Position Summary:

• The Drug and Alcohol Counselor provides consultation, education, and support to KVC staff to increase their knowledge and skills in understanding substance use disorders so they can better assist the children and families we serve.

Location:

• Topeka, KS

Education:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a field licensable by the KS BSRB.

Experience:

• Experience in working with vulnerable and at-risk children and older youth required
• Intermediate computer skills required

Licensure/Certification:

• Valid drivers license
• Valid Auto Insurance
• At least 21 years old
• Addiction and Prevention Credentialed Counselor licensure through the BSRB

Essential Duties:

• The Drug and Alcohol Counselor will be involved in the design, preparation, and sharing of new knowledge and skills by advancing KVC staff's understanding of substance use disorders, treatment, and family recovery, and their relationship to parenting by providing training regarding:
• How people develop substance use disorders and how substance abuse affects parenting
• Key steps staff should take when substance abuse is identified as a factor in a family being served
• Strategies that motivate families to engage in treatment for substance use disorders
• Substance abuse treatment approaches and ways to help parents secure appropriate treatment for the benefit of children and families

• Unique considerations for women with substance use disorders
• Special considerations of children whose parents are struggling with substance use disorders
• Strategies and resources to assist families that are grappling with substance use disorder
• Strategies and resources that support staff collaboration with treatment counselors so that staff may more fully assist families who are affected by substance use disorders

Support staff in carrying out responsibilities that arise when alcohol or drug use may be a factor in placing a child at risk for out of home placement by assisting staff with the following:

• conduct AOD assessments
• provide home and office-based individual, family and group substance abuse treatment
• make referrals to service providers as needed
• collaborate with other treatment providers as necessary to provide strong continuity of care
• Train staff on the administration of UNCOPE and SASSI as screening tools and on making behavioral observations that indicate substance abuse issues
• Train staff on motivational interviewing
• Serve as agency liaison to treatment providers, troubleshooting when expectations differ

Join Us:

We’re an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.