AOD Counselor

Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) Counselor to join the WestCare team. In this position you will play a key role in the departments SUD program. These counselors deliver group therapy to an outpatient program for over a six-month period utilizing WestCare Foundation, Inc.'s Technical Proposal Maryland DPSCS Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services (BPM020644 23) and the Addiction Treatment Protocol (ATP) developed in-house, based on the federal cognitive model.

However, various intense treatments may be required in order to be able to address specific needs of the inmates, In addition, the group ATP treatment program. Your expertise will help clients develop healthier coping strategies, achieve recovery goals, and improve overall well-being. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives through evidence-based practices and empathetic care. (Seeking candidates for Jessup, Columbia & Hagerstown, MD)

Essential Job Functions:

• Administer, score and interpret all required screening and assessment tools including but not limited to the TCU Drug Screen, Treatment Assignment Protocol and the URICA.
• May also use the other assessment and substance abuse evaluation tools to support level of care ASAM placement.
• Conducts screenings and assessments during the intake process and back-end screenings for standing populations.
• Deliver treatment services to the participants.
• Conduct group and individual meetings.
• Evaluate the progress of the participants assigned.
• Work directly with the participants to develop and implement a treatment service plan.
• Work with the participants to create a support network for the participants pending return to the community.
• Initiate and sustain each participant's motivation to participate in treatment using techniques of engagement, including therapeutic relationships, individual counseling, and brief interventions.
• Maintenance of individual client treatment files in accordance with agency policies and procedures, including documentation of vocational /educational activities as well as all other pertinent documentation and ensure files are securely stored.
• General participant supervision includes planning and scheduling therapeutic activities.
• Maintain all information according to the laws of confidentiality as required by the Federal Register, General Provisions, Title 42, Chapter 1, Part 2, which prohibits making disclosures without the specific written consent of the client, or as otherwise permitted by such regulations.
• Participate in staffing regarding participants with the other team members.
• Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Must perform all other duties as assigned.

Essential Competencies:

• Ability to understand a variety of models including cognitive behavioral therapy, theories of addiction and dynamics related to substance use and other criminogenic risk factors.
• Knowledge of offender populations, criminal subcultures, and cultural differences.
• Ability to know and comply with program documentation requirements, applicable ethical and professional standards of conduct. Ability to interact in a professional manner in both individual and group counseling settings.
• Ability to conduct initial clinical assessments and/or evaluations which serve as the basis for diagnosis and treatment.
• Ability to provide services appropriate to the personal and cultural identity and language of the participants.
• Ability to tailor helping strategies and treatment modalities to the participants stage of dependence, change or recovery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in processing programs, preferably MS Word, Excel and spreadsheet programs along with an internet savvy skillset.
• Ability to work independently, hold a high level of initiative and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from Maryland Department of Corrections.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to obtain and maintain WestCare's vehicle insurance, which is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain OIG and NSOPW clearance.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements including but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local state, federal, and/or funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.
• Bilingual (fluent in English and Spanish) preferred.

Education and/or Experience:

• 1 year of providing direct substance abuse counseling services to the criminal justice population is preferred.
• Must possess, at minimum, an associate's degree in human services or Substance Abuse.

Licensure/Certification:

• Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT) - ADT status is not a certificate or a license. ADT status is of limited duration and is meant to serve as an entry-level position for those pursuing careers in alcohol and drug counseling. Applicants must have a Board approved alcohol and drug supervisor before they can begin training. see COMAR 10.58.07.08. Generally, to be eligible for ADT status one must have an associate degree from a board approved regionally accredited educational institution in a health and human services counseling field or a field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board, including coursework in specific areas/topics. See COMAR 10.58.07.08 for specific requirements
• Certified Supervisor Counselor Alcohol and Drug (CSC-ADT) - to be eligible, one must have a bachelor's degree from a board approved regionally accredited educational institution in a health and human services counseling field or another field deemed substantially equivalent by the board. In addition, one must have completed specific coursework, an internship and supervised clinical experience under the supervision of a board approved alcohol and drug supervisor. Must have passed the NCAC II and the Maryland law exam. See COMAR 10.58.07.06
• CSC-AD - to be eligible for certification as a CSC-AD one must have an associate's degree from a regionally accredited educational institution approved by the board in a health and human services counseling field or a field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board. In addition, one must have completed specific coursework, including an internship and passed the NCAC I and the Maryland law exam. See COMAR 10.58.07.07 for complete requirements.
• Certified Associate Counselor Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD) - to be eligible on must have a bachelor's degree from a board approved regionally accredited educational institution in a health and human services counseling field or another field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board. In addition, one must have completed specific coursework, an internship, supervised clinical experience under the supervision of a board-approved alcohol and drug supervisor. Must have passed the NCAC II and the Maryland law exam. See COMAR 10.58.07.06.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed inside of a correctional institution setting.
• Must be able to de-escalate situations in the program

Join us to empower individuals on their journey toward recovery through compassionate care, innovative therapies, and collaborative support!

Pay: $26.45 - $31.25 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person