Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Apprentice The Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Apprentice will simultaneously work in a paid full-time apprenticeship position, gaining experience as a counselor in a residential treatment program, and participate in classes in the organization’s CASAC credentialing program. At the end of the 12-month program, the apprentice will be eligible for regular employment at the Outreach organization as a counselor or counselor aide and to be credentialed as a CASAC-T in New York State. Responsibilities: Client Assessment
Gather and document relevant substance abuse use history information from clients to understand each client’s current status .
Provide assessments that are sensitive to the uniqueness of the individual by gaining knowledge about personality, cultures, lifestyles, gender, special needs and any other factors influencing client behavior.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of alcohol and substance abuse, intoxication and withdrawal by interpreting observable behavior, laboratory data, results of interviews and testing.
Determine if the client is experiencing problems in addition to substance use disorders.
Provide corroborative information and a complete history by evaluating information obtained from sources other than the client.
Determine the client appropriateness and eligibility for placement in the continuum of treatment by assessing and matching client’s needs and treatment resources.
Recognize conditions that are outside the apprentice’s expertise by evaluating relevant information indicating the need for additional professional services to complete a comprehensive assessment.
Provide an accurate assessment of the client’s problem by selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting standardized instruments that assess substance use disorders to develop the most appropriate course of treatment.
Assess the degree of risk of a client’s in a crisis by evaluating observed and reported behavior to determine which services are appropriate for stabilizing the client.
Explain to the client the rationale, purpose and procedures associated with the assessment process using appropriate methods and technology to promote understanding and compliance with the recommended course of treatment.
Document clients’ psychological, social and physiological signs and symptoms of substance use disorders to formulate a treatment plan.
Ensure the provision of an integrated approach to diagnosis and treatment planning, by participating as an active member of the treatment team.
Promote understanding and compliance with the recommended course of treatment by explaining the results of a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment.
Formulate mutually agreed upon goals, objectives, and treatment methods based upon assessments findings for the purpose of direct course of treatment.
Modify the treatment plan through collaboration with the client to ensure it reflects treatment needs as they change over time.
Counseling
Establish a therapeutic relationship with clients and significant/ concerned others.
Use individualized counseling strategies with the client to maximize utilization of treatment resources.
Provide information to clients regarding the structure, expectations, and limitations of counseling process.
Develop a recovery plan with clients using appropriate counseling techniques to reduce the risk of symptom recurrence.
Assess the level of risk involved in clients in crisis situations.
Case Management
Maintain client information about community resources and services by establishing contact with other service providers to evaluate the appropriateness of referring clients.
Match community resources with client’s needs to improve the effectiveness of treatment by paying particular attention to the cultural and lifestyle characteristics of the client.
Explain directly to the client the purpose and necessity for referral to ease the transition and facilitate client’s participation with other service providers.
Demonstrate proficiency in maintaining the client’s record by following prescribed standards.
Consult with supervisors, counselors, and other service providers by exchanging case findings, recommendations, treatment planning, and strategies for the client.
Involve clients actively in coordinating services by explaining the need for outside consultation on a one- to one setting.
Obtain client-informed consent by explaining the need for outside consultation.
Advocate for client’s interests in all areas of targeted needs by negotiating plans with appropriate systems to help resolve client’s problems.
Provide information and/or documentation to outside agencies through appropriate contacts.
Evaluate the effectiveness of case management activities through regular consultation with supervisors and peers.
Client and Family Education
Use current literature and research findings to educate individuals and others about the etiology and pathology of substance use disorders for recognizing warning signs and symptoms.
Use current literature and research findings to deliver culturally relevant formal and informal educational programs for clients and significant/concerned others to raise awareness of the prevention, treatment and recovery processes.
Instruct clients and significant/concerned others through lecture , workshops and discussion to understand the influence of substance use disorders on families and other relationships.
Use resources from other health/behavioral professions to educate clients and significant/concerned others about the increased health risks associated with substance use and abuse.
Educate clients and significant/concerned others using appropriate methods and technology regarding the relationship between lifestyle choices and substance use to understand available alternatives.
Discuss substance use disorders with other professionals through formal and informal meetings to examine the roles professionals play in the prevention, treatment and recovery process.
Translate information about techniques, such as stress management, relaxation, communication, assertiveness and refusal skills in a culturally sensitive manner using appropriate methods and technology so that clients may improve their basic life skills.
Provide education to the client about self-help and peer support by supplying appropriate information to encourage participation.
Inform clients and significant/concerned others about the biomedical effects of psychoactive substances using appropriate instructional techniques to raise awareness and affect behavioral change.
Supervising Activities of Daily Living
Communicate house rules and regulations to clients.
Monitoring locations of clients.
Supervise opening of client mail.
Approve client requests to leave facility for specific purpose.
Assign chores and supervise completion of chores.
Assign consequences (penalties) for such behavior as failure to complete chores or to return to facility as scheduled.
Accompany clients to outside meetings and activities
Model appropriate behaviors and emotions for clients.
Monitor clients constantly.
Verbally reinforce clients’ goals and expectations on a continuous basis.
Supervise clients’ taking prescribed medications.
Help facilitate the resolution of conflicts between clients.
Oversee redemption of client privileges
Communication and Recordkeeping
Keep written records of group and individual counseling sessions.
Meet on a regular basis with other members of the treatment team to discuss client’s behavior, progress and suggest strategies.
Keep daily activity logs
Complete unusual incident reports.
Practice in preparing a discharge plan for clients (if applicable).
Professional Responsibility
Behave in an ethical manner by adhering to established professional codes of ethics and standards of practice.
Follow appropriate policies and procedures by adhering to federal, state/and agency regulations regarding substance use disorder treatment to protect and promote client rights.
Recognize the importance of individual differences by gaining knowledge about personality, cultures, lifestyles, gender, special needs and any other factors influencing client behavior to provide services that are sensitive to the uniqueness of the individual.
Practice personal wellness by continuously assessing life choices and circumstances with the willingness to change behavior and seek assistance as appropriate.
Maintain effective relations with professional, governmental entities, and community groups through open communication and supportive involvement to advocate appropriate resources.
Recognize personal biases, feelings, concerns and other issues using a range of options to prevent these variables from interfering with the counseling process.
Responsibilities to the Apprenticeship
Keep an assigned log of the completion of the tasks listed above and submit this to the supervisor weekly.
Participate in weekly supervision and bring issues of concern to discuss with the supervisor.
Participate in the CASAC program virtually, punctually attending all classes and completing assignments on a timely basis. Missed classes must be made up and cannot exceed 24 hours at any given time.
Adhere to the Outreach Training Institute code of conduct.
The apprentice is responsible for having a working computer with a webcam and an environment free of distractions in which to take three 3-hour virtual classes a week.
Standard Criteria:
Interacting with staff, clients, families, and visitors in a courteous, professional and respectful manner that is consistent with the agency’s mission and values.
Producing accurate, neat and thorough work.
Prioritizing and planning work time efficiently; effectively managing competing demands and dealing with changes, delays and unexpected events.
Understanding and consistently complies with agency policy and procedures (including time and attendance, dress code, etc.).
Supporting a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that allows the employee to get along with clients, families, coworkers and supervisors.
Communicating (in writing as well as orally) clearly and concisely
Illustrating flexibility and adaptability in role and function when circumstances warrant; demonstrates openness to assist in needed responsibilities in evolving situations.
Maintaining appropriate boundaries, ethics and professionalism; complying with agency, OASAS and other professional codes of ethics; seeking supervision when challenges arise.
Collaborates with:
All members of the Outreach Community Residence treatment team
Supervised by:
House Manager
Qualifications:
Bachelor's or Master’s in a human service discipline
Certificates & Licenses: None required
