01/11/2001 38430

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT SPECIALIST 2

DEFINITION: This is professional, journeyman level work in the care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons within a drug and/or alcohol abuse treatment program in a state institution or facility.

An employee in this class serves as a treatment specialist for an assigned caseload of inmates, patients or residents who have a been diagnosed with or have a documented history of drug and/or alcohol abuse/dependency. The incumbent prepares and conducts therapeutic drug and alcohol services for inmates, patients or residents who wish to participate in drug and alcohol educational and/or treatment programs. The employee provides drug and alcohol education classes, group and individual counseling sessions; secures information; provides assistance and education to inmates, patients or residents in an effort to influence changes in attitude and behavior; serves as liaison to community based drug and alcohol programs; and counsels inmates, patients or residents and their families. Employees in this class may provide on-the-job training, guidance, advice and instruction to new or lower-level Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialists, students and volunteers. The work involves preparing comprehensive case histories and records; participating in parole/discharge/ furlough planning, and community referral; corresponding with judicial officials; assisting inmates, patients or residents in adjusting to institutionalized living; and performing related administrative duties. The work is concentrated on inmate, patient or resident drug and/or alcohol abuse problems and the necessary educational and counseling programs to resolve them. Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, policies and procedures and is reviewed by a supervisor through individual and group discussions.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs journey level tasks in the care, counseling and treatment of drug and/or alcohol dependent persons in a Commonwealth facility.

Provides on-the-job training, reviews inmate, patient or resident progress reports and provides advice and guidance to new or lower level Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialists, facility direct care staff, students and volunteers.

Plans and conducts treatment activities and counseling services for inmates, patients or residents on an individual and group basis.

Works with facility staff, social services agencies, hospitals, clinics, courts and community resources in meeting the needs of inmates, patients or residents and assists them in the utilization of these resources.

Prepares treatment plans, case histories and records.

Participates in discharge, furlough and parole planning and in community corrections or placement referrals.

Corresponds with judicial officials and performs other administrative duties.

Meets with inmates', patients' or residents' family members to secure necessary background information and counsels both the inmates, patient or resident and their family members.

Encourages inmates, patients, or residents to cooperate in the drug and alcohol programs and provides reassurance and support as needed.

Encourages drug and alcohol dependent persons to seek treatment upon parole or discharge and makes appropriate referrals.

Recommends training and occupational placement and provides advice and guidance on job retention.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the basic principles, practices and procedures involved in a drug and alcohol education and treatment program.

Knowledge of the drug and alcohol abuse subculture.

Knowledge of the physical and emotional characteristics and symptoms of drug and alcohol abuse/dependence.

Knowledge of the addictive disease process.

Knowledge of the applicable techniques of rehabilitation for the drug and alcohol abuse/dependent person.

Knowledge of the dynamics of the individual and group behavior of addicted persons and effective ways of dealing with them.

Knowledge of community and statewide substance abuse treatment facilities and other supportive services.

Ability to identify the emotional needs of inmates, patients or residents and to gain their confidence and cooperation through positive assistance.

Ability to work effectively with inmates, patients or residents and assist them in adjusting to specific drug and alcohol services and outpatient or inpatient
treatment programs.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with inmates, patients or residents, staff members, outside referral and criminal justice/mental
health care system agencies and the general public.

Ability to plan and organize work and prepare appropriate reports.

Ability to clearly express ideas, both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience as a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1;

                                                                                                                                                                             or

Two years of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting; and a bachelor's degree that includes 18 credits in the behavioral sciences;

                                                                                                                                                                             or

One year of para-professional and one year of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting; and certification by the PA Chemical Abuse Certification Board as a "Certified Addictions Counselor";

                                                                                                                                                                             or

One year of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting and a master's degree with major coursework in addictions science, psychology or social work;

                                                                                                                                                                             or

An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences.