Certified Performance Domains

Certified Criminal Justice Professional    

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Twelve Core Functions Of The Alcohol And Other Drug Abuse Counselor 

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Certified Clinical Supervisor  

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Certified Advanced Addictions Counselors  

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Certified Criminal Justice Professional

(CCJP)

Performance Domains and Job Tasks

Domain I:  Dynamics of Addiction and Criminal Behavior

1. Behave in an ethical manner by adhering to established professional codes of ethics, conduct and standards of practice in order to promote the best interests of the client.

2. Adhere to federal, state, local and agency regulations in order to protect client rights and the public.

3. Advise the client of the specific nature of treatment, confidentiality rights, and the requirements for treatment within the criminal justices system in order to obtain informed consent.

4. Engage in appropriate professional development by obtaining continuing education, reading professional literature, etc., in order to promote the quality of professional services and assure continuing competence.

5. Obtain regular clinical and administrative supervision and consultation in order to facilitate proficiency.

6. Recognize personal biases, feelings, concerns, and other issues using a range of options in order to prevent these variables from interfering with the treatment and criminal justices process.

7. Participate in quality improvement and evaluation activities by gathering data and identifying areas that need improvement in order to offer effective services.

Domain III:  Criminal Justice System and Processes

Domain IV:  Screening, Intake and Assessment

1. Motivate the client to give accurate and complete information by explaining to the client the purpose of the assessment in order to make valid decisions and increase the probability of compliance.

2. Conduct a comprehensive assessment by collecting and evaluating information on the client’s biopsychosocial status and criminality using standardized instruments, interviews, and other methods, in order to formulate a comprehensive case plan.

3. Obtain and evaluate information from sources other than the client in order to validate and provide more complete data using interviews and/or review of existing records.

4. Recognize the signs and symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal by interpreting observable behavior, laboratory data, and results of interviews and testing in order to determine the most appropriate level of care and legal response.

5. Identify signs and symptoms of co-occurring disorders and conditions in order to determine appropriate interventions by reviewing records, interpreting observable behavior, laboratory data and the results of interviews and testing.

6. Assess the client’s treatment and supervision needs by collecting information in order to determine eligibility and appropriateness for placement in programs or services.

7. Prepare a written summary based on the results of a comprehensive assessment in order to develop an integrated case plan and define the level of service.

8. Review the results of a comprehensive assessment with the client in order to promote understanding and compliance with recommended services in a manner consistent with the client’s cognitive, emotional, and cultural characteristics.

Domain V:  Case Management, Monitoring, and Client Supervision

Domain VI:  Counseling

1. Provide effective counseling services by applying knowledge of counseling theories and techniques in order to facilitate client progress.

2. Create therapeutic relationship by establishing rapport with the client and significant others in order to achieve treatment and criminal justice objectives.

3. Develop an individualized treatment plan with the client by reviewing assessment findings, exploring areas for change, and using strengths in order to establish attainable goals.

4. Provide appropriate counseling services based on client needs as identified in the assessment process (culture, ethnicity, age, gender, physical needs, sexual orientation, religion, etc.) in order to achieve positive treatment outcomes.

5. Facilitate individual and group counseling as necessary and appropriate based on the assessment to meet treatment goals.

6. Provide appropriate intervention for the client and/or significant others to achieve treatment and criminal justice objectives.

7. Educate the client by providing information regarding addiction, criminal attitudes and behavior, life skills, community resources and other needed services in order to achieve treatment objectives.

8. Assist the client by helping to identify relapse triggers and develop coping skills/techniques in order to minimize relapse episodes and recidivism.

9. Provide accurate, timely documentation using accepted record keeping procedures in order to describe services and client progress.

10. Stabilize clients in crisis through immediate intervention to ensure the safety of the client and others.

11. Recommend appropriate referrals using a wide array of services to promote successful community functioning.

12. Develop a comprehensive discharge plan to include continuing care for the client by addressing ongoing needs in order to enhance recovery, reduce recidivism and ensure public safety.

Twelve Core Functions Of The

Alcohol And Other Drug Abuse Counselor

The Case Presentation Method is based on Twelve Core Functions.  Scores on the CPM are based on the Global Criteria for each Core Function.  The counselor must be able to demonstrate competence by achieving a passing score on the Global Criteria in order to be certified.  Although the Core Functions may overlap, depending on the nature of the counselor’s practice, each represents a specific entity. Give specifics throughout and do not supply original definitions.

I.   SCREENING: The process by which the client is determined appropriate and eligible for admission to a particular program.

Global Criteria

1. Evaluate psychological, social, and physiological signs and symptoms of alcohol and other drug use and abuse.

2. Determine the client’s appropriateness for admission or referral.

3. Determine the client’s eligibility for admission or referral.

4. Identify any coexisting conditions (medical, psychiatric, physical, etc.) that indicate need for additional professional assessment and/or services.

5. Adhere to applicable laws, regulations and agency policies governing alcohol and other drug abuse services.
   
   

Explanation

This function requires that the counselor consider a variety of factors before deciding whether or not to admit the potential client for treatment.

It is imperative that the counselor use appropriate diagnostic criteria to determine whether the applicant’s alcohol or other drug use constitutes abuse.  All counselors must be able to describe the criteria they use and demonstrate their competence by presenting specific examples of how the use of alcohol and other drugs has become dysfunctional for a particular client.

The determination of a particular client’s appropriateness for a program requires the counselor’s judgment and skill and is influenced by the program’s environment and modality (i.e., inpatient, outpatient, residential, pharmacotherapy, detoxification, or day care).  Important factors include the nature of the substance abuse, the physical condition of the client, the psychological functioning of the client, outside supports/resources, previous treatment efforts, motivation and philosophy of the program.

The eligibility criteria are generally determined by the focus, target population and funding requirements of the counselor’s program or agency.  Many of the criteria are easily ascertained.  These may include the client’s age, gender, place of residence, legal status, veteran status, income level and the referral source.  Allusion to following agency policy is a minimally acceptable statement.

If the applicant is found ineligible or inappropriate for this program, the counselor should be able to suggest an alternative.

II.  INTAKE: The administrative and initial assessment procedures for admission to a program.

Global Criteria

1. Complete required documents for admission to the program.

2. Complete required documents for program eligibility and appropriateness.

3. Obtain appropriately signed consents when soliciting from or providing information to outside sources to protect client confidentiality and rights.

Explanation

The intake usually becomes an extension of the screening, when the decision to admit is formally made and documented.  Much of the intake process includes the completion of various forms.  Typically, the client and counselor fill out an admission or intake sheet, document the initial assessment, complete appropriate releases of information, collect financial data, sign a consent for treatment and assign the primary counselor.

III.  ORIENTATION:  Describing to the client the following: general nature and goals of the program; rules governing client conduct and infractions that can lead to disciplinary action or discharge from the program; in a non-residential program, the hours during which services are available; treatment costs to be borne by the client, if any; and client rights.

Global Criteria

1. Provide an overview to the client by describing program goals and objectives for client care.

2. Provide an overview to the client by describing program rules, and client obligations and rights.

3. Provide an overview to the client of program operations.

Explanation

The orientation may be provided before, during and/or after the client’s screening and intake.  It can be conducted in an individual, group, or family context.  Portions of the orientation may include other personnel for certain specific aspects of the treatment, such as medication.

IV.  ASSESSMENT: The procedures by which a counselor/program identifies and evaluates an individual’s strengths, weaknesses problems and needs for the development of a treatment plan.

   Global Criteria

1. Gather relevant history from client including but not limited to alcohol and other drug abuse using appropriate interview techniques.

2. Identify methods and procedures for obtaining corroborative information from significant secondary sources regarding clients’ alcohol and other drug abuse and psychosocial history.

3. Identify appropriate assessment tools.

4. Explain to the client the rationale for the use of assessment techniques in order to facilitate understanding.

5. Develop a diagnostic evaluation of the client’s substance abuse and any coexisting conditions based on the results of all assessments in order to provide an integrated approach to treatment planning based on the client’s strengths, weaknesses, and identified problems and needs.
   

Although assessment is a continuing process, it is generally emphasized early in treatment.  It usually results from a combination of focused interviews, testing and/or record reviews.

The counselor evaluates major life areas (i.e., physical health, vocational development, social adaptation, legal involvement and psychological functioning) and assesses the extent to which alcohol or drug use has interfered with the client’s functioning in each of these areas.  The result of this assessment should suggest the focus of treatment.

V.  TREATMENT PLANNING: Process by which the counselor and the client identify and rank problems needing resolution; establish agreed upon immediate and long-term goals; and decide upon a treatment process and the resources to be utilized.

Global Criteria

1. Explain assessment results to client in an understandable manner.

2. Identify and rank problems based on individual client needs in the written treatment plan.

3. Formulate agreed upon immediate and long-term goals using behavioral terms in the written treatment plan.

4. Identify the treatment methods and resources to be utilized as appropriate for the individual client.
   

Explanation
The treatment contract is based on the assessment and is a product of a negotiation between the client and the counselor to assure that the plan is tailored to the individual’s needs.  The language of the problem, goal, and strategy statements should be specific, intelligible to the client and expressed in behavioral terms.  The statement of the problem concisely elaborates on a client need identified previously.

The goal statements refer specifically to the identified problem and may include one objective or a set of objectives ultimately intended to resolve or mitigate the problem.  The goals must be expressed in behavioral terms in order for the counselor and client to determine progress in treatment.  Both immediate and long-term goals should be established.

The plan or strategy is a specific activity that links the problem with the goal.  It describes the services, who will perform them, when they will be provided, and at what frequency.  Treatment planning is a dynamic process and the contracts must be regularly reviewed and modified as appropriate.

VI.  COUNSELING: (Individual, Group, and Significant Others): 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; and decision-making.

Global Criteria

1. Select the counseling theory (ies) that apply (ies).

2. Apply technique (s) to assist the client, group, and/or family in exploring problems and ramifications.

3. Apply technique (s) to assist the client, group, and/or family in examining the client’s behavior, attitudes, and/or feelings if appropriate in the treatment setting.

4. Individualize counseling in accordance with cultural, gender, and lifestyle differences.

5. Interact with the client in an appropriate therapeutic manner.

6. Elicit solutions and decisions from the client.

7. Implement the treatment plan.
   
   

    Explanation
Counseling is basically a relationship in which the counselor helps the client mobilize resources to resolve his or her problem and/or modify attitudes and values.  The counselor must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of various counseling approaches.

These methods may include Reality Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Strategic Family Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, etc. Further, the counselor must be able to explain the rationale for using a specific approach for the particular client.  For example, a behavioral approach might be suggested for clients who are resistant and manipulative or have difficulty anticipating consequences and regulating impulses.  On the other hand, a cognitive approach may be appropriate for a client who is depressed, yet insightful and articulate.

Also, the counselor should explain his or her rationale for choosing a counseling approach in an individual, group or significant other context.  Finally, the counselor should be able to explain why a counseling approach or context changed during treatment

VII.  CASE MANAGEMENT: Activities which bring services, agencies, resources, or people together within a planned framework of action toward the achievement of established goals.  It may involve liaison and collateral contacts.

Global Criteria

1. Coordinate services for client care.

2. Explain the rationale of case management activities to the client.
   

Explanation
Case management is the coordination of a multiple services plan.  Case management decisions must be explained to the client.

By the time many alcohol and other drug abusers enter treatment they tend to manifest dysfunction in a variety of areas.  For example, a heroin addict may have hepatitis, lack job skills and have a pending criminal charge.  In this case, the counselor might monitor his medical treatment, make a referral to a vocational rehabilitation program and communicate with representatives of the criminal justice system.

The client may also be receiving other treatment services such as family therapy and pharmacotherapy, within the same agency.  These activities must be integrated into the treatment plan and communication must be maintained with the appropriate personnel.

VIII.   CRISIS INTERVENTION: Those services which respond to an alcohol and/or other drug abuser’s needs during acute emotional and/or physical distress.

Global Criteria

1. Recognize the elements of the client crisis.

2. Implement an immediate course of action appropriate to the crisis.

3. Enhance overall treatment by utilizing crisis events.

Explanation
A crisis is a decisive, crucial event in the course of treatment that threatens to compromise or destroy the rehabilitation effort.  These crises may be directly related to alcohol or drug use (i.e., overdose or relapse) or indirectly related. 

The latter might include the death of a significant other, separation/divorce, arrest, suicidal gestures, a psychotic episode or outside pressure to terminate treatment.  If no specific crisis is presented in the Written Case, rely on and describe a past experience with a client.  Describe the overall picture--before, during, and after the crisis.

It is imperative that the counselor be able to identify the crises when they surface, attempt to mitigate or resolve the immediate problem and use negative events to enhance the treatment efforts, if possible.

IX.  CLIENT EDUCATION: Provision of information to individuals and groups concerning alcohol and other drug abuse and the available services and resources.

Global Criteria

1. Present relevant alcohol and other drug use/abuse information to the client through formal and/or informal processes.

2. Present information about available alcohol and other drug services and resources.
   
   

Explanation
Client education is provided in a variety of ways.  

In certain inpatient and residential programs, for example, a sequence of formal classes may be conducted using a didactic format with reading materials and films.  On the other hand, an outpatient counselor may provide relevant information to the client individually or informally.  

In addition to alcohol and drug information, client education may include a description of self-help groups and other resources that are available to the clients and their families.  The applicant must be competent in providing specific examples of the type of education provided to the client and the relevance to the case.

X.  REFERRAL: Identifying the needs of a client that cannot be met by the counselor or agency and assisting the client to utilize the support systems and community resources available.

Global Criteria

1. Identify need (s) and/or problem (s) that the agency and/or counselor cannot meet.

2. Explain the rationale for the referral to the client.

3. Match client needs and/or problems to appropriate resources.

4. Adhere to applicable laws, regulations and agency policies governing procedures related to the protection of the client’s confidentiality.

5. Assist the client in utilizing the support systems and community resources available.
   
   

Explanation
In order to be competent in this function, the counselor must be familiar with community resources, both alcohol and drug and others, and should be aware of the limitations of each service and if the limitations could adversely impact the client. 
 
In addition, the counselor must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the referral process, including confidentiality requirements and outcomes of the referral.

Referral is obviously closely related to case management when integrated into the initial and on-going treatment plan.  It also includes, however, aftercare of discharge planning referrals that take into account the continuum of care.

XI.  REPORT AND RECORD KEEPING: Charting the results of the assessment and treatment plan, writing reports, progress notes, discharge summaries and other client related data.

Global Criteria

1. Prepare reports and relevant records integrating available information to facilitate the continuum of care.

2. Chart pertinent ongoing information pertaining to the client.

3. Utilize relevant information from written documents for client care.
   

Explanation
The report and record keeping function is important. 
 
It benefits the counselor by documenting the client’s progress in achieving his or her goals.
It facilitates adequate communication between co-workers.  
It assists the counselor’s supervisor in providing timely feedback.  
It is valuable to other programs that may provide services to the client at a later date.  It can enhance the accountability of the program to its licensing/funding sources.  

Ultimately, if performed properly, it enhances the client’s entire treatment experience.  The applicant must prove personal action in regard to the report and record keeping function.

XII.  CONSULTATION WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS IN REGARD TO CLIENT TREATMENT/SERVICES: Relating with in-house staff or outside professionals to assure comprehensive, quality care for the client.

Global Criteria

Explanation
Consultations are meetings for discussion, decision-making and planning. 

The most common consultation is the regular in-house staffing in which client cases are reviewed with other members of the treatment team.  Consultations may also be conducted in individual session with the supervisor, other counselors, psychologists, physicians, probation officers, and other service providers connected to the client’s case.

Certified Clinical Supervisor

Performance Domains and Tasks*

Domain I    Assessment and Evaluation

Domain II   Counselor Development

*Reprinted from ICRC Role Delineation Study for the Clinical Supervisor

Domain IV  Management and Administration

Certified Prevention Specialist / Consultants 

IC&RC Prevention Performance Domains and Job Tasks

Domain I – Planning and Evaluation

1. Assess community needs by collecting the most current local data through systematic assessment methods in order to provide relevant data for the planning process.

2. Develop a prevention plan by facilitating a planning process that considers the findings of the needs assessment in order to prioritize needs and guide program selection.

3. Select strategies by reviewing professional literature for effective programs and practices in order to meet the needs of the target population.

4. Apply sound prevention theory and practice by adapting or developing programs in order to meet the identified needs of the target population.

5. Identify financial sources through networking, workshops, and research in order to fund prevention projects.

6. Review evaluation options through consultation and research in order to determine an appropriate evaluation method.

7. Conduct evaluation activities of the prevention program using the selected measurement tools to determine program effectiveness.

8. Document project activities and outcomes using an appropriate reporting system in order to demonstrate accountability.

9. Refine the prevention program by reviewing and incorporating findings of the evaluation in order to enhance program effectiveness.
   
   

Domain II - Education and Skill Development

1. Tailor education and skill development activities by gathering information about the knowledge and skill levels of the intended audience in order to maximize program effectiveness.

2. Connect prevention theory and practice by using current research and program models in order to prepare effective education and skill development activities.

3. Maintain fidelity when replicating research-based prevention programs by implementing them faithfully or making only adaptations that do not compromise program integrity in order to ensure program effectiveness.

4. Deliver culturally competent education and training by working with representatives from the intended audience to identify appropriate content, methods, resources, materials, and evaluation tools.

5.  Conduct education and skills development activities by employing appropriate training techniques in order to address the educational needs of the intended audience.

6.  Educate consumers by providing accurate, relevant, and appropriate information about ATOD abuse and related problems in order to encourage healthy lifestyles.

7. Disseminate appropriate information by identifying, adapting, or creating prevention materials in order to respond to requests for prevention information and prepare for education and training activities.

8.  Provide prevention information to professionals in related fields through appropriate means to increase their understanding of prevention and ATOD-related problems.

Domain III.  Community Organization

1. Define the community by identifying its demographic characteristics and core values for the purpose of providing appropriate prevention services.

2.  Identify key community members using informal and formal processes in order to determine community readiness and ensure diverse participation.

3.  Engage community leaders by including them in the planning process in order to foster participation and ownership in achieving prevention goals.

4.  Identify prevention needs and resources within the community by collecting relevant information in order to provide a foundation for a sound and culturally appropriate plan.

5.  Develop a prevention plan in accordance with appropriate prevention theory by collaborating with community members to achieve the identified goals.

6.  Support the community by providing technical assistance in order to implement a plan for achieving prevention goals.

7.  Develop the capacity of the community through ongoing mentoring and training to sustain positive change resulting from the prevention project.

Domain IV - Public and Organizational Policy

1. Identify policy makers using formal and informal processes in order to influence prevention policies and cultural and social norms.

2. Plan policy initiatives working in collaboration with appropriate community groups and other organizations in order to implement policy change.

3. Gain the support of decision makers by informing them about effective prevention practice in order to influence policy development.

4.  Establish working relationships with media by serving as a credible resource in order to develop public support for effective prevention policy.

5.  Promote advocacy for prevention by conducting prevention awareness campaigns to strengthen public and organizational policy and norms.
   

Domain V - Professional Growth and Responsibility

1. Attain knowledge of current research-based prevention theory and practice by participating in appropriate educational opportunities and reviewing current literature in order to provide effective prevention services.

2.  Model collaboration by networking with colleagues, other professionals, individuals, and community organizations to ensure effective prevention services.

3.  Practice ethical behavior by adhering to legal and professional standards to protect the consumer and promote the integrity of the profession.

4. Recognize existing community norms through awareness of culture, lifestyle, and other factors in order to ensure sensitivity to the unique needs of the community.

5. Develop cultural competence through education, training, guided practice and life experience to ensure inclusion of diverse populations and achieve the highest level of professional skill relative to the community.