significant occurrences and events that impact upon patient and his/her treatment in the program.
  • Fully documents all activities, services, and referrals provided in accordance with departmental policies and procedures as well as patient’s response and ultimate outcome.
  • Completes all notes in accordance with policy; within specified timeframes; and in a comprehensive and professional manner that relates back to treatment goals.
  • Obtains all required consents and/or releases and ensures they are fully completed in accordance with applicable policies. Follows up as necessary to ensure requested information was forwarded appropriately.
  • Provides all documentation required by third party payors and maintains ongoing, open communications.
  • Completes departmental statistical reporting forms as required.
  • Enters OASAS PAS Admission and Discharge data into information system and completes any other required forms from other funding sources.
• * Professional Development
  • Knowledgeable about addictions and the various treatment alternatives, and a wide variety of addiction/recovery specific topics.
  • Knowledgeable about treatment resources available at Staten Island University Hospital and refers patients in accordance with identified needs.
  • Knowledgeable about treatment resources available in the community and refers patients in accordance with identified needs.
  • Attends all SIUH mandated in-service training sessions.
  • Participates in planning and development of specific in-service training sessions and professional departmental activities. Provides specific in-service training as assigned.
  • Participates in professional organizations and community activities related to chemical dependency.
  • Attends community based addiction specific training sessions, seminars and conferences in order to further improve professional skills and/or is engaged in a formal program of study related to furthering professional knowledge and credentials.
  • Obtains specific credentials within expected time frames or fulfills re-credentialing requirements as per specific licensure.
  • Attends and participates in staff meetings as instructed
• Performs related duties as required

*ADA Essential Functions

Job Qualification

• Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field, required.
• Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor-Trainee (CASAC-T) certification, required.
• Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) must be obtained within three (3) years of date of hire.
• Minimum of one (1) year work experience in Chemical Dependency, Behavioral Healthcare or Social Services, required.

*Additional Salary Detail
The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future.When determining a team member’s base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, negotiated contracts, budget and internal equity).