Chemical Dependency Counselor

Chemical Dependency Counselor

Job Description

NorthStar Behavioral Health is seeking an organized and professional Chemical Dependency Counselor to join our team. The Chemical Dependency Counselor plays a key role in providing individual counseling, leading group sessions, and ensuring comprehensive and timely documentation in the electronic health records of clients/patients. The responsibilities extend to developing treatment plans, crafting discharge plans, and engaging in interactions with various agencies. Additionally, the counselor serves as an advocate for clients/patients and delivers essential case management services, contributing to a holistic and supportive approach to their care and recovery.

Who We Are

NorthStar Behavioral Health is a full-service non-profit behavioral healthcare agency. Since 1976, NorthStar Behavioral Health has been assuring access, safety, and quality to our clients within Hamilton County and the Greater Cincinnati area. Every day, we support individuals on their journey to recovery, healing, and hope - and we're just as committed to creating a workplace where our employees can thrive. At NorthStar Behavioral Health, exciting things are happening! We are building our team as we prepare to move into a new state-of-the-art facility this summer.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary and Benefits Package, including health, dental, and employer-paid vision, life, and long-term disability coverages – Employees are eligible the first day of the month after hire!
• Up to 3 weeks of Paid Time Off each year - We value work and life balance!
• 403(b) Retirement Plan - We help you plan for the future!
• Student Loan Forgiveness Program – We are a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program!
• Professional Development, CEUs, and Learning Access via Relias - We develop our employees!
• Supportive Work Environment - We lift each other up, celebrate wins, and grow strong as a team!
• Purpose-Driven Work - We make a meaningful impact in our community every day!
• Employee Assistance Program - Another resource to help you personally!
• Employee Discount Program - Save on travel, retail, and other services!

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Provide individual counseling and/or group facilitation to clients/patients with substance use disorders.
• Concise, timely, and thorough documentation in the client/patient electronic health record as defined by agency standards.
• Discharge planning based upon the client’s needs.
• Demonstrate a “whole person” approach to care, including the patient’s/client’s and family/support system when appropriate.
• Participate in training sessions, compliance, and in-services to increase knowledge and skills.

• Completes assigned agency tasks on time.
• Family interventions as needed, including education related to substance use disorders.
• Participate in scheduled meetings, including treatment team and staff meetings.
• Develops networks of care for the betterment of the client.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Harm Reduction.
• Meets regularly with the Supervisor to ensure achievement of the required minimum level of direct service productivity based upon defined productivity standards set by the agency standards.
• Supports student internships and learning through mentoring and/or being a field liaison.
• Complete Government Performance Results Act (GPRA) forms as required.
• Collaborates with other members of the agency's clinical staff to foster a network of support and diverse views regarding clinical issues that arise in the performance of direct service functions.
• Assists in the development and implementation of techniques, procedures, and systems designed to improve the level of care or quality of services as identified or needed for new and existing programs.
• Maintains licensure/certification standards as defined by the State of Ohio and the agency. Participates in educational and training opportunities to enhance professional knowledge and skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We Require for the Chemical Dependency Counselor Role:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret human services periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and the general public.

Position Requirements

• Associate Degree required, Bachelors or Master’s Degree in social work, counseling, behavioral health, or related field preferred; Demonstrated experience working effectively with adults and families with substance use disorders.
• Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistance (CDCA), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (LCDCII), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDCIII), Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC)

Work Environment

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear.
• The employee is frequently required to walk, balance, stoop, kneel, and/or crouch. (The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds).
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Keyboard data entry required.

NorthStar Behavioral Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. Our hiring and employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.