01/11/2001 38420

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT SPECIALIST 1

DEFINITION: This is beginning level, professional counseling 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 provides professional drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation services for inmates, patients or residents who have been diagnosed with or have a documented history of drug and/or alcohol abuse/dependency. Under the guidance and supervision of a higher-level professional, the incumbent initially performs work at the beginning level of professional counseling. Latitude in judgment is restricted until the incumbent begins to demonstrate an understanding of the processes and techniques used to rehabilitate inmates, patients or residents with drug and/or alcohol abuse problems. The employee participates in drug and alcohol screenings, preparing case histories and records, assessments and orientations, parole/discharge/furlough planning, Community Corrections and local agency referrals and other related administrative duties. Work is reviewed by a higher level professional through individual conferences.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Participates in beginning level professional tasks in the care, treatment and rehabilitation of drug and/or alcohol dependent persons in a Commonwealth facility.

Provides professional planning of drug and alcohol services and treatment and participates in the conduct of these planned treatment activities.

Encourages drug and/or alcohol dependent persons to seek professional assistance, explains available treatment, education and counseling programs and makes appropriate referrals.

Works closely with inmates, patients or residents in preparing individualized treatment and recovery plans.

Provides supervised professional counseling to assigned inmates, patients or residents, makes appropriate referrals and performs other administrative duties.

Discusses inmate, patient or resident problems with institution or facility staff, family members and prospective employers and performs related follow-up functions.

Works individually with inmates, patients or residents to counsel them in overcoming their anxieties and obtains their cooperation in the continuance of drug and alcohol treatment services and counseling.

Describes available drug and alcohol treatment services to members of the community, interested groups and individuals.

Participates in a program of education in drug and alcohol treatment services to further develop professional counseling skills and techniques.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse subcultures.

Knowledge of the addictive disease process.

Knowledge of local community and statewide substance abuse treatment facilities and other resources.

Knowledge of individual and group behaviors and effective methods of dealing with such behavior.

Knowledge of treatment techniques and procedures as applied to drug and/or alcohol abuse.

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

Ability to work with inmates, patients and residents and to gain their confidence and cooperation.

Ability to plan and organize work and prepare appropriate reports.

Ability to participate as a working member of a drug and alcohol treatment team.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience as a Corrections Counselor or Social Worker;

                                                                                                                                                                             or

One year 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 college credits in the behavioral sciences;

                                                                                                                                                                             or

One year of para-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

A master's degree with major course work in addictions science, psychology or social work;

                                                                                                                                                                            or

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