Substance Abuse Counselor I

Alamance County Government; North Carolina; On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Alamance County Government seeks a dedicated professional to provide counseling and coordination for individuals with substance use concerns in the detention setting. You will assess, plan, and connect clients to community resources, while supporting recovery and successful reentry into the community.

You will maintain records, collaborate with jail health teams, and advocate for clients' safety and well-being throughout treatment and post-release transitions.

Qualifications

• Experience in criminal justice settings such as jails or detention centers.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders and treatment resources.
• Ability to develop clear, goal-oriented treatment plans and document work thoroughly.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, and healthcare providers.

Responsibilities

• Engage individuals in jail or detention centers and maintain professional relationships.
• Coordinate and connect clients to community services within 7 days of release.
• Assist with scheduling initial treatment appointments and transportation when needed.
• Provide interventions that promote safety, self-worth, coping skills, and recovery goals.
• Document services in required records and assist with authorizations as instructed.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with laws, regulations, and county policies.
• Participate in Jail Mental Health and Pre-Trial team meetings.

Skills

Substance use counseling

Case management

Assessment

Crisis intervention

Communication

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Four years of experience in a criminal justice environment

Job description

The primary responsibility for this position is to provide consultation and coordination for individuals detained in the Alamance County Detention Center with a history or current problematic substance use concern; prioritizing those with opiate addiction and identify treatment and resource needs in the community to maximize opportunities for success in recovery. This position serves as an advocate for the person supported. Performs a wide range of tasks to assist with successful community reentry post -incarceration. Work involves providing assessment, case management, and supportive counseling to people in the detention center making appropriate referrals and connections, processing and maintaining forms and records, and arranging for the provision of services per existing laws, rules, and regulations. This position will utilize interventions that are individualized and strength-based while focusing on promoting recovery, symptom reduction, increased coping skills, and achievement of the highest level of functioning in the community. This position functions as a role model of competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills.

• Engage with individuals while in jail, detention center, or engaged in treatment, as early as possible and maintain a professional relationship throughout the provision of services.
• Establish and maintain contact with individuals within 7 days of release-by telephone and in-person visits to understand and assist with connection to community services.
• Assist individuals in scheduling and getting to initial inpatient or outpatient appointments to establish the individual in treatment services.
• Provide interventions that promote the individual’s personal safety, self-worth, confidence, growth, connection to the community, boundary setting and planning, self-advocacy, personal fulfillment and development of social supports, and effective communication skills.
• Provide intervention strategies to individuals and their families per the individual’s service plan, agency treatment philosophy, and governing standards.
• Engage individuals in activities aimed to assist in a wide range of skill development, symptom management, wellness, education, and work readiness when appropriate.
• Document the provision of services in the appropriate form.
• Monitor and help manage the presenting psychiatric and/or addiction symptoms.
• Maintain and submit accurate and timely documentation including all medical record requirements and assist with service authorizations as instructed.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with governmental laws and regulations, as well as county policies and procedures.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor.
• Participates in:

1. Jail Mental Health team
2. Pre-Trial team meetings
3. Other committees or councils as recommended by immediate supervisor

This position will also be required to staff emergency shelters as mandated by the State Public Health Office, assist with Public Health outbreak investigations and response, and perform additional duties as required by the Nursing Supervisor, Nursing Director, Medical Director and Health Director.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and four years of experience working in a criminal justice environment within a correctional facility, jail-based substance abuse treatment program, or a community-based substance treatment program that serves offenders adjudicated through the criminal justice system after credentialing has been obtained.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Valid N.C. driver's license and have access to a personal vehicle. Credentialed as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), or an equivalent credential from a governing authority, recognized by the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Fluent in Spanish and English both oral and written is preferred but not required.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Working knowledge and application of the substance use disorder processes, including psychological and physical withdrawal.

Working knowledge of psycho pharmacy and drug interactions.

Working knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, and treatment related to decisions regarding clinical interventions and appropriate therapies based on medical and psychological diagnoses.

Thorough knowledge and application of therapeutic approaches including group dynamics, crisis interventions, and family therapy, and behavioral intervention therapy for substance use disorders.

Through knowledge of community support groups and resources for individuals with substance use disorders.

Skill in evaluating and screening clients for appropriate treatment and referrals.

Skill in formulating clear, goal-oriented treatment plans, and concise record documentation.

Skill in developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships to include effective oral and written communication with team members, clients and other healthcare providers.

Ability to recognize co-occurring disorders and make appropriate mental health referrals while actively continues providing substance use disorder counseling.

Ability to serve as a resource/peer consultant.

Individuals need to possess and meet the following agency essential values:

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Compassion - Ability to show kindness, empathy and genuine care.
• Honesty - Ability to be truthful, maintain high level of confidentiality and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Integrity – Trustworthiness to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility or pledge
• Judgment – Ability to use good judgment and discretion as it relates to following policies and procedures.
• Safety-Minded – Creating a safe work environment; managing risks; reducing exposure liabilities.
• Teamwork – Ability to work with others successfully and productively for the common cause and desired end goal.

A Message from Our Director – Alamance County Health (alamance-nc.com)

APPLICATION PROCESS: Visit www.alamance-nc.com, click “e-Services” then select “Jobs.” Click on the specified job title to view the announcement and click “Apply” to submit an online application. Call [phone] for questions or if unable to apply online.

SELECTION PROCESS: Selection will be by structured interview. Applications will be reviewed to select the best-qualified applicants for admission to interview.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.

O (Occasionally)Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)

F (Frequently)Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly)Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

Physical Demands

Stand F

Walk F

Sit F

Manually Manipulate O

Reach Outward O

Reach Above Shoulder O

Climb O

Crawl N

Squat or Kneel O

Bend O

Talk C

See C

Hear C

Lift/Carry

10 lbs or less O

11-20 lbs. O

21-50 lbs. O

51-100 lbs. O

Over 100 lbs. O

Push/Pull

12 lbs or less O

13-25 lbs. O

26-40 lbs. O

41-100 lbs. O

Other Physical Requirements

Vision (Near, Distance, Peripheral)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit ad use hands to use general office equipment.