Outpatient Counselor (LADC/ADC-T)

Job Summary: Counselors provide critical and direct client therapeutic counseling, and assessment services. They provide daily supervision of clients and coordinate and provide clinical services. Success through counseling processes is a result of innovation and creativeness, flexibility, and a willingness to apply learned practices and experiences effectively. Flexibility and effective time management practices are a must. Counselors require self-confidence, creativity, and the ability to exercise individual discretion or judgment. Sound organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks are a must. They must be able to devote the time and energy required ensuring sessions are complete, positive, and reinforcing to clients, support agencies, and the community. They must be able to dissolve and resolve conflict with staff and within the client structure. They must possess a high level of crisis tolerance, and the ability to work through crisis situations in a professional, therapeutic, and positive manner. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Assist Program Manager in conducting screening and intake interviews with potential clients and referral sources to assess for appropriateness of placement and eligibility for admission.
2. Complete the required documents for admission to the program including the Individual Abuse Prevention Plan, Initial Services Plan, and Release of Information forms. 
3. Describe program guidelines and expectations to clients. Provide clients in a timely manner with information and understanding of their client rights, and any other information deemed necessary by Progress Valley or licensing agencies. 
4. Complete appropriate assessments and develop a diagnostic evaluation that allows for an integrated approach to treatment planning. 
5. Work with clients to identify and evaluate their strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences with the goal to develop an individualized treatment plan. 
6. Work with the client to establish immediate and long-term treatment goals and objectives; decide on a treatment process and the resources to be utilized.
7. Assist clients and families (when deemed necessary) in achieving their treatment goals and objectives by utilizing appropriate therapeutic methods and recognized best practices. 
8. Provide case management that brings services, agencies, resources, or people together within a planned framework of action toward the achievement of established goals.
9. Develop curriculum for and facilitate therapeutic, behavioral, and educational group sessions (including lectures).
10. Identify with the client any needs (of client) which cannot be met by Progress Valley and assist the client to utilize the support systems and community resources available to them.
11. Develop and present relevant alcohol and other drug abuse and co-occurring information to clients, family, and community members through formal educational presentations.
12. Recognize client crises and implement an appropriate course of action.
13. Individualize counseling in accordance with cultural, gender, and lifestyle differences.
14. Make appropriate and timely referrals when necessary.
15. Provide timely and accurate documentation which includes, but is not limited to, client assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other client-related data. 
16. Consult with other internal staff and/or external professionals in regard to client treatment and services to ensure comprehensive, quality care for the client. 
17. Adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies related to the protection of client confidentiality.
18. Monitor and approve the use of client privileges.
19. Participate in staff meetings, clinical staff meetings, training, and other meetings as assigned. Remain current on licensing requirements.
20. With the clinical team, ensure daily clinical availability, including emergency and on-call coverage.
21. With program staff, ensure 24/7 staff coverage of the facility.
22. Participate in continuing education and training in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.
23. Plan and participate in client/alumni activities/events, family and community education, and other outreach/marketing functions as directed. 
24. Promote positive action between clinical and administrative staff.
25. Assist director in developing, revising, and enforcing management and operational policies and procedures, as required.
26. Attain, maintain, and promote a positive, safe, harmonious, productive, and challenging work environment. 
27. Maintain a favorable driving record (favorable is left to the interpretation of the employer and any agent acting on behalf of the employer.) 
28. Collect urinalysis samples and perform breath analysis tests for clients, as needed.
29. On-call coverage rotation.
30. Perform other tasks/duties as assigned by the supervisor or management.

Authority:

Has the authority to admit and discharge clients under the supervision of the Program Manager and Director of Operations and with input from the clinical team.

Qualifications:

• CD license in the state of MN (ADC-T or LADC).  
• 4-yr. degree in CD Counseling or related field, or equivalent training and experience preferred.
• Must have completed or obtain 12 hours of training in co-occurring mental health problems and substance use disorder.
• Must be able to pass DHS Rule 11 background check.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be computer literate.
• Ability to structure time well and develop priorities.
• Ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds. 
• Positive driving record (periodic review of driving record required). 
• Valid state driver’s license. 

Physical Requirements: Repetitive movement of hands and fingers – typing and/or writing. Occasional standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, or crouching. Reach with hands and arms. Ability to communicate, converse with, and exchange information.

Note: Although management makes every effort to accommodate individual preferences, business needs may at times make the following conditions mandatory; overtime, shift work, work during a holiday, a rotating work schedule, a changed work schedule or a work schedule other than Monday through Friday.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an inclusive list of responsibilities, but a guide to basic areas of responsibility. Other tasks may be assigned from time-to-time by the supervisor and should be considered a part of this job description. All job descriptions are subject to periodic review. Any changes in job descriptions will be addressed to both the employee and supervisor.