Substance Use Counselor

Summary:
To provide ongoing intensive case management to clients as defined by MHRH IHH Program Standards; outreach and crisis intervention to dually diagnosed (psychiatrically disabled/chemically dependent) clients, according to their level of care. This shall include general medication maintenance, substance abuse counseling, individual, family and group psychotherapy, independent living and vocational rehabilitation. Conduct substance abuse treatment with clients in need according to the 12 core functions of substance abuse counseling as defined by the ICRC

Responsibilities:
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop treatment plans in accordance with Gateway policies/procedures and Medicaid guidelines.

Develop treatment plans to focus on promoting optimal functioning and health of client.

Perform intakes within 30 days, ensure completion.

Medical record documentation must be in adherence to Gateway policies and procedures and IHH Medicaid guidelines.

Educates staff regarding clinical intervention strategies related to symptomatology, substance abuse, sexual abuse, and family and relationship issues.

Monitor Medication to ensure client understands prescribed dosage, monitor side effects, and is taken accordingly.

Maintain caseload of clients assigned by Program Director/Supervisor.

Coordinate activities make appointments and may include accompanying client(s), as noted on Treatment Plan.

*Services: medical, psychiatric, substance abuse, individual, family, and group psychotherapy, housing, entitlement, income maintenance, social and leisure activities, education, and employment.

Objectives of services to ensure clients active participation in treatment, maintenance of a stable residence in community, development of ADL skills, development of social support network, and pursuit/obtainment of employment.

Coordinate Treatment and groups for clients.

When providing therapeutic/counseling/case management services, arrives and/or participates on time, as scheduled; is alert and responsive to client issues and behaviors.

Participate in daily staff organizational meetings and treatment planning review meetings.

Provide ongoing assessment of client's mental illness symptoms and client's response to treatment.

Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, side-by-side services, skill training, supervision (ie assignments, monitoring, encouragement) and environmental adaptations to assist clients with activities of daily living.

Case Management referral to appropriate services.

Assess clients in crisis for at risk of harm to self or others as per procedure.

ADL skills and house chores to promote optimal independent functioning, and stable housing.

Screening for substance abuse and orientation to IHH treatment options

Provide services in the areas of: assessment, counseling, treatment planning, consultation, client education and referral pertaining to substance abuse and co-occurring disorders

Attends agency or supervisor required inservices.

Attends other agency inservices.

Participates in at least one course, seminar or conference for improvement of job skills per year.

Attends agency, IHH staff meetings as scheduled.

Attends Supervisory sessions as scheduled.

Prepares for supervision by completing tasks assigned and formulating questions.

Participates in direct contact with clients, family, and collateral contacts according to treatment goals. Minimum of 22 hours per week., with the primary focus on substance abuse interactions.

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned or needed.

Other information:

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelors or Master's Degree in Behavioral Health related field.

CADC or LCDP, required by 9/30/2025. In lieu of CADC or LCDP, a masters-level behavioral health license (LCSW, LICSW, LMHC-A, LMHC, LMFT-A or LMFT), required 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

CPR training within 90 days of employment and maintain annually.

Maintain a valid RI license at all times and use of car during normal working hours, or other means of transportation to complete major functions of job.

Physical examination and Mantoux test annually.

Must maintain automobile liability insurance coverage for vehicle used in accordance with center requirements.

Rhode Island Certification as a Mental Health Case manager within one year of date of hire.

Rhode Island Certification as a Chemical Dependency Professional within two years of date of hire.

Continued education as required in order to maintain certifications.

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY:

Knowledge of community resources.

Understanding of mental health and chemical dependency issues.

Interpersonal skills developed to a level, which will allow the smooth cooperation at all levels within the center.

Ability to successfully complete all required training and certifications

Oral and written communication skills, including speech, grammar, spelling, and legibility are at sufficient level to ensure effective and appropriate communication.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals either manually or by use of a calculator.

ETHICS:

Uses and accesses information in client's health information record or about a client only as necessary to actual duties and then only in accordance with access levels assigned to this position by Gateway Healthcare Inc. from time-to-time and in accordance with Gateway Healthcare Inc. policies, rules, and procedures as adopted by Gateway Healthcare Inc. from time-to-time.

Comply with agency ethics and codes of conduct in all contacts with clients, co-workers and the community

Observe all agency policies and procedures.

INTERPERSONAL FACTORS:

Must be able to appreciate the sensitive/private nature and legal status of information about individual clients obtained, maintained, or used by Gateway Healthcare Inc. and to not access, use, disclose, or request such information about a client unless necessary to the performance of his/her job.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the main duties and responsibilities of this job. Other duties with different demands may also be assigned by the employee's supervisor. Gateway complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and analogous state statutes. Therefore, to the extent required by law, Gateway will make reasonable accommodations to allow qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of their positions. Employees and applicants should discuss requests for reasonable accommodations with Human Resources at any time.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, office equipment, or controls and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and climb. The employee is occasionally required to stand; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the abilities to adjust focus. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Brown University Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetics, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran, or marital status. Brown University Health is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location: Gateway Healthcare Inc., USA:RI:Pawtucket

Work Type: Full Time

Shift: Shift 1

Union: Non-Union