Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

<ul><li>Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.</li><li>Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.</li><li>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.</li><li>Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.</li><li>Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.</li><li>Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.</li><li>Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in client status.</li><li>Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.</li><li>Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.</li><li>Provide clients or family members with information about addiction issues and about available services or programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.</li><li>Conduct chemical dependency program orientation sessions.</li><li>Participate in case conferences or staff meetings.</li><li>Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies.</li><li>Train or supervise student interns or new staff members.</li><li>Act as liaisons between clients and medical staff.</li><li>Plan or implement follow-up or aftercare programs for clients to be discharged from treatment programs.</li><li>Assess individuals' degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.</li><li>Instruct others in program methods, procedures, or functions.</li><li>Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting clients or patients.</li><li>Confer with family members or others close to clients to keep them informed of treatment planning and progress.</li></ul>