The Substance Abuse Screener is responsible for performing substance abuse and alcohol screenings for inmates entering into the custody of the Hampton Sheriff’s Office and entering results into the jail management system. Manages a predetermined caseload in an outpatient setting, local jails, Probation and Parole or Drug Court programs which involves the assessment and evaluation of incoming clients, individual, group and family counseling, educational sessions and discharge/aftercare planning for clients with substance use disorder problems. Duties include screening, intake assessment, treatment planning, record keeping, substance use education, case management, crisis intervention, discharge planning, referral of appropriate offenders, individual/family/group counseling, educational sessions, and liaison duties between the criminal justice system and substance use disorder treatment agencies. Performs duties under the direct supervision of the Director of Professional Standards, Training and Intake and is accountable for use of delegated authority. Pursuant to §15.2–1603 of the Code of Virginia, incumbent is appointed at-will and serves at the pleasure of the Sheriff.

• Conducts the initial screening assessment during the Adult Intake Process within the first 72 hours of incarceration
• Observes collection of urine samples assuring proper procedures and chain of custody are followed
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and progressive actions through the display of professionalism, courtesy and appropriate tact and discretion in all interactions with inmates, other employees and the public
• Evaluates the addicted inmate’s physical and mental health, addictive behaviors and openness to treatment and recovery plans
• Reviews and recommends treatment options and helps to develop strategies and actions to deal with addiction problems (i.e. support groups, 12 step program, educates family members and refers to community resources as needed)
• Monitors patient over time to ascertain treatment progress
• Identifies behaviors that could interfere with treatment and recovery
• May be called to testify in court concerning screenings performed
• Enters all drug and alcohol screening results, as performed, into the jail management system in accordance with HIPAA requirements
• Coordinates and forwards screen assessment to the Hampton Sheriff’s Office medical unit
• Attends the ICC daily meeting and provides input for proper housing of inmates
• Communicates with subordinates, supervisors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• Conducts individual and group counseling, and regularly scheduled orientation groups.
• Develops and/or completes individualized treatment plans, behavioral contracts and discharge plans.
• Conducts substance use disorder, screenings, assessment and diagnoses (based on screening instrument).
• The incumbent has the responsibility of assisting the client in identifying goals and develops treatment plans.
• The incumbent also works directly with correctional personnel, providing both consultation and crisis intervention services, as appropriate.
• Incumbent must have outstanding interpersonal skills as the position requires continuous contact with clients, referral sources, other agency officers, social workers, medical and correctional services staff in planning and providing client services.
• Incumbent to prepare written documentation such as: reports; service plans, business communication; client progress notes; proposals for client admissions, screenings etc.
• Completes on-going progress notes based on counseling sessions.
• Conducts educational groups regarding family, personal and lifestyle management.
• Conducts educational groups on substance use, recovery, and relapse prevention.
• Monitors client’s participation as this relates to medical services.
• Maintains cooperative relationships with probation officials and other criminal justice staff.
• Provides ancillary assistance/service options as appropriate.
• Attends staff meetings as a member of a treatment team.
• Provides aftercare and follow-up services as necessary.
• Maintains cooperative relationships with referral agencies.
• Maintains accurate and up to date client records and contractual requirements.
• Participates in on-going training, education, professional and personal growth opportunities.
• Attends related client staffing’s.
• Acts as a liaison between the Hampton City Jail staff and Substance Use Treatment Services (Hampton Newport News Community Service Board-subject to change).
• Prepare required reports.
• Other duties as necessary.
• Adheres to all policies, procedures, guidelines and directives of the office
• Meets acceptable attendance requirements at all times
• Protects confidential information by preventing unauthorized release, both verbal and/or in writing
• Follows all Federal, State and Local laws
• Performs any other tasks as required

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with community agencies, judges, city and commonwealth attorneys, outside agencies, state representatives, employees and the general public
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Must be detail-oriented, possess a professional attitude and able to work a flexible schedule
• Must maintain courteous, professional and effective working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials and citizens from a variety of racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds
• Acts rationally and calmly under stressful situations
• Utilize good public relations skills
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of therapeutic counseling including the practice of process and topic group counseling in a correctional setting.
• Thorough knowledge of specific treatment techniques for chemically dependent clients.
• Skilled at developing individualized, behaviorally specific, time limited and measurable treatment plans and behavioral contracts.
• Ability to make diagnoses on the DSM-V on all five axes.
• Thorough knowledge of substance use disorder and its physiological and psychological effects.
• Skilled in the development and implementation of drug education curriculum.
• Good Knowledge of community services and resources.
• Ability to establish effective working relations with clients, community partners and the community.
• Ability to keep accurate and up to date clinical records and reports
• Ability to deal with stressful situations and individuals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills required.
• Good knowledge of the laws, guidelines, and legal procedures relating to mental health care or substance use treatment to include HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Prioritize tasks
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and suggest recommendations in support of goals
• Makes sound decisions

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or GED equivalency certificate. Associate degree or higher education in chemical dependency or counseling preferred. Basic knowledge of correctional services, the criminal justice process and local judicial system. Professional experience in record keeping is essential. Previous experience with the treatment of substance abuse disorders. Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation and possess a valid Virginia’s driver’s license.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

The job may risk exposure to extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, noise, fumes, odors, moving machinery, electrical shock, traffic and toxic or caustic chemicals. Risk of exposure to bio-hazard communicable diseases and bodily fluids.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

All employees are expected to follow all Federal, State and local laws and effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the expectations of the Hampton Sheriff’s Office. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS

Must have the capability to hear, speak and see to communicate with the general public. Physical exertion may be required to climb stairs and over walls, run, bend, twist, reach, crawl through tight spaces, kneel in confined areas, sit for prolonged periods of time and move/push/pull or lift heavy objects exceeding 50 lb. Subject to 24-hour call back for emergencies. Requires annual physical. Requires operation of standard office equipment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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