Addictions Counselor

THE SALVATION ARMY 

North and Central Illinois Division – Harbor Light 

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

POSITION TITLE:                                                   Addictions Counselor 

LOCATION/DEPT:                                                  Harbor Light 

REPORTS TO:                                                        Unit Supervisor 

FLSA CATEGORY:                                                  Non-Exempt 

STATUS TYPE:                                         Regular Full Time

DEPARTMENT MISSION 

To provide each client with positive, professional and quality services; using policies, procedures and available systems to provide substance abuse treatment and support the Harbor Light Center in meeting the mission of The Salvation Army 

PROGRAM/CLIENT ENVIRONMENT 

The backgrounds of the clients served by The Harbor Light Program will manifest a variety of inappropriate behaviors.  When this occurs, employees are to respond within the context of the treatment environment of the site.  Employee conduct (actions, dress, etc) and interactions (conversations, written communications, etc.) with clients must also be within the treatment environment of the facility.      

OUTCOMES 

Clients with chemical dependency problems will receive holistic services for themselves and their and families.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Substance Abuse Treatment services are provided including individual, family, couples and group counseling. 
2. Within Unit policies, programs, and procedures, individual and/or group counseling to clients with addictions and related problems is provided; may be required to function as an intake worker when necessary.  
3. Client treatment plans are developed, reviewed and updated with the client; summaries of cases for consultation are prepared, aftercare plans are developed in discharge and referral and plans are followed up on. 
4.  Networking with other Salvation Army programs and outside agencies will provide quality options for clients in their treatment program. 
5. The multidisciplinary team approach and the milieu therapy program are actively participated in. 
6. Staff meetings are attended and counselor is involved in the Unit’s staff committees. 
7. Records are kept according to policy and statistical and other required reports are prepared.                                                           
8. Work on either of the two shifts of the Unit is agreed to as changes in shift assignment are made periodically by the Unit Coordinator. 
9. All other duties as assigned. 

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS 

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively and efficiently the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals. 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE 

• Certified in the State of Illinois as a Certified Additions Counselor (CADC).  
• A Bachelor’s Degree required. 
• Two years’ experience as a Counselor preferred. 

COMPENTENCIES 

• A commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army and an appreciation for faith based service organizations. 
• An interpersonal style that is service oriented as well as anticipates and responds to the needs of clients.  
• A flexible style that also displays a willingness to learn. 
• Able to work as a team member as well as independently. 
• An excellent attention to detail, procedures, processes and policies. 
• A communication and management style that exhibits the principals and values of the Army as well as fosters team relationships and effectively communicates information. 
• A demonstrated ability to manage projects, priorities and programs in a constantly changing environment. 
• Must be able to provide individual counseling group counseling to clients as well as assessment.   
• Ability to work cooperatively with supervisor, other clinical staff and support staff. 
• Must have a strong sense of integrity and be able to work with confidential material. 
• A “hands on” knowledge of how to effectively work with diversity in the workplace. 
• Well organized, attentive to time management and able to establish a separation of work and personal boundaries. 

POSITION LIMITATIONS 

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved. 
• This individual will keep the Unit Supervisor informed on all critical issues relating to his/her area of responsibility.   
• This individual will adhere to all Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• This position is required to do light physical work and must be able to walk up two flights of stairs and lift up to 25 lbs.   
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and PC.    
• The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low noise level.   
• Must be able to work with clients that have poor social skills, suffer from mental illness, and have substance abuse problems.