Addiction Counsellor & Mentor – MAT Clinic at University of Maryland1

JOB SUMMARY

The primary function for this position is to provide psychosocial services to patients who suffer from opioid dependence or other drug abuse related behavioral and emotional problems. The position holder will manage the psychosocial aspect of MAT clients and create a treatment plan. The addiction counselor will assist patients with the development of personal recovery programs that focus on healthier behaviors and examine issues related to the addictions and teach relevant coping skills.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meeting with clients to evaluate their health and substance problem.
• Identifying issues arising, create goals and treatment plans and re-evaluate the treatment plans quarterly.
• Teaching clients coping mechanisms using evidence-based interventions for substance use disorders.
• Providing the clinic with clients’ progress on their treatment plans in the multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Liaise with any additional treatment programs in line with the identified issues from the treatment plan and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment programs.
• Supporting reintegration to family, conducting family psychoeducation and family therapy.
• Leading group therapy and support group sessions.
• Providing supportive skills that help clients find jobs or reestablish their career.
• Undertaking non-compliant tracing within a week of patients no longer coming in for treatment
• Ensuring smooth coordination with the referring Civil Society Organizations and participate in MAT linkage forums.
• Participate in community education and support programs for PWID, as needed
• Participate in the dissemination of nationally developed PWID promotional materials and information.
• Qualifications
• Degree in social work or Higher Diploma in addiction counseling.
• Knowledge in HIV care and treatment
• Counselling skills
• Addiction counseling skills and People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) care and management experience is an added advantage.

Knowledge / experience

• 1. Practical Knowledge and experience in HIV management among people who Inject drugs (PWID) and or People who use drugs (PWUD)
• 2. Practical experience in addiction counselling especially among PWUD.
• 3. Comprehensive knowledge of client centered mental health and addiction interventions, practice methods and professional skills.
• Knowledge of community resources, rehabilitation centers and CSOs is an added advantage