Prevention and Clinical Specialist

DescriptionThe individual in this role reports directly to the Director of Youth and Family Services. This is a 24-hour-per-week position with some flexibility available with the work schedule. The position is eligible for paid holidays and paid leave, but is not eligible for medical or dental insurance benefits.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under broad supervision, incumbent leads the community’s prevention and intervention efforts, and provides clinical assessments, referrals and counseling services to Glastonbury youth and families.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Performs initial and ongoing clinical assessments, treatment plans and ongoing evaluation, using a multicultural lens.
Develops evidence-based treatment plans in collaboration with clients; in an accessible way, explains presenting concerns and treatment methods that honors client autonomy and reinforces client strengths.
Provides counseling to diverse clients, ensuring engagement is client-focused and therapeutic in nature.
Documents informed consent; documents therapeutic interventions and client response and progress; maintains records and ensures confidentiality and security of such.
Provides screening, assessment, and referrals to appropriate levels of care for youth and families experiencing substance use concerns. Collaborates with other agencies and community partners.
Organizes and facilitates youth and adult community coalitions and provides administrative oversight of SMART Recovery groups.
Presents educational talks to the community and/or schools on various topics of mental health, substance use and other behavioral health topics.
Works with school personnel to provide individual supportive counseling and psycho-educational group treatment for youth experiencing substance use concerns.
Develops, implements and evaluates evidence-based substance use prevention programs. Encourages and promotes engagement of all segments of the community in prevention initiatives.
Coordinates prevention grants to ensure ongoing compliance with contractual obligations.
Serves as the department's representative to Amplify (Local Prevention Council), attending regular meetings and collaborating with community partners to advance substance use prevention efforts.
Contributes to a respectful and safe work environment by fostering a culture of positive communication and ethical behavior, with an emphasis on providing exceptional service to internal and external customers.
Maintains knowledge base and improves skills through current research literature, participation in professional associations, professional development workshops and training.

OTHER DUTIES:

Performs other duties as required.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

Maintains confidentiality of records and information in compliance with HIPAA

CONDUCT:

Represents the Town in a professional and courteous manner; observes and respects the dignity of all persons
Observes safe work practices

DEPENDABILITY:

Regularly attends and is punctual for work
Works weekends and evenings, as necessary

NOTE: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and responsibility. Incumbent must be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS PROFILE:

Knowledge of

clinical counseling principles, practices, ethics and cultural competency
Harm Reduction Model of treatment
SMART Recovery model and principles

Skilled in

individual, couples and family counseling; group counseling; and crisis intervention
verbal communication, including the ability to explain concepts to individuals and groups
assessment and treatment planning for adolescents and adults with substance use concerns
community organizing and coalition management

Ability to

maintain client confidentiality
use sound clinical judgment
make ethical and effective intervention decisions
write clear and concise clinical notes and records
engage collaboratively with youth, families, colleagues, school personnel, community partners, and service providers
establish and maintain therapeutic alliances with diverse clients

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, stooping, reaching, carrying items of up to twenty (20) pounds, such as papers, books or files
Ability to

perform manipulative skills, which require hand-eye coordination such as keyboard skills
see objects closely as in reading case histories
hear normal sounds with background noise, distinguish voice patterns and communicate with speech as in using a telephone, providing counseling services to individuals and making presentations
attend to detail and concentrate for sixty (60) minutes or more with some interruptions, remember multiple assignments given over long periods of time and understand the theories behind several related concepts

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree from a recognized college or university in social work, counseling, or a related field, including training and supervised experience in clinical practice
Two (2) years post-graduate relevant clinical experience in the field of substance use disorder treatment.
Experience presenting to and facilitating small and large groups
Bilingual/bicultural, Spanish/English skills helpful

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION:

State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); or eligibility for clinical licensure with current Connecticut licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFT-A), Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A), or PsyD. upon hire, AND attainment of LCSW, LMFT, or LPC, within three (3) years of employment
Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) certification within two (2) years of employment
Certificate of Completion as a SMART Recovery® Facilitator within two (2) years of employment
Driver’s license