Certified Addiction Counselor (40 Hour) (OfficeOn-Site) - #260325-2351FX-001 in Norwich

Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector? Join our team as a Certified Addiction Counselor to make a significant impact today! The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is hiring for a Certified Addiction Counselor to join their team. We invite you to be part of a mission-driven organization focused on making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.

Position Details

• Facility: Southern Mental Health Authority (SMHA)
• Location: 401 West Thames Street, Building 301, Norwich, CT
• Unit: Wellness Recovery Advocacy Program (WRAP)
• Schedule: Full‑Time, First Shift, 40 Hours per Week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Position Number: 26116

Responsibilities

• Provides counseling services to alcohol and drug dependent clients
• Screens clients to determine eligibility for programs
• Assesses strengths, weaknesses and treatment needs
• Orients clients to treatment program
• Participates in treatment planning and individual and/or group counseling
• Responsible for case management activities
• Provides crisis intervention services in response to emotional and/or physical distress
• Makes referrals to outside or other programs for medical and/or psychological intervention
• Maintains confidential reports and records of client data
• Represents program at community events and seminars
• Educates clients on substance abuse issues and availability of resources
• Consults with service providers to assure comprehensive integrated care
• May escort clients; may provide coverage duties; may collect urine for drug screening; performs related duties as required

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

• Knowledge of physical, psychological, social, family and economic effects of substance abuse; counseling principles and techniques; community resources; confidentiality provisions; infectious diseases.
• Considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to gather, analyze and evaluate information pertinent to treatment, diagnosis and rehabilitation of an individual.

Minimum Qualifications – General Experience

• Certification from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor
• Three (3) years of experience involving risk reduction education and counseling to assist alcohol and drug dependent individuals

Minimum Qualifications – Substitutions Allowed

• Licensure from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor may be substituted for the General Experience
• Three (3) years of experience as a Certified Addiction Counselor Trainee may be substituted for the General Experience for state employees

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing substance abuse assessments, interventions, and treatment for individuals with substance use disorders
• Experience connecting clients to various levels of substance abuse treatment, such as inpatient detoxification, rehabilitation, methadone maintenance, etc.
• Experience facilitating substance abuse groups and providing individual substance abuse counseling
• Experience working with clients in accessing community resources/entitlements and in securing and maintaining housing
• Experience working with clients who are pre‑contemplative and contemplative in their recovery

Special Requirements

• Incumbents in this class must retain the certification and/or licensure outlined above.
• Individuals recovering from addiction to alcohol or drugs are required to have two (2) years of substance‑free time to be considered for a position in a substance abuse program.
• Incumbents may be required to speak a foreign language or be fluent in American Sign Language.
• Incumbents may be required to possess and retain a valid driver's license.
• Incumbents may be required to travel.

Physical Requirements

A medical and/or psychiatric examination may be required prior to appointment. Working Conditions: Incumbents in this class may be required to perform moderate amounts of lifting or restraining of patients and be exposed to communicable and/or infectious diseases and risk of injury from assaultive and/or abusive patients.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.