04/12/1996 38440

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT SPECIALIST SUPERVISOR

DEFINITION: This is supervisory and advanced professional work in the care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons within a drug and/or alcohol abuse program at a State Correctional Institution or facility.

An employee in this class independently plans and implements drug and alcohol program changes and procedures for the treatment of inmates who have a documented history of drug and/or alcohol abuse/dependence and supervises a professional staff in program implementation. The work is concentrated on drug and/or alcohol related functions that positively address the problems created and sustained by chemical addiction. The incumbent of this position performs administrative tasks associated with preparing inmates for furlough, community corrections referral and parole; is responsible for preparing case histories and records; corresponds with judicial officials and others within the criminal justice system; and performs related administrative duties. Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, policies, and procedures. Work is reviewed by an administrative superior through individual and group conferences.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Trains and supervises lower level Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialists in the performance of activities and services in the care, treatment and rehabilitation of inmates within a drug and/or alcohol educational and treatment program.

Plans, organizes, implements, and supervises a treatment program within the facility for inmates who are drug or alcohol dependent.

Responsible for the coordination of all clinical and operational functions of an inpatient or an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program, to include oversight of all educational and treatment functions involving group counseling, individual counseling, support self-help groups, record keeping and referrals made to other human services activities.

Makes work assignments and reviews work in progress of lower level Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialists; prepares performance evaluation reports; takes disciplinary action on reported infractions of rules and regulations and recommends appropriate action to administrative superiors regarding the hiring or termination of employees.

Provides counseling services to inmates and their family members to assist them in addressing specific problems of a difficult or complex nature.

Supervises and coordinates group counseling sessions, individual counseling sessions and self-help support groups.

Works in cooperation with other social agencies, hospitals, clinics, courts and other community resources in planning to meet the needs of inmates and assists them in utilizing these resources.

Prepares reports concerning inmates and provides supervisory assistance in the preparation of drug and alcohol treatment services offered to each inmate.

Counsels and works with drug or alcohol abusing/dependent inmates who are considered to be difficult and resistive clients.

Provides advice and guidance to lower level staff in their preparation for group/individual counseling sessions, work projects, training and educational/occupational placement of inmates.

Works with other drug and alcohol clinicians and therapists within the community to develop new and innovative approaches that address the role of chemical addiction in criminal behavior.

Assists administrative superiors in their performance of duties relating to the overall structure and function of the drug and alcohol program within the facility and the local community, providing resources for advanced treatment modalities, and the establishment of additional drug and/or alcohol programs within the community and the institution.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the drug and alcohol abusing subculture.

Knowledge of the addictive disease process.

Knowledge of local community and state-wide treatment facilities and other drug and alcohol resources.

Knowledge of the symptoms and characteristics of drug and alcohol abuse and dependency.

Knowledge of the dynamics of individual and group behaviors and the most effective ways of working with them.

Knowledge of the clinical foundations of community based drug and alcohol and outpatient/inpatient programming.

Ability to evaluate subordinate counselors, and to instruct them on clinical procedures, policies, and regulations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with inmates, staff members, outside referral agencies, institutions, agencies of the criminal justice system, and the general public.

Ability to clearly express ideas orally and in writing.

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

Ability to learn and apply the basic principles, procedures, and common practices involved in the work of providing drug and alcohol services, education, and counseling to drug or alcohol dependent inmates.

Ability to plan and organize tasks and prepare appropriate reports.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience as a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 2;

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Three years of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting and a bachelor's degree that included 18 college credits in the Behavioral Sciences.

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Two years of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting and a Master's degree with major courses in Addictions Science, Psychology, or Social Work.

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

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 18 college credits in the Behavioral Sciences.