Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for the administration of the standard risk assessment and diagnostic testing instruments with the participants. Interviews participants, testing scores and prepares assessment reports. The Counselor also determines the level of care for the participant referring to ASAM criteria. Essential Job Functions are below:

• Administer, score, and interpret all required screening and assessment tools including but not limited to the TCU V Drug Screen and the Treatment Assignment Protocol (TAP).
• May also use other assessment and substance abuse evaluation tools to support level of care ASAM placement.
• Conducts screenings and assessments during the intake process and back-end screenings for standing populations.
• Interviews participants to collect additional data not covered by above assessment tools.
• Upload completed screenings and assessments to the Offender Case Management System (OCMS) and deliver the hard copies of screenings and assessments to Case Management.
• Scores and interprets results of assessment and testing tools.
• Prepares written reports based on results of assessment and testing tools.
• Will screen and assess patients for mental, chemical, and other factors to determine next steps.
• Report on interactions and escalate serious cases.
• Identify appropriate resources and connect clients to assistance.
• Work with clients over the phone, virtually or in person to determine the crisis and immediate needs.
• Participate in staffing regarding participants with other team members.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Once appropriate licensure has been obtained, the below functions may be added:

• Deliver treatment services to the participants.
• Conduct group and individual meetings.
• Evaluate the progress of the participants assigned.
• Work directly with the participants to develop and implement a treatment service plan.
• Work with the participant to create a support network for the participant’s pending return to the community.
• Initiate and sustain each participant’s motivation to participate in treatment, using techniques of engagement including therapeutic relationships, individual counseling, and brief interventions.
• Maintenance of individual client treatment files in accordance with agency policies and procedures, including documentation of vocational/educational activities as well as all other pertinent documentation and ensure files are securely stored.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Ability to understand a variety of models including cognitive behavioral therapy, theories of addiction and dynamics related to substance use and other criminogenic risk factors.
• Knowledge of offender populations, criminal subcultures, and cultural differences, substance abuse assessment tools, therapeutic community concepts.
• Ability to know and comply with program documentation requirements, applicable ethical and professional standards of conduct.
• Ability to conduct initial clinical assessments and/or evaluations which serve as the basis for diagnosis and treatment.
• Ability to provide services appropriate to the personal and cultural identity and language of the participant.
• Ability to tailor helping strategies and treatment modalities to the participant's stage of dependence, change or recovery.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner in both individual and group counseling settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in word processing programs, preferably MS Word, and spreadsheet programs, preferably MS Excel. Internet skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• High level of initiative.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Bilingual (fluent in English and Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from Maryland Department of Corrections.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain OIG and NSOPW Clearance 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Experience consisting of one (1) year of providing direct substance abuse counseling services to the criminal justice population preferred.
• Must possess at a minimum a bachelor’s degree in Human Services or Substance Abuse is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Must obtain one of the below within one (1) year of employment.
• Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT): ADT status is not a certificate or a license. ADT status is of limited duration and is meant to serve as an entry-level position for those pursuing careers in alcohol and drug counseling. Applicants must have a Board approved alcohol and drug supervisor before they can begin training. See COMAR 10.58.07.08. Generally, to be eligible for ADT status, one must have an associate degree from a Board approved regionally accredited educational institution in a health and human services counseling field or a field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board, including coursework in specific areas/topics. See COMAR 10.58.07.08 for specific requirements. OR
• Certified Supervisor Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD): To be eligible, one must have a bachelor’s degree from a Board approved regionally accredited educational institution in a health and human services counseling field or other field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board. In addition, one must have completed specific coursework, an internship, supervised clinical experience under the supervision of a Board-approved alcohol and drug supervisor, and passed the NCAC II and the Maryland law exam. See COMAR 10.58.07.06 OR
• CSC-AD: To be eligible for certification as a CSC-AD, one must have an associate degree from a regionally accredited educational institution approved by the Board, in a health and human services counseling field or a field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board. In addition, one must have completed specific coursework, including an internship, and passed the NCAC I and the Maryland law exam. See COMAR 10.58.07.07 for complete requirements. OR
• Certified Associate Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD): To be eligible, one must have a bachelor’s degree from a Board approved regionally accredited educational institution in a health and human services counseling field or other field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board. In addition, one must have completed specific coursework, an internship, supervised clinical experience under the supervision of a Board-approved alcohol and drug supervisor, and passed the NCAC II and the Maryland law exam. See COMAR 10.58.07.06

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in a correctional institution setting.
• Must be able to de-escalate situations in the program.

Who We AreSince 1973, WestCare has provided health and human services with a commitment to delivering high-quality and cost-effective services that empower people to transform their lives.THE MISSION.We are resolutely dedicated to the populations we serve, as well as our employees, and actively promote the wellness and empowerment of individuals, their families, and their communities.Our MissionWestCare empowers everyone with whom we come into contact with to engage in a process of healing, growth, and change benefiting themselves, their families, co-workers, and communities.Where Do We Serve?Proudly serving sixteen states, three U.S. territories, the Dominican Republic and the Republic of PalauWhat Do We Do?We're a family of nonprofit organizations that provide a wide range of health and human services to improve the lives of those in our communities. Our service domains include:Mental Health & WellnessTreatment & RehabilitationCriminal JusticeVeteran ServicesHousing OpportunitiesEducation & PreventionDomestic ViolenceEmergency Support

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