Job Description
Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The DMC Counselor is a critical link between clients and staff of Free at Last, a leading Bay Area Peninsula-based nonprofit committed to rebuild the community from within, reclaiming addicts and giving people who failed in the past the chance to succeed in the future. The DMC Counselor is a certified registered substance abuse counselor responsible for maintaining an assigned caseload of Free at Last clients with substance abuse and/or co-current disorders. The DMC Counselor works as part of a team with all staff to enforce DMC policies/procedures, maintain program structure to avoid disallowances by funders, and provide a safe environment for clients and staff.
DUTIES PERFORMED:
· Conduct intakes and individual counseling sessions to identify client issues and develop individualized treatment plans with personal and program goals.
· Facilitate group therapy and education sessions.
· Provide ongoing client case management for an assigned caseload, including ongoing evaluation and charting progress toward each client’s individual treatment plan.
· Accurately complete and maintain all required paperwork for individual client files using proper grammar, and by established deadlines.
· Ensure all intake and discharge forms are completed according to established procedure.
· Create, enter and maintain accurate documentation/data using MS Office (Word, Excel), Avatar Analytics and other software in a timely manner.
· Complete work assignments in compliance with policies and procedures to avoid disallowances by funders for services provided (e.g., verify accuracy and completeness of data entry/paperwork).
· Ensure that each client’s weekly schedule meets a minimum of the required activities, groups, meetings, educational support, social outings, etc. as required for Drug Medi-Cal (DMC).
· Ensure all intake and discharge forms are completed according to established procedure and time frame.
· Participate in weekly Quality Management (QM)/Quality Improvement (QI) meetings to review charts, treatment plans, case management issues and consequences in accordance with DHCS licensing and certification then brainstorm appropriate problem-solving strategies with staff as needed.
· Review each client’s treatment progress to ensure individual goals fit the client, all program and DMC requirements are met, and each client is well-prepared for re-entry as needed.
· Supervise all client discharges and other major changes in client caseload.
· Work as part of a team to avoid Fraud, Waste and Abuse of resources that may result in disallowances by funders.
· Strengthen, establish and help maintain Free at Last’s network and communication channels with collaborating agencies regarding individual client’s intake, progress and discharge.
· Create positive relationships with clients and staff by building an atmosphere of healthy communication through planning and participation in activities focused on the principles of recovery.
· Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, collegiality, initiative and resourcefulness at all times.
· Attend required staff and inter-agency meetings and training sessions as required.
· Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, collegiality, initiative and resourcefulness at all times.
· Ensure each program building and area remain prepared for impromptu site visits by being kept clean, safe, neat, organized, well-decorated and repaired as needed.
· Work closely with the Program Administrator for information related to adherence to program and funding guidelines.
· Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT:
· High school diploma or GED equivalent.
· Current Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Certificate.
· Currently registered as a substance abuse counselor with an accredited agency recognized by the State of California.
· Ability to pass and maintain Adult, Infant and Child CPR certification.
· Ability to pass and maintain First AID certification and TB test.
· Valid California Driver’s License and safe driving record.
· Maintain current required auto insurance for assigned transportation duties.
· Ability to transport/accompany clients to/from appointments at referral agencies in assigned program vehicle and in accordance with established Policy on Business-Related Driving.
· Strong interest in working with clients in recovery.
• 2 or more years of experience as a substance abuse Counselor managing a client caseload and providing direct services to clients, including intakes, individual/group counseling and education sessions, and crisis prevention and management.
• Demonstrated experience developing treatment plans and working in a multi-disciplinary substance abuse recovery environment.
• Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) experience is highly desirable.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
· Knowledge and familiarity with East Palo Alto community and/or other ethnically diverse communities highly desirable.
· Ability to work effectively with clients, staff and people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions.
· Strong computer skills with proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel).
· Excellent oral/written communication skills and strong use of correct English language usage and grammar.
· Ability to complete written documentation accurately and legibly using correct English grammar and before established deadlines.
· Ability to communicate regularly with supervisor, staff and volunteers, submit activity information, take constructive feedback and enact direction as assigned.
· Ability to read and interpret documents such as schedules, written internal communications policies, operating and maintenance instructions, and policy and procedure manuals.
· Ability to adhere to program policies and procedures and assigned work schedule.
· Ability to manage alphabetical and numerical computerized and paper files.
· Excellent time management skills.
· Team player with the ability to be flexible and work under pressure.
· Caring and compassionate.