Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in a mental health discipline. NAADAC or AADAA certification to be obtained within 18 months of hire.
LPC, LCSW, or LMFT with two years of substance abuse experience preferred.
Knowledge in 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 substance use disorder as a primary illness.
- Knowledge of gender specific issues relative to substance use.
- Knowledge of substance use treatment principles.
- Knowledge of twelve-step support groups such as AA, NA, CA, Celebrate Recovery, 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 use 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.
- Basic knowledge of the criminal justice system including court hearings, judges, court referral officers, probation officers if applicable.
- Knowledge of the risk for illnesses among IV drug users such as HIV/AIDS and T.B.
- Basic knowledge of psychiatric disorders in the adult population for referral purposes or co-occurring diagnosis treatment.
- Knowledge of substance use disorder opioid and alcohol medication assisted treatment medications and their expected clinical.
- Knowledge of behavioral management, crisis intervention to consumers with substance use issues.
In addition, for Medication Assisted Treatment programs:
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. Knowledge of program specific regulations.