Drug and Alcohol Counselor

The Counselor will work under the supervision of the Program Director in providing drug and alcohol services to a maximum eight (8) adult female clients in a residential setting. Services rendered include interviewing, screening, intake, assessment, treatment planning, chart management, case consultation, individual and group therapy, family and couple sessions, teaching seminars, conducting house meetings, documentation and record keeping, case management, community networking, attending trainings, staff meetings, treatment team meetings, aftercare planning, resource coordination, researching clinical topics, clerical support, and resident follow-up. This position will also require on-call responsibilities after business hours and on weekends when assigned, on a rotation.

Develop, research, lead life skills and program-related seminars to clients. Monitor resident self-administration of medications when needed and consult with prescribing physicians as necessary.

Represent the program at community settings by attending provider meetings, community functions, and outreach efforts. Supervise support staff and daily operations when the Program Director is unavailable. Coordinate and establish working relationships with community agencies and volunteers. Train interns and volunteers as needed.

Demonstrate a friendly approach and the ability to put clients at ease, whatever their physical, social, or emotional needs. Respect for clients, their families, and agencies affiliated with clients. Exercise patience and the ability to stay calm and appropriate due to the high level of emotional intensity, hostility, and anxiety from emotionally unbalanced clients. A good knowledge of the 12 steps and how to apply them to everyday living. Willingness to self-educate, invest, and adapt to the knowledge and research in the field addressing various counseling techniques, approaches, and best practices. Ability to de-escalate crisis and resolve conflict. Ability to make quick sound judgments and decisions, especially regarding safety.

The physical demands described here are representative of the demands that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential job functions of this position. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be considered. Use of hands, wrists, and fingers and lifting or moving up to 25 pounds will be required. Movements such as stooping, crouching, bending, kneeling, reaching, and climbing will be required. The majority of the workday will include high levels of fast-paced walking, climbing steps, pacing, standing, typing, and driving. There will be sitting occasionally. Sudden and loud noises can be heard throughout the day as well as arguing and intense emotional responses from clients. Fast-paced environment, with high levels of distractions and multitasking. Must have an eye for detail, ability to stay on track, and follow a typed or written schedule and checklist.

Counselors usually work dayshift four days a week and midday shift one day a week to accommodate evening hours and residents who work, Monday through Friday. The facility is a residential building providing a personal and home-like setting. All staff must adhere to seasonal dress code.

Master’s Degree with a major in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, nursing (with a clinical specialty in human services) or other related field which includes a practicum in health or human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting. Or, Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college with a major in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, nursing (with a clinical specialty in human services) or other related field and 1 year of clinical experience (a minimum of 1,820 hours) in a health or human service agency, preferable in a drug and alcohol setting.

CPR/First Aid Certification, CADC/CAADC Certification (Can be obtained while employed).

Willingness to complete mandatory core state trainings as required by the State in PCPC, Confidentiality, HIV/AIDS and TB/STD's, Ethics as well as any other training requirements or suggestions related to staff development.

If recovering, two years of uninterrupted time free from chemical or alcohol abuse.

Catholic Charities requires State Police, Child Line, FBI Clearances, valid PA Driver’s license, UPITT Youth Protection Training and adequate auto insurance according to agency policy. Physician note stating employee is free of communicable diseases. Competitive salary and excellent benefits. EOE. Website: www.cchbg.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $21.51 per hour

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person