Counselor I/II/III (Master's Level)

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director/Supervisor, The Counselor III – Master's Level provides treatment and recovery services to participating clients, monitors, documents, and supports client treatment progress, maintains ethical and evidence-based care, and participates in and/or leads treatment team activities.

Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide coaching, consultation, training, or development of new or entry-level staff within their scope of practice.
• Conduct comprehensive substance use screening, assessment, care planning, and treatment activities, inclusive of co-occurring disorders
• Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with clients and treatment team.
• Provide evidence-based services (e.g., CBT, MI, DBT, Seeking Safety) to assigned group and/or individual caseload.
• Support clients with relapse prevention, life and coping skills, discharge and aftercare planning, and recovery support.
• Coordinate with medical providers, social services, and other community resources
• Monitor client progress and maintain accurate and timely treatment records and progress notes (e.g., daily activities, service entries, intake and discharge documentation, etc.)
• Perform toxicology testing, take and record vitals as needed, chart relevant information
• For Counselors assigned to residential programs, make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours on withdrawal management clients, document and record withdrawal symptoms.
• For Counselors assigned to residential programs, observe and document client self- administration of medications.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including but not limited to DMH, DHCS, SAPC, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, CARF, etc.
• Assist clients with benefits, housing, vocational, and community reintegration needs
• Respond to behavioral crises, medical emergencies, suicidal ideation, overdose including administration of anti-overdose medications as needed, or acute intoxication safely, within scope of practice.
• Occasionally provide transportation for clients including to DPSS and other linkages.
• Report and record any changes observed in client condition or behavior, including unusual incidents. Identify, report and assist with the management of emergencies.
• Participate in safety programming to promote client and staff safety. Maintain health and safety standards of facility.
• Attend and/or facilitate supervision, clinical meetings, and continuing education to maintain credentials.
• Participate in a lead capacity in treatment team meetings, case conferences, and program planning. Contribute to agency quality assurance and improvement initiatives.
• Maintain and model professional boundaries and standards. Treat clients with respect, care and concern. Comply with confidentiality requirements at all times.
• Maintain familiarity with BHS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations; performs job duties accordingly. Represent BHS well in all contacts.
• Courteously answer phones, appropriately directing calls and taking messages. Facilitate client external communication as approved by supervisor.
• Attend meetings and trainings, and participate in committees as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Counselor I – Master's Level Competencies and Performance Expectations:

• Ability to complete the above major tasks, duties and responsibilities
• Ability to demonstrate professional judgment and decision-making, including ability to recognize and seek out supervision and/or consultation when required
• Ability to demonstrate familiarity with and practice of 12 core competencies for SUD counselors
• Ability to demonstrate and apply knowledge of evidence-based practices, medications for addiction treatment, community resources, self-help support, and treatment philosophies, and advanced knowledge of co-occurring disorders
• Ability to effectively document in required note structures (e.g., SOAP, GIRP, etc.)
• Ability to recognize the symptoms and develop knowledge of appropriate treatment associated with substance use and co-occurring disorders (i.e., mental health, medical health, etc.)
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to a crisis within scope of practice including but not limited to overdose, behavioral challenges, contraband protocol, emergency codes, etc.
• Ability to screen and/or assess for acute intoxication and withdrawal symptoms within scope of practice
• Ability to meet productivity standards as assigned
• Ability to recognize personal biases within diverse populations. Maintain cultural sensitivity at all times.
• Ability to adhere to professional standards

Counselor II – Master's Level Competencies and Performance Expectations:

• Ability to complete the above major tasks, duties and responsibilities
• Ability to demonstrate professional judgment and decision-making, including ability to recognize and seek out supervision and/or consultation when required
• Ability to demonstrate familiarity with and practice of 12 core competencies for SUD counselors
• Ability to demonstrate working knowledge of evidence-based practices, medications for addiction treatment, community resources, self-help support, and treatment philosophies, and advanced knowledge of co-occurring disorders
• Ability to effectively document in required note structures (e.g., SOAP, GIRP, etc.)
• Ability to recognize the symptoms appropriately treat substance use and co-occurring disorders (i.e., mental health, medical health, etc.)
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to a crisis within scope of practice including but not limited to overdose, behavioral challenges, contraband protocol, emergency codes, etc.
• Ability to screen and/or assess for acute intoxication and withdrawal symptoms within scope of practice
• Ability to meet productivity standards as assigned
• Ability to recognize personal biases within diverse populations. Maintain cultural sensitivity at all times.
• Ability to adhere to professional standards

Counselor III – Master’s Level Competencies and Performance Expectations:

• Ability to complete the above major tasks, duties and responsibilities
• Ability to demonstrate and model professional judgment and decision-making, including ability to recognize and seek out supervision and/or consultation when required
• Ability to demonstrate advanced knowledge and practice of 12 core competencies for SUD counselors
• Ability to demonstrate and apply advanced knowledge of evidence-based practices, medications for addiction treatment, community resources, self-help support, and treatment philosophies, and co-occurring disorders.
• Ability to effectively document in required note structures (e.g., SOAP, GIRP, etc.)
• Ability to recognize the symptoms appropriately treat substance use and co-occurring disorders (i.e., mental health, medical health, etc.)
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to a crisis within scope of practice including but not limited to overdose, behavioral challenges, contraband protocol, emergency codes, etc.
• Ability to screen and/or assess for acute intoxication and withdrawal symptoms within scope of practice.
• Ability to meet productivity standards as assigned, and coach others in meeting productivity standards within scope of practice.
• Ability to recognize personal biases within diverse populations. Maintain cultural sensitivity at all times.
• Ability to adhere to professional standards.