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 gender specific issues relative to addiction
- 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
- 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 abuse and dependency and how to tailor strategies and treatment modalities to the consumer’s stage of dependency, change or recovery
- Knowledge of medical and pharmaceutical resources in the treatment of addictive disease and other substance related disorders
- Knowledge of cultural diversity
- Knowledge of the risk for illnesses among IV drug users such as HIV/AIDS and T.B
- Basic knowledge of the criminal justice system including court hearings, judges, court referral officers, probation officers if applicable
- Knowledge of behavioral management, crisis intervention to consumers with substance abuse/addiction issues
In addition for Methadone program:
Knowledge of opioid substitution therapy and its expected clinical effect (prevent withdrawal symptoms, reduce or eliminate craving and block the effect of any other illicit or self-administered opioids