Chemical Dependence Advocate

**Sign On Bonus Opportunities**

Full-Time – 37.5 hours per week / 52 Weeks Per Year 

Grade 13

Monday - Friday: 3:00pm - 11:00pm

About the Position

Direct care position that requires a working knowledge of Chemical Dependency. The Advocate will assist residents in achieving their goals and objectives to help facilitate long-term sobriety and a lifestyle conducive to recovery. The Advocate is responsible for all regular duties of the Chemical Dependence Counselors which may include crisis intervention, transportation, supportive counseling, and overseeing other areas of personal recovery. Individuals in this position report directly to the Operational Program Coordinator.

Job Summary

This Advocate position is a direct care position that requires a working knowledge of the Disease Concept of Chemical Dependency. The Advocate will assist residents in achieving their goals and objectives to help facilitate long-term sobriety and a lifestyle conducive to recovery. The Advocate is responsible for all regular duties of the Chemical Dependence Counselors which may include crisis intervention, transportation, supportive counseling, and overseeing other areas of personal recovery. Individuals in this position report directly to the Operational Program Coordinator.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains progress notes and other individual case records to provide a chronology of a resident’s progress related to the goals established in the treatment plan and be sufficient to delineate the course and results of services.


• Prepare progress reports for attorneys, court, probation department, DSS and others.


• Prepare and maintain patient’s case file.


• Answer the telephone and relay messages in the absence of other staff.


• Maintain the area in a clean and professional manner.


• Conduct room searches and searches of personal property.


• Provides regular support, counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, and referral for on-going services for residents in the program.


• Supervises the daily schedule and program activities of the residents.


• Provides transportation for residents to appointments as needed.


• Maintains a good working relationship with treatment providers, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and the criminal justice system to ensure proper documentation and supervision is provided.


• Abides by the federal regulations relating to the confidentiality of resident records as set forth in 42 Code of Federal Regulations Part 2 and other applicable law.


• Keeps inventory of household supplies.


• Tracks the use of all medication taken by residents.


• Participates in weekly staff meetings, trainings and in-service as schedule.


• Facilitates education groups as schedule.


• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.


• Oversee the performance of daily housekeeping activities by residents.


• Administer, monitor and document resident medications.


• Plan and initiate constructive leisure time activities.


• Instill positive socialization and coping skills through role modeling.


• Provide satisfactory exchange of information with other staff members.


• Provide first aide in emergencies situations.


• Adhere to all policies and procedures as outlined in the OCO Policy and Procedure Manual.

Job Requirements:

• Must have the ability to relate to residents in a warm and non-judgmental manner.


• Must have thorough knowledge of chemical dependence, the treatment system and be able to relate to the population.


• Refer therapeutic problems to appropriate professional staff.


• Handle administrative duties requested by the Program Coordinator.


• Ability to communicate effectively in a written and oral manner.


• Continue professional development through agency sponsored and/or other relevant trainings.


• Possess a valid New York State Drivers License.


• Must be able to relate well and communicate effectively with clients and staff.


• Must possess good leadership skills and be able to plan and direct the work of others.


• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and be able to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.


• Must have good oral and written communication skills and have effective administrative/documentation skills.


• Must possess a valid New York State Drivers License with a good driving record within Agency policy and have access to a reliable vehicle for related travel and transporting residents; must complete and maintain Agency vehicle certification.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates Degree in Human Services or;


• High School Diploma or its equivalent and one year experience in an Alcoholism or Substance Abuse program, or;


• Some equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

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Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.