Substance Abuse Counselor - CACII

Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries, Inc.; Georgia; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent child and family services agency in Georgia is seeking a Substance Abuse Counselor to provide therapeutic services and support clients based on their individual service plans. The role involves conducting assessments, managing documentation according to regulatory standards, and collaborating with a treatment team. Candidates must hold a relevant certification and have strong communication skills. This position supports a trauma-responsive environment and adheres to the agency’s core values.

Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age.
• Experience providing services under Georgia Medicaid and CMO guidelines (desirable).
• Willing to participate in training to become certified in agency preferred therapy modalities.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapeutic services within guidelines of clients’ service plans.
• Gather information for assessments including co-occurring disorders.
• Ensure documentation meets DBHDD and Medicaid requirements.

Skills

Clinical assessment skills

Strong written and verbal communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Problem solving ability

Ability to handle multiple tasks

Education

Certification by the Alcohol and Drug Certification Board of Georgia or the Georgia Addiction Counselor’s Association

Job description

Position Title

Substance Abuse Counselor

Reports To

Clinical Coordinator Community Counseling

Summary of the Job

The Counselor provides therapeutic services to the client within appropriate guidelines set forth by the client’s service plan, the agency, and any insuring parties when appropriate. The Counselor should be committed to Sanctuary practice utilizing tools that reinforce our shared language to create a trauma‑responsive culture.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Process new clients according to agreed procedures and standards, checking eligibility prior to first appointment.
2. Gather pertinent information for completion of appropriate assessments, including assessment for co‑occurring disorders.
3. Ensure documentation meets requirements of DBHDD, Medicaid and all Care Management Organizations (CMOs).
4. Complete documentation within a 24‑48 hour period.
5. Complete mental health assessments, develop service plans and crisis plans, and provide individual, group and family services as defined by best practice standards of the state and federal Medicaid Provider Manual. Monitor authorized service units.
6. Utilize personal safety plan for managing emotions and interactions with staff and clients.
7. Share information with the treatment team and be considered a part of the team.
8. Stay updated on all current Medicaid, licensing, contracting and accrediting requirements.
9. Provide the number of billable units assigned to the position.
10. Complete billing information on services within seven days of service provision through the agency’s designated information management and billing system.
11. See clients according to Counseling Center schedule.

Additional Responsibilities

1. Input authorization information for new and ongoing services.
2. Complete discharge summaries within 30 days of completion of services.
3. Assist in scheduling center appointments if assigned.
4. Assist in filing paperwork for the center in the clients’ charts.
5. Provide and document after‑care services as needed or appropriate.
6. Provide families/individuals with information regarding community and agency services.
7. Advocate on behalf of family issues, welfare of clients, and agency development.
8. Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and clients’ progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives.
9. Stay up to date on new developments in their field by reading professional literature, attending courses and seminars and establishing and maintaining contact with other social service agencies.
10. Coordinate with physician, nurse, CSS and client to manage the medication as needed.
11. Represent agency favorably at all time.
12. Lead training as assigned.
13. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

1. At least 21 years of age.
2. For Substance Abuse Counselor: Certification by the Alcohol and Drug Certification Board of Georgia or the Georgia Addiction Counselor’s Association as a CACII, GCADC‑II, GCADC‑III, CAADC or MAC.
3. Clinical assessment skills, ongoing individual and group therapy skills.
4. Problem solving ability; able to follow and implement procedures.
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
6. Proficient in agency required computer skills.
7. Trained or will be trained on the job in use of currently utilized assessment tools.
8. Understanding of public sector services and supports.
9. Experience providing services under Georgia Medicaid and CMO guidelines (desirable).
10. Time management and organizational skills.
11. Adequate training or experience to demonstrate possession of knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties and tasks assigned to this position.
12. Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
13. Willing to participate in training and consultation to become certified in agency preferred therapy modalities (i.e., Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF‑CBT); Juvenile Sex Offender).

Ongoing Qualifications

1. Agree to abide by all the policies, rules, guidelines and regulations of the Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries, Inc.
2. Exhibit tactfulness and good judgment in dealing with people.
3. Familiar with traditional Baptist tenets, customs and practices and shall maintain a compatible lifestyle.
4. Exhibit the Core Values of Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, Inc.
5. Utilize the Sanctuary Model of Care and conduct job responsibilities in a trauma‑responsive manner.
6. Meet all employee guidelines and qualifications as outlined by GBCH & FM, license, contracts and accreditation.
7. Have the ability to work in partnership with other members in a team approach.
8. Arrive to work on time and as scheduled.
9. Achieve and accomplish annual goals assigned by supervisor or provide acceptable documentation as to why goals were not met.
10. Understanding of confidential issues and protected information assigned under HIPAA.
11. Complete required staff development hours within the program, CPR, 1st Aid and approved emergency safety intervention training.
12. Annual physical.
13. Favorable MVR and fingerprint results.
14. Maintain valid State Driver’s License as required.