ALCOHOLISM COUNSELOR 2702
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE
CLASS
Under general supervision, an employee in this class provides counseling and related services to alcoholics, alcohol abusers and members of their families. The incumbent exercises considerable initiative and professional judgment in screening, counseling and referring alcoholic clients, and in treating relatives who have been affected by the clients' alcoholism. Supervision is received from a professional or administrative supervisor through conferences and reports. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Plans,
implements and evaluates an individualized treatment plan for each client, and
makes recommendations for further treatment;
Conducts
intake interviews and compiles case histories;
Counsels
clients individually to prepare them for group treatment; develops a rapport
with each client and attempts to involve him/her in such self-help groups as
Alcoholics Anonymous, Alanon and Alateen;
Organizes
and conducts group therapy sessions;
Follows
up, monitors and reviews all referrals;
Maintains
records and prepares statistical reports;
Visits
camps and housing locations of migrant or seasonal farm workers to screen for
those who may need alcohol-related counseling;
Participates
in and may conduct an education program for clients, their families and
interested community members;
Serves
as liaison with community groups providing services to the alcoholic
population.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES,
SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Thorough knowledge of the
principles and practices of treating and controlling alcoholism; thorough
knowledge of community resources and programs available to alcoholics and
problem drinkers; good knowledge of current literature and sources of
information regarding alcoholism; ability to establish and maintain effective
therapeutic and working relationships with clients, co-workers and members of
the community; ability to remain objective while maintaining an understanding
attitude toward alcoholic clients and their families; ability to keep records
and prepare reports; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both
orally and in writing; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the
demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
OPEN
COMPETITIVE
a) Graduation from a New York
State or Regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree,
and one (1) year of experience as an alcohol abuse counselor; or,
b) Registration as a credentialed
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) by the New York State Office
of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.
Note:
Graduate education in social work or
substance abuse counseling will be substituted for experience described in a)
on a year-for-year basis.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
At
the time of appointment and throughout employment in this title, employees are
required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York
State or otherwise demonstrate their ability to meet the transportation needs
of the job.
R03/13/06
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Competitive