Position Overview
An addiction counselor provides one on one assistance to clients suffering from drug abuse issues.
These are qualified and trained individuals, who provide support and counseling to clients based on their conditions and circumstance.
Working in this position is challenging to say the least, and requires someone who has a wide variety of job related and inherent skills in handling people with addiction issues.
Educational & Skills Requirements
Necessarily, a master’s degree in psychology or social work is required to be considered eligible for the position of an addiction counselor. Of course, prior experience in assisting clients suffering from withdrawal, substance abuse, and emotional and physical limitations is considered a plus point when hiring an addiction counselor.
Furthermore, one has to possess the ability to create and implement spot-on treatment plans according to the specific requirements of the person being treated. Working at this position means that you have to be emotionally strong, as you will be handling many cases that are quite disturbing. Also, it will be your duty to ensure that the efficacy of treatment plans is ensured, and if it isn’t, to change them, so that they are effective.
For a list of job duties particular to the position of an addiction counselor, refer below:
Addiction Counselor Duties & Responsibilities
• Look through clients’ files to determine case significance and histories.
• Engage clients in conversation to determine their specific situations, and extent of counseling required.
• Create, develop, and implement well-placed treatment plans to meet the individual needs of each client.
• Assess clients’ conditions to determine the type and severity of addiction, and ensure that proper treatment plans are implemented.
• Review clients’ records, and work with other healthcare professionals to assess biopsychosocial factors.
• Work with clients on a one on one basis to provide them with counseling, to address their addiction abuse issues.
• Formulate treatments plan in sync with other professionals, ensuring that coordinated care is delivered to each client.
• Confer with clients’ families and friends to determine their progress, and to obtain information of limitations to the plan.
• Assess clients to assess the efficacy of treatment plans, and modify plans as and when required.
• Create and maintain documentation of treatment and assessments, by following established protocols.
• Assist patients suffering from relapses, focusing on their safety and wellbeing.
• Conduct family counseling in both individual and group settings, aimed at assisting clients with their present situations.
• Create and maintain accurate records of clients, ensuring that they are updated on a regular basis.