Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.

Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.

Interview clients, review records, and confer with other professionals to evaluate individuals' mental and physical condition and to determine their suitability for participation in a specific program.

Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.

Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.

Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.

Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in client status.

Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.

Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.

Participate in case conferences or staff meetings.

Conduct chemical dependency program orientation sessions.

Provide clients or family members with information about addiction issues and about available services or programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.

Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies.

Supervise or direct other workers providing services to clients or patients.

Train or supervise student interns or new staff members.

Act as liaisons between clients and medical staff.

Plan or implement follow-up or aftercare programs for clients to be discharged from treatment programs.

Assess individuals' degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.

Instruct others in program methods, procedures, or functions.

Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting clients or patients.

Follow progress of discharged patients to determine effectiveness of treatments.

Confer with family members or others close to clients to keep them informed of treatment planning and progress.

Develop, implement, or evaluate public education, prevention, or health promotion programs, working in collaboration with organizations, institutions, or communities.