POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE:
Child/Adolescent Substance Abuse Therapist (Community-based/Children, Youth & Family Services
CLASSIFICATION TITLE:
Clinician I
POSITION LOCATION:
POSITION UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF:
CYFS Substance Abuse Services Coordinator
POSITION SUMMARY:
Position is responsible for performing diagnostic assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing effective treatment services for children and adolescents experiencing primarily substance abuse problems. Treatment services provided by this position include intensive outpatient program, substance abuse prevention, education and early intervention groups, aftercare, family support and education primarily in community-based settings (i.e. schools, juvenile justice, and other providers of adolescent services).
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Performs diagnostic assessments and develops appropriate treatment/service plans, consistent with the needs of the client and his/her family.
2. Provides direct client services, primarily group therapy, as well as family and individual therapy where appropriate.
3. Provides treatment, education and support services to parents and families.
4. Participates in regular interdisciplinary CYFS Substance Abuse Services and CYFS Division staff meetings, accepts assigned cases and assists in accurate diagnosing and treatment planning clients served.
5. Maintains good communication and collaborative relationships with primarily youth serving agencies within the community served, especially schools and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, in order to formulate appropriate collaborative intervention strategies for youth and their families.
6. Documents appropriate client service related information, including assessments, diagnostic summaries, progress notes, treatment/service plans and reviews, drug profiles, correspondence, release of information, special reports and referral forms, as well as maintains client records in compliance with policies and regulations.
7. May provide emergency and crisis intervention services as required, which may include pre-admission screening and intervention with clients across disability groups, when appropriate clinical training and credentials are present.
8. Receives regular supervision with immediate supervisor as a means of enhancing professional growth, reviewing the provision of clinical services, and addressing administrative issues.
9. Works with and involves parents and family members in determining appropriate treatment recommendations.
10. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor, which are consistent with the position, and in compliance with the agency policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge:
Considerable knowledge of substance abuse/dependency dynamics, assessment and treatment, and of systems theory in working with families and the community. Working knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, of group process, the dynamics of family and group work; and of social emotional, and physical development issues regarding children and adolescents including unique life stresses and circumstances facing adolescents.
Abilities:
Demonstrated ability to effectively interview clients, perform diagnostic assessments and interventions with children or adolescents and their families; to assess client/family needs and facilitate change with clients and families where appropriate; to work effectively with community resources in coordinating services for youth and their families; to intervene in crisis situations; to effectively engage the child/adolescent and his/her family in a meaningful therapeutic relationship; to accurately produce and maintain client records, reports and summaries; to maintain confidentiality and ethical standards and exercise sound, professional judgment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Masters degree in a relevant human services filed, with progressively responsible clinical experience working with children/youth and their families; or , a combination of education, experience, and training indicating the possession of the essential knowledge, skills and abilities. LCSW or LPC preferred. Certification as substance abuse or addictions counselor also preferred.
SALARY RANGE:
Level VIII
FLSA STATUS:
Exempt
VERIFICATION
OF ACCEPTANCE OF POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
This is to certify that I have read the above position description and accept the duties and responsibilities required of this position.
_____________________________________ ______________________________
Employee’s Signature Date
_____________________________________ ______________________________
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature Date
_____________________________________ ______________________________
Chief Operational Officer’s Signature Date
_____________________________________ ______________________________
Chief Executive Officer’s Signature Date
Effective Date: July 2004
Attached: Organizational Chart
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