Co-Occurring Specialist

BRIDGEWAY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES•Little Falls, NJ

7h•$54,000 - $65,000

About The Position

As part of a multi-disciplinary, core services team, provides highly individualized services for enrollees who have co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. Assesses history and current needs/preferences of the person served in the areas of mental health and substance use. Works with the person served and the team to develop integrated mental health and substance use treatment goals and interventions. Provides clinical leadership for PACT staff in the area of co-occurring treatment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health field
CADC/LCADC required in accordance with the Alcohol and Drug Licensing and Certification Act, N.J.S.A. 45:2D-1 et seq.
A minimum of two years’ experience providing dual disorder/co-occurring services to individuals with co-occurring serious and persistent mental illness and substance abuse
Valid driver’s license required
No more than one moving violation within the past 12 months
Vehicle required

Responsibilities

As a team member in the frequent monitoring and assessment of the mental health status of people served as well as related variables, including significant others, the home and the community in which the person served lives
Within the team, in the development of substance abuse assessment, comprehensive assessment and an individualized recovery plan, often focusing on substance abuse treatment needs of the person receiving services. Ensures documentation is done on time and with quality to ensure adherence to all DMHAS/Medicaid standards.
In clinical and non-clinical team meetings, including individual and team supervision. Actively seeks out monthly supervision from supervisor.
Teaching of skills to support each person’s’ individualized recovery journey and community integration
Group and individual treatment modalities, depending on individual need
Stage-wise treatment focusing on identification of substance use effects and patterns, integrating evidence-based Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment model which includes use of Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions and Teaching Strategies
Assistance with recognition of interactive effects of substance abuse, psychiatric symptoms, and psychotropic medications
Development of motivation for decreasing substance use, increasing coping skills and alternatives to minimize use
Relapse prevention planning as well as assistance with attending recovery or self-help meetings
Information about the use of alcohol, tobacco, prescribed medications and other drugs of abuse, and the impact chemicals have on the ability to function in major life areas
Appropriate referrals/linkages to addiction services beyond the scope of PACT
Information about eating disorders, gambling, overspending and sexual/other addictions, as needed and appropriate
Development of WRAP and Psychiatric Advance Directives which includes stage wise treatment utilizing Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions and Teaching Strategies
Utilizes evidenced based practices, including motivational interviewing, IDDT, CBT skills, IMR, Trauma Informed Care, Permanent Supportive Housing and Career Development when engaging individuals with their recovery
Technical assistance and education to members of the team in the area of co-occurring disorders. Develops co-occurring disorders materials and strategies for individual and group interventions, in conjunction with the team
Assessment of service recipients stated concerns, mental illness symptoms, and behavior in response to medication and monitors for medication side-effects during the provision of observed self-administration and during ongoing face-to-face contacts
Medication education to both individuals and family/significant others with service recipient consent.
Coordination of services with other community mental health and non-mental health providers, as well as other medical professionals
24-hour on-call coverage on a rotating schedule, with the ability to respond immediately to individuals by phone or in person
Rapid and flexible response to crisis, including but not limited to accompanying the person to the local screening center/psychiatric emergency service and remaining with him/her during the assessment process.
Support to the service recipient’s family and other members of his/her social network to help them manage the symptoms and related consequences of the service recipient’s illness, reduce the level of family and social stress associated with the illness, and achieve wellness. Will provide education to assist the service recipient and family to relate in a positive and supportive manner