Therapist, Substance Use

This Adult Outpatient Program is an outpatient substance abuse program designed for consumers who have a substance abuse diagnosis. Services include, but are not limited to, supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, systematic therapy, behavior modification, skills training, and relapse prevention.

Primary Job Functions:

Clinical Responsibilities

• Provides and updates effective clinical assessment for the patient utilizing assessment data to support a DSM IV-TR diagnosis
• Formulates appropriate treatment plan along with patient
• Provides individual, group, and family therapy, utilizing basic therapeutic models and theories according to patient needs as stated in the treatment plan
• Provide HIV services including assessment, counseling, education, and testing
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize the elements of a crisis state and knows how to deescalate or resolve the situation
• Effectively collaborates with the treatment team and outside sources in the delivery of clinical services
• Evaluates the patient for discharge planning
• Adheres to professional code of ethics
• Effectively demonstrates the application of substance abuse specific competencies

Supervision and Consultation:

• Seeks clinical supervision and consultation as needed.
• Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement.
• Actively works to enhance clinical skills.

Clinical Record Keeping:

• Documents in a timely fashion per AltaPointe policy.
• Documents appropriate, complete and clinically comprehensive updates of assessments.
• Documents in a clear and concise manner, types of patient problems, treatment goals addressed, services, and techniques used.
• Documents measurable and specific goals in the treatment plan.
• Documents case disposition, case closings, follow-up and referrals.
• Documents legibly.

Case Load Management:

• Effectively manages caseload based on patient needs.
• Meets AltaPointe productivity standards.

Courteous and respectful towards patients, visitors, and co-workers:

• Treats patients with care, dignity, and compassion.
• Respects patient’s privacy and confidentiality.
• Is pleasant and cooperative with others.
• Assists patients and visitors as needed.
• Personal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for others.
• Is sensitive to the patient needs, expectations, and individual differences.
• Is gentle and calm to patients and families.

Administrative and Other Related Duties as Assigned:

• Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities.
• Actively participates in AltaPointe committees as required.
• Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Complies with AltaPointe policies and procedures.
• Attends to required in-service training and other workshops.
• Assesses appropriate community resources according to patient needs.

Master’s degree in a mental health discipline.  Knowledge of substance use disorder specialty and Certified in HIV Education, Counseling and Testing as outlined below, to be attained within (6) six months of employment.

• Knowledge of the nature of substance use disorder as a primary illness. 
• Knowledge of gender specific issues relative to substance use disorder.
• Knowledge of Substance Use Disorder treatment principles.
• Knowledge of twelve-step support groups such as AA, NA, CA, Celebrate Recovery, and other self-help groups.
• Knowledge of the dynamics of co-dependency and other typical behaviors patterns of those in early recovery, such as denial and manipulation.
• Understands the behavioral, psychological, physical health and social effects of psychoactive drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, on the patient and significant others.
• Knowledge of helping strategies for reducing the negative effects of substance abuse and dependency and how to tailor strategies and treatment modalities to the patient based on the stages of change.
• Knowledge of medical and pharmaceutical resources in the treatment of substance related disorders.
• Knowledge of cultural diversity.
• Basic knowledge of psychiatric disorders in the adult population for referral purposes or co-occurring diagnosis treatment.
• Knowledge of the risk for illnesses among IV drug users such as HIV/AIDS, T.B., and Hepatitis C.
• Basic knowledge of the criminal justice system including court hearings, judges, court referral officers, probation officers if applicable.
• Knowledge of behavior management, and crisis intervention with people living with substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS education, counseling, and testing.
• Knowledge of substance use disorder opioid and alcohol medication assisted treatment medications and their expected clinical.