Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor 
Performance Domains and Job Tasks


Domain I: Assessment

Task 1: Using interview techniques gather and document relevant substance use and biopsychosocial information from the client and/or other appropriate persons in order to obtain current status and history.

Task 2: Formulate an initial diagnosis based on the signs and symptoms of impairment, withdrawal, and co-existing biopsychosocial disorders by interpreting observable behavior, laboratory data, and results of interview and testing in order to determine the most appropriate level of care.

Task 3: Determine the client's appropriateness and eligibility for placement in the continuum of treatment by assessing the client's needs and treatment services in order to match the client's needs to treatment resources.

Task 4: Evaluate information obtained from sources other than the client by utilizing client-consented interviews and/or written reports to provide corroborative information and a more complete history.

Task 5: Recognize conditions that are outside the counselor's expertise by evaluating relevant information indicating the need for additional professional services in order to complete a comprehensive assessment.

Task 6: Provide an accurate assessment of the client's problem(s) by independently selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting standardized instruments that assess substance use and biopsychosocial disorders to assist in developing the most appropriate course of treatment.

Task 7: Assess the degree of risk of a client's crisis situation by evaluating observed and reported behavior in order to determine which services are appropriate for stabilizing the client.

Task 8: Explain to the client the rationale, purpose, and procedures associated with the assessment process using appropriate methods and technology to promote understanding and compliance with the recommended course of treatment.

Task 9: Formulate the principal diagnosis(') by documenting the client's psychological, social, and physiological signs and symptoms of substance use and biopsychosocial disorders in order to formulate a treatment plan.

Task 10: Develop a written summary based on the results of a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment preformed by an advanced-level alcohol and drug counselor and/or a multidisciplinary team in order to provide an integrated approach to diagnosis and treatment planning.

Task 11: Explain to the client the results of a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment performed by an advanced-level alcohol and drug counselor and/or a multidisciplinary team in order to promote understanding and compliance with the recommended course of treatment.

Task 12: Formulate mutually agreed upon goals, objectives, and treatment methods based upon assessment findings for the purpose of directing a course of treatment.

Domain II: Counseling

Task 1: Establish a therapeutic relationship with the client and other significant persons by providing a safe environment in order to facilitate self-exploration, disclosure, and problem solving.

Task 2: Individualize counseling strategies with the client in order to maximize utilization of treatment resources by being aware of counseling theory with respect to the uniqueness of the client.

Task 3: Continually provide information to the client regarding the structure, expectations, and limitations of the counseling process in order to promote a trusting relationship and to assist the client in decision-making regarding the treatment process.

Task 4: Meet the client's needs by providing appropriate counseling modalities (individual, group and family) in order to maximize the treatment process.

Task 5: Provide relapse-prevention counseling using appropriate techniques with the client in order to reduce the risk of relapse.

Task 6: Evaluate the level of risk in a client's crisis situation by analyzing the elements of the crisis in order to implement and provide an appropriate intervention.

Task 7: Match counseling interventions with the client's needs by recognizing the client's distinctive level of readiness for treatment in order to maximize the client's use of treatment resources.

Task 8: Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment approaches used by engaging in a systematic and personal review of the process in order to improve the quality of services.

Task 9: Apply pharmacological knowledge to the implementation of selected counseling strategies by incorporating substance-specific and biopsychosocial information to improve the quality and continuity of care.

Domain 3: Case Management

Task 1: Maintain information about community resources and services by establishing contact with other service providers in order to evaluate the appropriateness of referral.

Task 2: Match community resources with client needs in order to improve the effectiveness of treatment by being aware of the cultural and lifestyle characteristics of clients.

Task 3: Demonstrate proficiency in maintaining client records by following prescribed standards in order to ensure quality and continuity of care.

Task 4: Consult with supervisors, counselors, and other service providers by exchanging case findings, recommendations, and strategies to ensure comprehensive, quality care, while modifying the treatment plan with the client as needed.

Task 5: Collaborate with treatment team members and other appropriate resources by providing alternative views on cases in order to develop comprehensive treatment planning and ensure quality care.

Task 6: Involve the client in coordinating services by explaining the need for and the desired outcomes of consultation in a one-to-one setting in order to maximize the effectiveness of treatment.

Task 7: Advocate for the client's best interests in all areas of targeted needs by negotiating plans with appropriate systems in order to maximize treatment outcomes.

Task 8: Evaluate the effectiveness of case management activities through regular consultation with supervision, peers, and other appropriate parties in order to ensure comprehensive, quality care.

Domain 4: Client, Family, and Community Education

Task 1: Using current literature and research findings, educate individuals, communities, and groups about the etiology, epidemiology, and pathology of substance use and biopsychosocial disorders so they can recognize warning signs and symptoms.

Task 2: Using current literature and research findings, deliver culturally relevant formal and informal education programs for clients and other significant persons to raise awareness of prevention, treatment, and recovery processes for substance use and biopsychosocial disorders.

Task 3: Instruct clients and other significant persons through lectures, workshops, and discussions to they understand the influence of substance use and biopsychosocial disorders on families and other relationships.

Task 4: Educate clients and other significant persons about the increased health risks associated with substance use and biopsychosocial disorders using resources from other professions in order to reduce risk behaviors.

Task 5: Educate clients and other significant persons using appropriate methods and technology regarding the relationship between lifestyle choices and substance use and biopsychosocial disorders in order that they understand that alternatives are available.

Task 6: Discuss substance use and biopsychosocial disorders with other professionals in order to examine the roles professions can play in the prevention, treatment, and recovery process.

Task 7: Present information about techniques, such as stress management, relaxation, communication, assertiveness, and refusal skills in a culturally sensitive manner using appropriate methods of technology in order to improve basic life skills.

Task 8: Provide education to the client and other significant persons about self-help and peer support groups by supplying appropriate information in order to encourage participation.

Task 9: Inform clients, other significant persons, professionals, and the community about the biomedical effects of psychoactive substances in accordance with current pharmacological literature using appropriate instructional techniques in order to raise awareness and effect behavioral change.

Domain 5: Clinical Supervision

Task 1: Establish a supervisory relationship with clinical staff and/or interns by conducting periodic, face-to-face supervisory sessions in order to provide an environment conductive to counselor growth.

Task 2: Assess the individual strengths and weaknesses of counselors by reviewing education, experience, and counseling activities in order to improve clinical skills.

Task 3: Design an individual development plan with the counselor by reviewing the counselor's goals, objectives, and needs in order to match learning opportunities to the counselor's needs.

Task 4: Provide individual and group supervision through the process of role-modeling, audio and/or video critique, case record review, and direct observation in order to improve counseling techniques.

Task 5: Instruct the counselor in relevant clinical issues by providing ongoing educational opportunities in order to broaden the counselor's knowledge and competence.

Task 6: Provide a process to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical supervision using the individual development plan in order to improve clinical supervision and the counselor's professional growth.

Domain 6: Research Design, Analysis, and Utilization

Task 1: Apply the findings of research studies to practice by evaluating design, analytical methods, and conclusions in order to offer effective service to clients.

Task 2: Conduct practice and program-related studies using clinical data by following accepted designs and analytical procedures in order to examine the cost benefit and/or effectiveness of treatment.

Domain 7: Professional Responsibility

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

Task 2: Follow appropriate policies and procedures by adhering to federal, state/provincial, and agency regulations regarding substance use and biopsychosocial disorder treatment in order to protect and promote client rights.

Task 3: Recognize the importance of individual differences by gaining knowledge about factors influencing client behavior including but not limited to personality, cultures, lifestyles, gender, orientation, and special needs in order to provide services that are sensitive to the uniqueness of the individual.

Task 4: Conduct self-evaluations of professional practice by applying ethical, legal, and professional standards in order to enhance self-awareness and performance.

Task 5: Engage in appropriate continuing professional development based on an ongoing assessment of needs in order to promote the quality of professional services and to ensure continuing competence.

Task 6: Participate in regular clinical and administrative supervision and consultation using appropriate methods and technology in order to facilitate proficiency.

Task 7: Assess life choices and circumstances with the willingness to change behavior and seek assistance as appropriate by maintaining an awareness of present interests and problems in order to ensure professional effectiveness.

Task 8: Maintain an effective relationship with professionals, government entitles, and community groups through open communication and supportive involvement in order to advocate for appropriate resources.

Task 9: Recognize personal biases, feelings, concerns, and other issue using a range of options in order to minimize interference from these variables in the counseling process.

Revised 01/2011