Recovery Counselor - Substance Abuse Specialist

The Recovery Counselor will be an advocate for clients, and link them to community services as needed.  They will provide client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed services to clients with severe mental illnesses and co-occurring substance abuse/addiction disorders utilizing a harm reduction approach

The Recovery Counselor will provide at least 75% of all community support services in the community.  He/she/they will complete case management tasks with clients within a shared caseload.  The Recovery Counselor will be responsible for documenting all services provided to clients according to agency policy and state requirements.

The Recovery Counselor will also provide crisis/on-call coverage as directed. 

 ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES


* Assess client’s personal, medical, emotional, social, and environmental situation through home, community, and office visits. 

·       Coordinate the establishment of an individual recovery plan with the client, client’s support system, and other care providers.

·       Facilitate education around substance use, misuse, and risks associated with dual diagnosis of mental health and substance issues to clients and team members. 

·       Provide one on one services to clients that focus on substance use goals.

·       Acquire a SAS credential within 6 months of hire

·       Recognize and act on opportunities to move clients to appropriate levels of care; provide referrals to additional services.  Assist in linking people to substance use treatments in the community as needed.


* Assist clients in identifying signs and symptoms of de-compensation.  Work collaboratively with clients to identify coping skills to assist in managing symptoms and stressors experienced.


* Assist clients in learning and improving independent living skills; i.e.

personal hygiene, housekeeping skills, nutrition, and shopping for food and personal items


* Educate and assist clients with applying for entitlements; i.e.

Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and LINK


* Accompany clients to important appointments in the community and provide support with issues related to substance use, housing, budgeting, social support, and medication.


* Advocate on client’s behalf and empower clients to advocate on behalf of themselves when appropriate


* Communicate effectively within the team model for a multi-disciplinary approach to client care.

·        Perform other related duties and/or projects as assigned

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

·       Must have one of the following requirements:

o   Bachelor’s degree

o   High School Diploma or GED and two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting. 

·       Minimum one year of experience working with clients with substance abuse issues required. 

·       Valid Illinois driver’s license with daily access ...