Substance Use Disorder Counselor – Emergency Room | Apply

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Job Objective: A brief overview of the position.
- The position is responsible for coordinating services to address the complex needs of substance using patients and their families; providing assessment, supportive counseling and interventions for patients of the emergency department.
Reports to
- Director-Emergency Department
Supervises
- None
Ages of Patients
- Varies
Blood Borne Pathogens
- Minimal
Qualifications
- Education
  - Required: Associates Degree in a health related field
  - Preferred: Bachelor Degree or higher in health related field
- Licensure/Certification
  - Required: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or obtained within six months of hire
  - Required: SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) training or completion within 2 months of hire
- Experience
  - Required: 1 year substance use counseling and 2 years in a health related field.
  - Required: 2 years working with community substance use programs
  - Preferred: behavioral health experience
Essential Responsibilities
- Completes assessment of patients according to professional standards. Documents using facts only without attitude, judgment or opinions. Includes all telephone calls made with person’s name and phone number.
- Conducts a discharge planning needs assessment and develops a post-acute care plan in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team to meet desired goals for the next step in the continuum.
- Communicates to patient/family, and interdisciplinary team members their options and plans for ongoing substance use treatment. Communicates to patients their choices regarding post-acute care plans, and respects these choices as defined by federal, state and regulatory requirements.
- Updates the team as to the status of the after-care plans. Re-evaluates and revises the plan as additional information is acquired and keeps patient/family and team informed of changes in the plan.
- Maintains current knowledge and awareness of payer/reimbursement practices.
- Develops strong relationships with community substance use resources to ensure appropriate patient access after discharge. Completes timely referrals to post-acute care providers, ensuring efficient patient flow and adherence to federal and regulatory requirements.
- Provides crisis intervention, supportive counseling and advocacy to assist patients and/or family with adjustment.
- Helps patient/family understand, accept and follow medical recommendations within the context of self-determination.
- Serves as a resource to hospital staff and physicians concerning substance use issues.
- Facilitates resource acquisition for the unfunded patient, as available.
- Provides education to patient and families around issues related to adaptation to the patient’s diagnosis, illness, treatment, discharge plan and/or life situation.
- Serves as a resource to members of the interdisciplinary team and patient/family regarding coverage issues, discharge options and community resources. Participates in team meetings.
- Documents according to hospital policy.
- Collaborates with supervisor to promote continuous process improvement, which results in efficiency, cost effectiveness, and the highest level of clinical excellence.
- Calls in and writes APS, CPS, domestic violence reports when warranted.
- Demonstrates compliance with Code of Conduct and compliance policies, and takes action to resolve compliance questions or concerns and reports suspected violations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.