Wellness/Addictions Specialists

Twelve Core Functions of The Certified Addiction Specialist

1. Screening: The process by which a client is determined appropriate and eligible for admission to a particular program.
   
   
2. Intake: The Administrative and initial assessment procedure for admission to a program.
   
   
3. Orientation: Describing to the client:
• clients’ rights
• the general nature and goals of the program
• rules governing client conduct and infractions that can lead to disciplinary action or discharge from the program
• treatment costs to be borne by the client, if any
• in a non-residential program, the hours during which services are available
  
  
4. Assessment: Those procedures by which a Addiction Specialist/program identifies and evaluates an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, problems and needs for the development of the treatment plan.

   Treatment Planning: Process by which the Addiction Specialist and the client:

   • identify and rank problems needing resolution
   • establish agreed upon immediate and long-term goals
   • decide on a treatment process and the resources to be utilized

5. Counselling: Individual, Family, and Group.

   The utilization of special skills to assist individuals, families or groups in achieving objectives through:

   • exploration of a problem and its ramifications
   • examination of attitudes and feelings
   • consideration of alternative solutions - decision making
     
     
6. Case Management: Activities which bring services, agencies, resources or people together within a planning framework of action toward the achievement of established goals. It may involve liaison activities and collateral contracts.
    
7. Crisis Intervention: Those services which respond to an alcohol and or drug abuser’s needs during acute emotional and/or physical distress.
   
   
8. Client Education: Provision of information to individuals and groups concerning alcohol and other drug abuse, and the available services and resources.
   
   
9. Referral: Identifying the needs of the client that cannot be met by the Addiction Specialist or agency and assisting the client to utilize the support systems and community resources available.
   
   
10. Report and Record Keeping: Charting the results of the assessment and treatment plan, writing reports, progress notes, discharge summaries and other client-related data.
    
    
11. Consultation With Other Professionals In Regard To Client Treatment/Services: Conferring with our own and other professionals to assure comprehensive, quality care for the client