The Department of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Disease at the University of Virginia's School of Medicine seeks applications for a Substance Abuse Counselor. This position will be a full-time counselor role serving patients of the UVA Ryan White Clinic with a history of substance use problems. The successful candidate will work independently and have the authority to make decisions without supervisory guidance.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Provide counseling and assessment of people living with HIV with active or past histories of substance use disorders.
• Develop and coordinate a treatment plan with patients aimed at modifying substance use disorders and related behaviors.
• Coordinate patient treatment and care with clinic team members, UVA clinicians/team members and outside providers.
• Make referrals to team members or providers as needed.
• Case management of patients who use substances.
• Make decisions regarding patients' eligibility for programs.
• Coordinate, monitor and evaluate options and services to meet the patient's health and daily living needs.
• Develop and maintain an engaging relationship with the patient throughout the episode of care.
• Perform outreach counseling.
• Maintain records related to compliance and regulatory standards.
• Provide individual and group counseling sessions.
• Engage in weekly clinical supervision meetings.
• Participate as a provider of or participant in ongoing clinical skills training events for clinic team members.
• Provide monthly updates on services provided for Ryan White Funders and others.

In addition to these job duties, other duties may be assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, psychology or related field.
• Experience: At least 2 years of experience working with people with addiction issues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology or related field.
• Clinical experience in an alcohol or other drugs (AOD) and/or mental health setting.
• CSAC, LCSW, LSW or LPC.
• Expertise with professional computer software and prior usage of electronic medical records systems.

Required Skills:

• Comfort with professional computer software and ability to learn electronic medical records systems.
• Qualified to apply for the Certified Substance Abuse Counselor designation.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of team members to optimize patient care.
• Ability to implement evidence-based case management and counseling techniques for substance use and related behaviors in individual and group formats.
• Strong reflective listening skills and the ability to form a working alliance with diverse patients.
• Knowledge of local, federal and state laws and regulations regarding people with addictive disorders.
• Ability to help patients analyze and solve daily living challenges and complex problems.
• Ability to exchange information with patients, families and colleagues in a positive and professional demeanor that is supportive, timely and understandable.

Physical Demands:
Job requires sitting/standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping/traveling (distance: 1-2 miles/day), climbing (ladder, steps) and reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive). Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull 20-50 lbs.

The Substance Abuse Counselor will report to Everlyne Sawyer, Unit Administrator & Ryan White Program Manager. For additional information about the position, please contact Everlyne Sawyer, Unit Administrator & Ryan White Program Manager, at ES7EM@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

This position is located in Charlottesville, VA. The anticipated start date is June 1, 2022. This position will remain open until filled

This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding and performance. This is an exempt-level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit http://www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen and drug screening are required for this position prior to employment.

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community, please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

 

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.