Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.
Work Activities
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Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
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Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
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Assess individuals' degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.
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Follow progress of discharged patients to determine effectiveness of treatments.
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Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
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Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies.
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Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in client status.
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Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
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Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.
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Plan or implement follow-up or aftercare programs for clients to be discharged from treatment programs.
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Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
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Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.
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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.
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Instruct others in program methods, procedures, or functions.
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Participate in case conferences or staff meetings.
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Provide clients or family members with information about addiction issues and about available services or programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.
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Act as liaisons between clients and medical staff.
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Train or supervise student interns or new staff members.
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Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting clients or patients.
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Confer with family members or others close to clients to keep them informed of treatment planning and progress.
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Supervise or direct other workers providing services to clients or patients.
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Develop, implement, or evaluate public education, prevention, or health promotion programs, working in collaboration with organizations, institutions, or communities.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Education Bachelor's degree
- Work Experience No work experience
- Training No on-the-job training
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Looking for technical training programs?
Check out these programs:
Social: People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.They do well at jobs that need:
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Concern for Others
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Integrity
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Dependability
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Stress Tolerance
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Self Control
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Social Orientation
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Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers
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Personal computers
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Notebook computers
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Desktop computers
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Alcohol analyzers
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Spreadsheet software
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Presentation software
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Medical software
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Electronic mail software
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Data base user interface and query software
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Bright Outlook occupations will grow rapidly in the next few years, have a large number of openings, or are new and emerging careers.
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Apprenticeships are available for this occupation. These programs can help you get hands-on experience and build your skills.