Counselor (58986)

Job DetailsJob Location: Garner Correctional - Newtown, CT 06470Position Type: Full TimeSUMMARY: Recovery Network of Programs, Inc. (RNP), is a private, non-profit, social service agency which has been serving the Greater Bridgeport Community and Fairfield County area since 1972. RNP is dedicated to helping those living with substance use, mental health disorders, and homelessness. Our mission is to restore hope, health, and wellbeing for individuals and families in a recovery environment that embraces compassion, dignity, and respect. In 2014, RNP was the second CT Medical assisted treatment (MATS) agency allowed into the State correctional system to administer methadone. Our two DOC MATS programs, North Star Recovery (BPT) and Solid Ground (Newtown) have grown substantially both in scope as well as population served. In accordance with RNP's Mission Statement, Philosophy of Client Care and Code of Ethics as stated in the Personnel Policies and under the supervision of the Director of DOC or Department Head of MATS, this Counselor – Per Diem will be a skilled counselor capable of successfully working within a correctional setting. The primary responsibility for this position is to transport the dosing nurse and the methadone on board safely to and from Garner Correctional on scheduled mornings. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: All duties are subject to accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• Timeliness is critical to the success of this position. Driver must arrive at CHS promptly at 7:30 am for all shift days. Must present properly dressed per DOC Orientation Guidelines.
• With dosing nurse as passenger, driver will be responsible for safely transporting staff and live doses to Garner Correctional Institute, 50 Nunnawauk Rd, Newtown CT.
• Staff will accompany dosing nurse into the facility. No staff is allowed to remain inside parked cars at GCI. Sign in as required and go through the metal scanner. Always carry two types of ID as they may be asked for. Take badge, attach visibly to outside clothing. Upon exiting facility, return this to receive ID swapped.
• Involvement with the dosing process: conduct mouth checks both before and after dosing, be friendly and approachable to all clients while letting them know the limitations of your position. Role here primarily as a liaison should clients ask any services of you. Make a note of any such instances, discuss them with the dosing nurse, and, if need be, pass this on to the primary GCI counselor.
• The DOC Custody Officer’s (CO) word, direction or request needs to be recognized and followed at all times. This is especially so during any emergencies should they arise.
• Stay out of the way when DOC staff is moving or escorting clients. Maintain a low profile at all times. Stay out of the way physically
• To better serve our clients, you would be encouraged to become as knowledgeable about our DOC MATS program as possible. Referrals can be made to the appropriate clinical staff in response to client questions.
• Extenuating circumstances may require you to walk through the facility with dosing nurse and CO during dosing. Remain cordial and polite but at a minimum to all staff and clients you may encounter. Maintain focus on only those clients we are dosing. Do not engage in unnecessary discussion should any inmate choose to do so.
• Sign out and drive nurse and remaining doses directly back to CHS. Staff must remain with dosing nurse inside CHS and leave together for safety.
• Staff should always maintain awareness that Garner clients are likely there due to a mental health condition. Therefore, an understanding that our clients may not respond/behave in what could be considered “typical” is vital in providing compassionate care. Please consider this should clients engage you in ways that you may not be used to or seem atypical.
• Staff is required to keep timely the Relias computer trainings. Will be paid per the time allotted for each course. Will be given access to RNP computer to do this on or off site.
• Staff will be required to meet monthly with RNP DOC MATS Director for monthly supervision.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: Must pass /CT DOC background check and DOC Orientation process Valid CT Driver’s License MATS certified and/or CAC and SCCD preferred Knowledge of principles and techniques of counseling/Mental health understanding and sensitivity.

Knowledge of the physical, psychological, social, and economic effects of substance abuse Knowledge of community resources Considerable knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding client confidentiality Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships Excellent communication skills Ability to project a professional image Must work collaboratively and professionally with all DOC staff: DOC Addictions Counselors, Custody Officers, DOC Wardens, and Department Wardens.

An understanding of and ability to provide appropriate care for co-occurring d/o individuals EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in the Behavioral Sciences or 2 years’ experience in counseling preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bilingual preferred