Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· The SAT will possess effective interviewing, individual therapy, group therapy, treatment planning and rapport building skills; with the ability to practice empathetic listening.

· Has the ability to apply critical thinking skills by using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

· The Substance Abuse Therapist must have the ability to be influential and possess adaptive communication for the purpose of guiding and/or redirecting group therapy while applying effective interventions.

· The SAT must have the ability to read, analyze and interpret clinical documentation and/or agency regulations. The RT must have strong written communication with the ability to articulate in writing their thoughts, opinions, and facts with the objective of client care planning. This includes writing treatment plans, progress notes, group notes and any other clinical documentation required. Documentation must be completed within the designated timeframes.

· Must have strong oral communication skills with the ability to facilitate groups, lectures, and individual sessions. The SAT must also be able to communicate information and ideas; speaking so others can understand.

· Possesses appropriate knowledge of signs and symptoms of substance abuse and dependence and appropriate treatment standards. Knowledge of the signs & symptoms of mental disorders and/or substance use disorders as defined in the DSM-5 to ensure case coordination occurs for clients with dual diagnoses and human service definition as per HHS/Medicaid.

· Ability to effectively network and use collateral contacts and communications with referents and other authorized persons/entities, as appropriate to client’s care. The SAT must possess knowledge of specialized services/resources available to persons with substance abuse/dependence, and knowledge of continuum of care for reasons related to treatment planning, discharge/aftercare planning etc.

· The SAT must have the ability to apply risk management strategies and possess clinical decision-making skills appropriate for client’s care and safety, including productive collaboration with supervision/consultation as appropriate, and always in the case of imminent danger.

· Ability to develop and implement specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work while meeting deadlines and valuing client care and safety. This includes creative/individual care planning keeping in mind there is no “one size fits all” model in client care and planning.

· The SAT must have basic computer knowledge with the ability to navigate email, spreadsheets, E.H.R systems, phone systems, printers/copier/scanner etc.