Primary Counselor

The Primary Counselor carries out the twelve core functions of substance abuse counseling for an assigned resident caseload. He or she must be a self-starter who is able to multi-task and work as an effective member of an interdisciplinary clinical team. Good clinical and relational skills are a must, as well as the ability to work in a faith-based residential recovery environment with male residents.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Primary Counselor facilitates the 12 Core Functions of Substance Abuse Counseling with an assigned group of residents in the 120 day substance abuse recovery program.  The scope of practice for the Primary Counselor is determined by the credentialing board to which she/he is accountable.

Terms of clinical supervision will be determined as appropriate within the definitions of the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board or other appropriate credentialing body. Agency policy requires that the Primary Counselor receive one hour of clinical supervision per forty hours of work with an assigned Certified Clinical Supervisor within the agency.  There will be no exceptions to this policy, regardless of licensure or certification level.

The Primary Counselor is expected to adhere to the specific code of ethics accompanying his or her certification and/or licensure, as well as to all agency policies.

  • Carries out the twelve core functions as needed with assigned residents.  While some functions may be assigned to other departments within the program, the Primary Counselor must be able to perform the following functions:
  • Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the resident’s history and progress, services provided, or other required information.
  • Counsel residents in both a group and one on one setting.
  • Develop resident treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and resident history.
  • Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.
  • Act as liaisons between  resident and medical staff.
  • Provide residents with information about addiction issues and about available services or programs, make referrals when necessary.
  • Review and evaluate resident’s progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment plan.
  • Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in resident status.
  • Plan or implement follow-up or aftercare programs for residents to be discharged from program.
  • Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies.
  • Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Knowledge:

Required: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree

Certified with the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board as a CADC

Skill:

  • Appropriate oral and written communication skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Windows work environment and Microsoft Office. Must be able to use KIPU for reports and record keeping.
  • Demonstrate instructional skill, particularly in the area of addiction and recovery.
  • Desire to grow professionally and to achieve advanced level of counselor development and skill.
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Ability:

  • Must be able to climb stairs.
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds.

Christian Witness:

Charlotte Rescue Mission maintains a Christian working environment as a Christ centered residential drug and alcohol recovery program where integrity, honesty, and good team relations play a critical role in the success of the ministry. All employees are expected to share their personal hope of Christ with those they come in contact within thought, word, and deed.

Job descriptions are intended to identify the qualifications, responsibilities, and types of duties performed. A job description at Charlotte Rescue Mission is not intended to be a description of all possible duties, responsibilities or requirements that go with a job title. 

Applicants can send a resume, application, and cover letter to sharon.sinclair@charlotterescuemission.org.