drug-and-alcohol-addiction-counsellor/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — drug and alcohol addiction counsellor

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 21-1011.00 (Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors).

Task statements

• [Core] Assess individuals' degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.
• [Core] Train or supervise student interns or new staff members.
• [Core] Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
• [Core] Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
• [Core] Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
• [Core] Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
• [Core] Interview clients, review records, and confer with other professionals to evaluate individuals' mental and physical condition and to determine their suitability for participation in a specific program.
• [Core] Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
• [Core] Provide clients or family members with information about addiction issues and about available services or programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.
• [Core] Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in client status.
• [Core] Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.
• [Core] Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.
• [Core] Plan or implement follow-up or aftercare programs for clients to be discharged from treatment programs.
• [Core] Conduct chemical dependency program orientation sessions.
• [Core] Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting clients or patients.
• [Core] Participate in case conferences or staff meetings.
• [Core] Act as liaisons between clients and medical staff.
• [Core] Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies.
• [Core] Confer with family members or others close to clients to keep them informed of treatment planning and progress.
• [Core] Instruct others in program methods, procedures, or functions.
• [Core] Follow progress of discharged patients to determine effectiveness of treatments.
• [Core] Develop, implement, or evaluate public education, prevention, or health promotion programs, working in collaboration with organizations, institutions, or communities.
• [Supplemental] Supervise or direct other workers providing services to clients or patients.

Detailed work activities

• Administer drug screening tests.
• Advocate for individual or community needs.
• Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments.
• Collaborate with other professionals to develop education or assistance programs.
• Confer with family members to discuss client treatment plans or progress.
• Counsel clients or patients with substance abuse issues.
• Counsel family members of clients or patients.
• Develop treatment plans for patients or clients.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or educational programs.
• Intervene in crisis situations to assist clients.
• Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.
• Lead classes or community events.
• Maintain client records.
• Maintain professional social services knowledge.
• Modify treatment plans to accommodate client needs.
• Monitor clients to evaluate treatment progress.
• Plan programs to address community health issues.
• Present social services program information to the public.
• Refer clients to community or social service programs.
• Supervise workers providing client or patient services.
• Train staff members in social services skills.
• Write reports or evaluations.