Substance Abuse Counselor Department: Integrated Health Services Position:  Substance Abuse Counselor Employee Category:  Exempt Reporting Relationship:  Director of Integrated Health Services   Character Qualities: Availability- Making my schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I serve. Discretion- Recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and attitudes that could bring undesirable consequences. Flexibility- Willingness to change plans or ideas without getting upset. Responsibility- Knowing and doing what is expected of me.   Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The Substance Abuse Counselor, as part of the care treatment team, identifies triages and manages patients with substance abuse, and/or behavioral health problems, if possessing the appropriate credentials, within the primary care setting. In addition, the Substance Abuse Counselor will provide skill training through psychoeducation and patient education strategies and will develop specific behavioral change plans for patients.   Primary Duties and Responsibilities:  Assists providers in recognizing and treating addiction and mental disorders. Participates in care team huddles and works effectively with Addiction Psychiatrist. Assesses the clinical status of patients through screening and assessment process. Works with providers to treat and manage patients with addiction problems efficiently and effectively. Works with providers to refer cases to mental health treatment or addiction treatment as appropriate. Assists in the detection of at-risk patients and development of plans to prevent further psychological or physical deterioration. Assists in preventing relapse or morbidity in conditions that tend to recur over time. Evaluates patient care plans with care team. Teaches patients, families and staff about care, prevention, and treatment enhancement techniques. Completes all required documentation in electronic medical record according to deadlines/guidelines set forth by payers and Director of Integrated Health Services. Attends and participates in meetings and quality improvement activities as required.                                           Serves as a member of committees as requested. Participates in evaluation of peers and support staff. Furthers the mission of company through active support of the strategic goals Supports Variety Care’s accreditation as a Patient Centered Medical Home and our commitment to provide care to all Variety patients that is Safe, Effective, Patient Centered, Timely, Efficient, and Equitable.  Provide leadership and work with all staff to achieve the goals of the “Triple Aim” of healthcare reform—to improve the experience of care, improve health outcomes, and decrease healthcare costs. Embodies the strength of personal character.  Places value on being an open and honest communicator who displays high moral and ethical conduct, integrity, adaptability, and sound judgment.  Must be a leader in the department and community. Result-oriented problem solver who is responsible and accountable. Performs other duties as assigned.   Requirements, Special Skills or Knowledge:  Master’s degree in Social Work or related field. Current State licensure as a LADC/MH. Three years of experience in Substance Abuse Therapy. Three years of experience in Mental Health Therapy. Excellent working knowledge of addiction and evidence-based treatments for addiction. Ability to make quick and accurate clinical assessments of substance use conditions. High level of comfort in working with primary care medical providers using a consultative style. Ability to work through brief patient contacts, including via telephone and teleconferencing. Knowledge of psychopharmacology a plus. Ability to work effectively as a team, interfacing with patients, primary care providers, consulting psychiatrist and mental health specialists, as well as with administrative and support staff. Ability to exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions, and to handle difficult or confrontational situations in a calm, consistent and equitable manner Ability to effectively represent company’s interests in the community and maintain effective working relationships among coworkers, public, private, and professional groups. Experience working with limited resource population. Ability to work with grace under pressure. Ability to work in a team and to share responsibilities and duties. Ability to resolve interpersonal conflict in a straightforward and timely manner. Ability to set priorities, be organized and be a self-starter. Ability to be friendly, empathic and an adept communicator. Ability to treat both staff and patients with respect. High clinical competence, positive working attitude, and an ability to work as a team with other professionals and have the ability to carry out responsibilities with minimal supervision. A commitment to continuous quality improvement. Flexibility – ability to adapt to changing environment.     Preferred Requirements, Special Skills or Knowledge:  Bilingual (English/Spanish).   ADA Requirements: Able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.  Able to sit for long periods of time.