Master’s degree in a mental health discipline with two years of substance abuse experience plus NAADAC, AADAA, or IC&RC certification or become LGSW, LPC or LCSW required within two years of employment. LPC, LCSW, or LMFT with two years of substance abuse experience preferred upon hire. Knowledge of adult specialty, outlined below, to be attained within (6) six months of employment:
- Knowledge of psychiatric disorders in the adult population
- Knowledge of the nature of addiction as a primary illness.
- Knowledge of Substance Abuse treatment principles
- Knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation principles
- Knowledge of twelve-step support groups such as AA, NA, CA, and other self-help groups
- Knowledge of cultural diversity
- Knowledge of behavior management, crisis intervention and interventions common to
- acute psychotic consumers, as well as, to non-violent crisis intervention practice
- Knowledge of educational methods appropriate to adults with psychiatric disorders
- Knowledge of the Involuntary Commitment process in Mobile County
- Knowledge of Hospital admissions process in Mobile County
- Knowledge of Probate Court in Mobile County
- Knowledge of gender specific issues relative to addiction
- Understands the dynamics of co-dependency of addicted individuals and other typical behaviors of these consumers, such as denial and manipulation
- Understands the behavioral, psychological, physical health and social effects of psychoactive drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, on the consumer and significant others
- Knowledge of helping strategies for reducing the negative effects of substance misuse and dependency and how to tailor strategies and treatment modalities to the consumer’s stage of dependency, change or recovery