Residential Treatment Counselor

Alachua County; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Alachua County is seeking a Residential Treatment Counselor for the Metamorphosis Residential Treatment Program. The role involves assessing and counseling clients and families, maintaining records, and conducting screenings and education sessions within a therapeutic community.

A Bachelor's degree in a human services field or CAC certification is required, with strict background checks and credential maintenance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, special education, health education or related human services field.
• Two years of work experience in a behavioral health treatment program or possession of CAC certification.

Responsibilities

• Assess and counsel clients and families.
• Maintain client records and documentation.
• Conduct substance use screenings and psychosocial assessments.
• Provide individual and group counseling.
• Meet with community groups to inform them of County programs.

Skills

Addiction knowledge

Counseling theory

Interpersonal skills

Documentation

Community outreach

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

CAC certification

Job description

Bachelor's degree from and accredited university or college with a major in counseling, social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, special education, health education or related human services field and two years of work experience in a behavioral health treatment program; or must possess and maintain a current Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) certification throughout employment in this classification.

This is a grant funded position.

Employees are eligible for benefits but have no guarantee of permanent employment.

Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.

Must successfully pass a Level 2 background check as specified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This position requires a screening through the Clearinghouse https://info.flclearinghouse.com.

Must successfully obtain the FDLE Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Certification within 6 months of employment or upon assignment which requires access to the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Certification must be maintained as a condition of employment; re-certification required every two years. This is Level One certification.

A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.

This is professional counseling work assigned to the Metamorphosis Residential Treatment Program.

An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for assessing and counseling clients and families. Work also involves related responsibilities including maintaining client records, evaluation and assessment, individual and group counseling, conducting didactic and educational groups, and meeting with community groups to inform them of treatment programs.

The Residential Treatment Counselor is part of an integrated clinical team providing services for individuals served by the Alachua County Metamorphosis Residential Treatment Program. This is a therapeutic community, and the counselor must be knowledgeable of this model as it pertains to individuals with both substance use and mental illness disorders.

Work is performed under the general direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Exudes a positive customer service focus.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.

Utilizes a variety of evidence-based counseling strategies as well as ensures all clinical documentation requirements adhere to the standards set forth by the Florida Administrative Codes Chapter 65D-30.

Conducts substance use screenings and comprehensive psych-social assessments.

Maintains client records; counsels individuals and groups concerning addiction and recovery.

Participates in group discussions and seminars.

Informs local government and social service agencies such as parole, welfare agencies, hospitals or police regarding available resources for treatment.

Meets with local community groups such as churches, schools and business organizations to inform them of County substance abuse programs.

Submits written reports on the quality/quantity of work completed.

Performs case management functions.

Assists in the training of subordinate personnel.

Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

Drives a County vehicle to transport clients to scheduled appointments as well as other therapeutic group activities.

NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of the dynamics and problems of addiction, abuse, and treatment methods.

Knowledge of psychology counseling theory and practice with the ability to apply to substance abuse.

Knowledge of laws, developments, and literature in the field of addiction.

Knowledge of local public and private substance abuse programs and their requirements, and the available community resources helpful to clients.

Knowledge of community services provided by community public health agencies and hospitals.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Ability to counsel effectively with addicted clients and families.

Ability to relate goals and methods of substance abuse treatment to community groups and agencies.

Ability to prepare and submit narrative and statistical reports.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Work schedule of 40 hours per week may vary depending upon unit needs and could be a variety of hours and shifts including some evening and weekend hours.

Master's degree is desired.