Substance Abuse Counselor for the Adult Mental Health (AMH) Program

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Job Title: Substance Abuse Counselor for the Adult Mental Health (AMH) ProgramAgency: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Job Requisition ID: JR0000004446Shift: Any (United States of America)Compensation Details: SALARY: $57,207.28 Job Description: The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is currently seeking candidates for the position of Substance Abuse Counselor for the Adult Mental Health (AMH) Program at Georgia Regional Hospital - Atlanta, located in Decatur, GA. Salary range: $52,075 - $61,273 Job Grade: H-J Job Description: Within an inpatient psychiatric setting, complete substance use assessments and provide individual and group counseling services to adults with co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorders.

Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

• Conduct substance use assessments utilizing clinical interviews and evidence-based assessment measures
• Develop and communicate substance use treatment recommendations for both inpatient and outpatient treatment contexts
• Provide individual and group therapy utilizing motivational interviewing and recovery-oriented techniques to assist individuals to build coping strategies, understand the relationship between substance use and serious mental illness, and safely transition from a psychiatric hospital to the community
• Provide clinical services on all three AMH treatment units and at the AMH Psychosocial Rehabilitation Mall
• Collaborate with inpatient recovery planning teams and develop knowledge of available community substance use treatment and support resources
• Provide coverage for other Mall instructors and operations as needed
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to client treatment
• Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan
• Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports

Sample Technical Competencies: Ability to select, administer, score, and interpret evidence-based substance use screening and assessment instruments Ability to tailor assessment methods and therapeutic interventions for individuals experiencing active psychiatric symptoms, cognitive impairment, or co-occurring intellectual and developmental disabilities Ability to work effectively with multi-disciplinary treatment teams Ability to track referrals, document attempts, and follow up based on required timelines and clinical need Ability to develop and implement treatment/case plans

Master’s degree in professional counseling, clinical/counseling psychology, or closely related field. Experience working with serious mental health issues and/or adults in an inpatient setting. Certification in any of the following is strongly preferred:

• Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor – CAADC
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor –CADC I or II
• Certified Addiction Counselor – CAC I or II

Due to the volume of resumes/applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or email. Please be assured that your resume/application will be evaluated and we will contact you if we need clarification or additional information. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by the hiring agency. This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university in a related field and four (4) years of job-related experience; or one (1) year of experience at the lower level Behavioral Hlth Counselor 2 (HCP101) or position equivalent.--Note: Some positions may require certification or licensure. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.