POSTED OCTOBER 19, 2023 AND WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED. THIS ROLE IS 15 HOURS PER WEEK WITH A MONDAY-FRIDAY FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE, AND IS GRANT-FUNDED THROUGH THE NEXT 10 YEARS.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under broad supervision of the Director of Youth and Family Services, incumbent performs substance use assessments and provides substance abuse counseling services for individuals, couples and families who are Town residents or have children in the Glastonbury School System. Consults with school personnel, police and other professionals to coordinate interventions and services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Performs initial and ongoing clinical assessments, treatment plans and ongoing evaluation, using a multicultural lens.
2. Develops evidence-based treatment plans in collaboration with clients; in an accessible way, explains presenting concerns and treatment methods that honors client autonomy and reinforces client strengths.
3. Provides counseling to diverse clients, ensuring engagement is client-focused and therapeutic in nature.
4. Documents informed consent; documents therapeutic interventions and client response and progress; maintains records and ensures confidentiality and security of such.
5. Provides assessment and referral to appropriate levels of care for clients struggling with substance use. Collaborates with other agencies and community partners.
6. Presents educational talks to the community and/or schools on various topics of mental health, substance abuse and other issues relating to psychological development.
7. Works with school personnel to provide individual supportive counseling and psycho-educational group treatment for children and youth who are struggling with substance use.
8. Maintains knowledge base and improves skills through current research literature, participation in professional associations, professional development workshops and training.

OTHER DUTIES:

1. Provide residents or family members with information about addiction issues and other available services and programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.
2. Performs other duties as required.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

• Maintains confidentiality of records and information in compliance with HIPAA

CONDUCT:

• Represents the Town in a professional and courteous manner; observes and respects the dignity of all persons
• Observes safe work practices

DEPENDABILITY:

• Regularly attends and is punctual for work
• Works evenings, as scheduled

NOTE: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and responsibility. Incumbent must be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE:

• Knowledge of
  • clinical counseling principles, practices, ethics and cultural competency
  • Harm Reduction Model of treatment
• Skills in
  • individual, couples and family counseling; group counseling; and crisis intervention
  • verbal communication, including the ability to explain concepts to individuals and groups
  • assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning for adolescents and adults with substance use disorders
• Ability to
  • maintain patient confidentiality
  • use sound clinical judgment
  • make ethical and effective intervention decisions
  • write clear and concise clinical notes and records
  • engage collaboratively with youth, families, colleagues, school personnel, and service providers
  • establish and maintain therapeutic alliances with diverse clients

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, stooping, reaching, carrying items such as papers, books or files
• Must be able to push/pull/lift objects of less than twenty (20) pounds and sit for prolonged periods. Able to perform manipulative skills, which require hand-eye coordination such as keyboard skills
• Must be able to see objects closely as in reading case histories
• Must be able to hear normal sounds with background noise, distinguish voice patterns and communicate with speech as in using a telephone and making presentations
• Must be able to attend to detail and concentrate for sixty (60) minutes or more with some interruptions, remember multiple assignments given over long periods of time and understand the theories behind several related concepts

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree from a recognized college or university in social work, counseling, or a related field, including training and supervised experience in clinical practice
• A minimum of two (2) years post-graduate relevant supervised clinical experience in the field of substance use disorder treatment is preferred.
• Experience presenting to small and large groups
• Bilingual/Bicultural, Spanish/English skills helpful, but not required

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION:

• State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health LCSW, LMFT, LPC, LADC, or Psy.D