Counseling Assistant

SUMMARY: National Capital Treatment & Recovery, formerly Phoenix House, a nonprofit substance use treatment facility in Arlington, VA is looking for a full-time Counseling Assistant to assist the Assessments and Admissions team in performing appropriate clinical functions in order to facilitate client movement between programs.

This position conducts substance abuse testing, COVID testing and assists in documentation. Position is for assisting clients with admission and movement in and between the organization's various programs. This is a full-time hourly position, working Monday-Friday 9am-5pm in our Assessments Office. *MUST HAVE ACTIVE CNA OR CSAC-A IN VIRGINIA* 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for assisting in orientation sessions for clients and documenting appropriate movement between phases
• Monitors client supervision, including taking vitals, urine drug screen and breathalyzers.
• Conduct COVID tests
• Assist assessors with documentation and chart compliance
• Assist staff and clients in maintaining adherence to posted schedule
• Coordinate information communication to ensure smooth transitions and dissemination of appropriate information
• Attend appropriate meetings, assembling information for staff and reporting any issues observed with the milieu
• Oversee communication of client’s medical concerns with the nurse and medical consultants
• Assist Assessors in contacting clients, referral sources, and parent (if applicable) about any client change in status
• Provide crisis intervention as needed
• Responsible for assuring program systems are employed according to Program’s policies and procedures
• Conducts Urine drug screens and random breathalyzers
• Document in staff log all significant client interactions, changes in behavior, medical or psychiatric interventions
• Complete Incident Reports for Program Manager as needed
• Contact referral sources and document in client log in cases of ATAs, AWOLs, and discharges
• Develop, implement and maintain leisure, social and spiritual program goals, objectives and actions to address areas of the whole person affected by addiction
• Assist Program Director to develop dynamic leisure, social and spiritual component to treatment
• Responsible for maintaining/monitoring activities and education schedule for clients and family
• Ensure that client informational boards are appropriate and current
• Maintain ethical standards and continued professional growth, including

a. Abide by Program and NCTR policy and procedures. Oversees staff understanding and compliance.

b. Ensure all CARF standards are instituted and maintained

c. Promote, in public and private contacts, the quality standards and ethical practices of NCTR staff.

d. Continue professional growth by attending workshops, trainings and staff

In-service trainings to increase skill and knowledge and to set appropriate example for staff

Maintain current licensure/certification including CES, CPR, First Aid, and Medication Management.

e. Maintain professional boundaries with staff and clients

f. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates degree in human services field or equivalent years working in addiction treatment field preferred
• Certification as a substance abuse counselor (CSAC-A, CAC, CSAC) or able to obtain within one year
• Certification in CPR, First Aid,
• Familiarity with 12-step recovery programs

§ Possess valid driver’s license and safe driving record

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

§ Ability to prepare and maintain required documentation

§ Ability to comply with state and federal regulations regarding confidentiality.

Knowledge of recreation therapy, family therapy and behavior management techniques

§ Ability to work and communicate with others

• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with clients
• Possess a thorough knowledge of various treatment methods and experience working with diverse populations.
• General computer knowledge and skills, including, but not limited to use of email and basic timekeeping
• Good written and verbal skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. In the course of performing this job, one typically spends time sitting, walking, climbing stairs, standing, carrying, climbing stairs, lifting up to 15 pounds, listening, speaking, typing, reading, and writing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.

National Capital Treatment & Recovery, formerly Phoenix House is an Equal Opportunity Employer