Dual Diagnosis Counselor - Out Patient (Signing Bonus)

POSITION SUMMARY 

The role of the Dual Diagnosis Counselor includes service delivery for adult outpatient clients. The Dual Diagnosis Counselor will work under the direction of the Outpatient Manager and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team. The Dual Diagnosis Counselor has the skills to complete mental health assessments, collaborative treatment plans, individual therapy, and group therapy to support clients in recovering from the effects of substance use and mental health disorders, consistent with the mission and philosophy of Fora Health. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Clinical Evaluation, Treatment Planning, and Documentation   

• Gather data systematically from the client and other available collateral sources. Obtain and interpret all relevant assessment information.
• Determine the client's appropriate level of care and stage of change. 
• Ability to utilize the DSM-5 to assess and diagnose substance use and mental health disorder at time of enrollment.
• Formulate with the client mutually agreed upon and measurable treatment outcome statements for each need. Identify appropriate strategies for each outcome.
• Inform client of confidentiality rights, program procedures that safeguard them, and the exceptions imposed by regulations. Protect client rights to privacy and confidentiality in the communications of client information.
• Assess treatment and recovery progress and, in consultation with the client and significant others, make appropriate changes to the treatment plan to ensure progress toward treatment goals at regular intervals and/or when indicated by changing circumstances.
• Describe and document treatment process, progress, competencies, and outcome relative to treatment goals and objectives.  Apply placement, continued stay, and discharge criteria.
• Conduct and document continuing care, relapse prevention, and discharge planning with the client and involved significant others.
• Work collaboratively with all service areas within the agency to provide appropriate client referrals and communicate relevant client information as needed. 
• Communicate and collaborate with referral agencies regarding scheduled screenings, status of client, and treatment and discharge planning.
• Contact referents within 24 hours of admit, at least once per month during the client’s treatment, and before and during the client’s discharge.  Document these contacts in progress notes.
• Progress notes are documented in client charts within 24 hours for individual treatment.
• ASAM treatment plan reviews are completed and reviewed within 30 days of admit and every 30 days thereafter. Submit treatment plans to supervisor as required and post in a timely fashion in order to obtain continuing authorization for clients. 
• Progress toward goals are updated bi-monthly and communicated with both internal and external treatment providers.
• A Discharge Plan is developed with the client 30 days prior to a planned discharge, and continuing care plan is completed with client in final session. When required by contract, County exit surveys are completed within the last 5 days prior to the planned discharge.
• A Discharge Summary is completed within 5 days following discharge. When required, insurance is notified within 24 hours of discharge.

2. Counseling and Education

• Establish a helping relationship with the client characterized by warmth, respect, genuineness, concreteness, and empathy.
• Facilitate the client's engagement in the treatment and recovery process.  Role models and coordinates with residentials counselors on effective milieu therapy interventions.
• Provide individual and group counseling as a part of the therapeutic process to achieve treatment goals. Supports family therapy by reinforcing goals in individual and group sessions. 
• Sensitize others to issues of cultural identity, ethnic background, age, and sexual orientation in treatment and recovery.
• Describe the health and behavior problems related to substance use, including transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS, TB, STDs, and other infectious diseases.
• Teach life skills, including but not limited to, stress management, relaxation, communication, and refusal skills.
• Provide therapeutic interventions to address treatment-interfering behaviors as needed. 
• Meet individually with clients on caseload with the frequency determined on treatment plan. 

3. Referral

• Arrange or assist clients in following through with referrals to other professionals, agencies, community programs, or other appropriate resources to meet client needs.
• Explain in clear language to the client the necessity for and process of referral.
• Exchange relevant information with the agency or professional to whom the referral is being made. Facilitate the client’s transition to continuing care resources prior to his/her discharge from treatment.

4. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities

• Demonstrate ethical behaviors by adhering to established professional codes of ethics that define the professional context within which the counselor works, in order to maintain professional standards and safeguard the client.
• Adhere to Federal and State laws and agency policies and procedures regarding the treatment of substance use disorders.
• Recognize the importance of individual differences that influence client behavior and apply this understanding to clinical practice.
• Participate in ongoing supervision and consultation.
• Maintain (or complete) current addiction counselor certification and QMHP privileging.
• Maintains healthy boundaries with clients and their families. 

5. Functions as an Active Member of the Program Clinical Team 

• Attend and participate in all treatment team meetings as assigned.
• Attend all clinical supervision meetings as assigned. 
• Maintain and strengthen good working relationships with team members.
• Communicate and coordinate with staff from other departments effectively. 
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of work environment. 
• Attend all meetings as assigned. 
• Perform related tasks as assigned.

ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Additional trainings to be completed as assigned in a timely manner
• Special projects and other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS

• This position has no supervisory duties

QUALIFICATIONS 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Graduate degree in psychology, social work, or other behavioral health field.
• Per OARs, QMHP credential

A QMHP must demonstrate the ability to conduct an assessment, including identifying precipitating events, gathering histories of mental and physical health, substance use, past mental health services and criminal justice contacts, assessing family, cultural, social and work relationships, and conducting a mental status examination, complete a DSM diagnosis, write and supervise the implementation of a Service Plan and provide individual, family or group therapy within the scope of their training. 

• CADC I or ability to qualify for CADC I credential within 6 months. CADC II or III preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Has basic knowledge of substance use disorders and the impact SUDS has on managing mental health symptoms. 
• Understands basic psychopharmacology 
• Can describe warning signs, symptoms, and the course of substance use disorders.
• Can describe how substance use disorders affect families and concerned others.
• Can describe principles and philosophy of prevention, treatment, and recovery
• Incorporates foundational models (e.g., MI, DBT)
• Skillfully addresses issues related to self-awareness, diversity, and ethics
• Effectively communicates and establishes rapport
• Can facilitate clinical evaluation covering the scope of both ASAM and DSM 5 dimensions
• Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to maintain clinical documentation, including treatment plans, consistent with agency standard
• Demonstrates ability to facilitate groups
• Able to effectively engage in problem solving and independent decision making. 
• Understands emergency situations and protocols to maintain a safe milieu.  Ability to use de-escalation skills in crisis situations. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• For employees with a history of substance use disorder, Fora Health’s policy requires certification of a minimum of two years of sobriety for this position. 
• DHS Background Check Approval or alternate Criminal History Check agency approval 
• Successful completion of Drug Test upon hire
• Documentation of Tuberculian test and/or evaluation with negative results or evidence of non-communicability 
• Completed registration with Oregon Health Authority (DMAP) and National Plan and Provider Identifier (NPI)