Spera Counselor

CONTRIBUTION TO MISSION & CONTINUUM OF CARE

The goal of Dawn Farm is to remove the barriers that people with addictions face to entering into recovery. Spera Counselors at Dawn Farm further this mission by maintaining a safe and recovery-friendly environment for clients entering into treatment and completing detox. Spera counselors also assist clients in coordinating their next level of care.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors the vital signs of clients needing detoxification and contacts supervisors and/or medical staff as appropriate for guidance
• Facilitates check-in and didactic groups
• Develops individualized recovery plans with clients
• Facilitates continuing care planning with clients, including hospitals, other treatment providers, etc.
• Administers substance testing through the course of treatment
• Transports clients in Dawn Farm vehicles to 12-step meetings, appointments, and other facilities
• Provides general client supervision and leads clients in structured activities
• Monitors client medication and documents any medication taken
• Acts as part of the treatment team by documenting and communicating all relevant information to other staff
• Prepares meals and performs housekeeping tasks in the absence of volunteers
• Performs various clerical tasks, including answering phones, making copies, etc.
• Completes and documents emergency drills and site inspections
• Completes other duties, as requested by program coordinator
• Participates in all required trainings, staff inservices, and special events
• Assists with training of new staff

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Persistent optimism
• Ability to stay on task and friendly in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to remain calm and proactive in emergency situations, including emergency medical situations
• Ability to successfully network with other programs to coordinate continuing care for clients
• Ability to follow through and see tasks to completion

ALL DAWN FARM EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Integrates Dawn Farm mission and core values into daily functions
• Familiar with recovery principles and the philosophy and practice of 12-step recovery
• Pursues continuing education to improve job knowledge and maintain licensing/certification, as applicable
• Able to interact with a wide variety of people in a cordial, professional manner, both independently and as part of a team
• Able to interact with clients and family members in an empathetic manner while maintaining professional boundaries

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

CREDENTIALS

• CPR certification
• Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field (strongly preferred)
• CADC, CAADC, or plan for certification
• Valid driver’s license and ability to by covered by Dawn Farm auto insurance

RECOVERY

• At least eighteen months of continuous sobriety, if in recovery from addiction.
• If ever a client in any Dawn Farm program, at least one year since the date of last service.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For all Dawn Farm employees

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and listen.
• The employee is frequently required to use hands to write, type, use phone, and to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and walk.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.

Additional demands specific to this job

None

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Approved By: Anna Byberg

Approved Date: