PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 19TH CIRCUIT- OPS SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSLER- 21619004

Requisition No: 839025 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 19TH CIRCUIT- OPS SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSLER- 21619004

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 21619004 

Salary:  $20 - $25 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 04/22/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Job Title: Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Summary:

This position requires 20-24 hours per week. The applicant must be willing to travel, as services are provided to clients in Okeechobee and St. Lucie County jails, as well as diversion court clients. The Substance Abuse Counselor is responsible for providing support and treatment to individuals facing substance use disorders. The counselor will assess clients' addiction problems, create tailored treatment plans, offer counseling sessions, and work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care. They will also monitor the progress of clients and help them develop skills to maintain sobriety, cope with triggers, and avoid relapse

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assessment and Evaluation:
   • Conduct initial assessments to determine the severity of addiction.
   • Interview clients to gather personal, family, and substance use histories.
   • Use screening tools to evaluate mental health and addiction issues.
2. Treatment Planning:
   • Develop individualized treatment plans based on the needs and goals of the client.
   • Collaborate with clients to set realistic short-term and long-term recovery goals.
   • Modify treatment plans as necessary based on client progress.
3. Counseling:
   • Provide individual, group, and family counseling sessions to clients.
   • Educate clients about substance use, addiction, and recovery.
   • Help clients develop coping mechanisms, relapse prevention strategies, and life skills.
   • Facilitate support groups and therapeutic activities that promote healing and recovery.
4. Case Management:
   • Monitor and document client progress throughout treatment.
   • Coordinate with healthcare providers, social workers, and community organizations to ensure comprehensive care.
   • Assist clients in accessing other necessary services such as vocational training, housing, or legal support.
5. Crisis Intervention:
   • Provide immediate support and intervention during crises, such as relapses or emotional breakdowns.
   • Ensure the safety of clients during emergencies and guide them through appropriate coping strategies.
6. Education and Prevention:
   • Educate clients and their families about addiction, its effects, and prevention techniques.
   • Develop and deliver educational programs or workshops for the community on substance abuse prevention.
7. Documentation:
   • Maintain accurate and confidential records of client progress and treatment.
   • Prepare reports and treatment summaries for case reviews and for use in clinical decision-making.
8. Ethical Practice:

• • Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in all client interactions.
  • Stay current with best practices in addiction treatment and counseling by attending training, workshops, and seminars.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field. Certification in substance abuse counseling (such as CAC or CAP) is required.
• Experience: Prior experience working with individuals with substance use disorders is preferred.
• Licensing: Depending on the state or employer, licensure or certification in substance abuse counseling may be required.
• Skills:
  • Strong communication and active listening skills.
  • Empathy, compassion, and the ability to work with diverse populations.
  • Knowledge of addiction treatment techniques and counseling methodologies.
  • Crisis management and intervention skills.
  • Organizational and time management abilities.
  • Ability to work in a corrections facility or with clients being diverted from incarceration.

You may be asked to perform duties that are included but not limited to this job description.  This job description is intended to describe the essential job functions of this position and is not intended to be an all-inclusive statement of your job responsibilities.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.