# Tasks & work activities — drug and alcohol addiction counsellor

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 21-1011.00 (Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Assess individuals' degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.
- **[Core]** Train or supervise student interns or new staff members.
- **[Core]** Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
- **[Core]** Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
- **[Core]** Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
- **[Core]** Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
- **[Core]** 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.
- **[Core]** Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- **[Core]** Provide clients or family members with information about addiction issues and about available services or programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.
- **[Core]** Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in client status.
- **[Core]** Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.
- **[Core]** Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.
- **[Core]** Plan or implement follow-up or aftercare programs for clients to be discharged from treatment programs.
- **[Core]** Conduct chemical dependency program orientation sessions.
- **[Core]** Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting clients or patients.
- **[Core]** Participate in case conferences or staff meetings.
- **[Core]** Act as liaisons between clients and medical staff.
- **[Core]** Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies.
- **[Core]** Confer with family members or others close to clients to keep them informed of treatment planning and progress.
- **[Core]** Instruct others in program methods, procedures, or functions.
- **[Core]** Follow progress of discharged patients to determine effectiveness of treatments.
- **[Core]** Develop, implement, or evaluate public education, prevention, or health promotion programs, working in collaboration with organizations, institutions, or communities.
- **[Supplemental]** Supervise or direct other workers providing services to clients or patients.

## Detailed work activities

- Administer drug screening tests.
- Advocate for individual or community needs.
- Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments.
- Collaborate with other professionals to develop education or assistance programs.
- Confer with family members to discuss client treatment plans or progress.
- Counsel clients or patients with substance abuse issues.
- Counsel family members of clients or patients.
- Develop treatment plans for patients or clients.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or educational programs.
- Intervene in crisis situations to assist clients.
- Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.
- Lead classes or community events.
- Maintain client records.
- Maintain professional social services knowledge.
- Modify treatment plans to accommodate client needs.
- Monitor clients to evaluate treatment progress.
- Plan programs to address community health issues.
- Present social services program information to the public.
- Refer clients to community or social service programs.
- Supervise workers providing client or patient services.
- Train staff members in social services skills.
- Write reports or evaluations.