The
Core Functions list is provided to assist the applicant in evaluating training
experiences. Core Functions are also
used as the structure for the oral examination and the applicant should use the
written case study as a means to present how he/she performs the tasks. The Case Presentation Method (CPM) oral exam
is based on the twelve Core Functions.
Scores on the CPM are based on the Global Criteria for each of the Core
Functions. 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.
1.
Screening: The process by which a client is determined appropriate and
eligible for admission into a particular program.
A.
Evaluate
psychological, social and physiological signs and symptoms of alcohol and other
drug use and abuse.
B.
Determine
the client’s appropriateness for admission or referral.
C.
Determine
the client’s eligibility for admission or referral.
D.
Identify
any co-existing conditions (medical, psychiatric, physical, etc.) that indicate
a need for additional professional assessment and/or service.
E.
Adhere
to applicable laws, regulation and agency policies governing alcohol and other
drugs.
2. Intake: The administrative and initial assessment procedures for
admission to a program.
A.
Complete
required documents for admission to the program.
B.
Complete
required documents for program eligibility and appropriateness.
C.
Obtain
appropriately signed consents when soliciting from or providing information to
outside sources to protect client confidentiality and rights.
3. Orientation: Describing to the client the following:
A. General
nature and goals of the program.
B. Rules governing client conduct and infractions that can lead to disciplinary action or discharge from the program.
C. In a
non-residential program, the hours during which services are available.
D. Treatment
costs borne by the client and client rights.
A.
Provide
an overview to the client describing program goals and objectives for client
care.
B.
Provide
an overview to the client by describing program rules, client obligations and
rights.
C.
Provide
an overview to the client of program operations.
4.
Assessment: Those procedures by which a
counselor/program identifies and evaluates an individual’s strengths,
weaknesses, problems and needs for the development of the treatment plan.
Global
Criteria
A.
Gather relevant history from client including but not
limited to alcohol and other drug abuse using appropriate interview techniques.
B.
Identify
methods and procedures for obtaining corroborative information from significant
secondary sources regarding client alcohol and other drug abuse psycho-social
history.
C.
Identify
appropriate assessment tools.
D.
Explain
to the client the rationale for the use of assessment techniques in order to
facilitate understanding.
E.
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 client's strengths,
weaknesses, and identified problems and needs.
5.
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
A.
Explain
assessment results to client in an understandable manner.
B.
Identify
and rank problems based on individual client needs in the written treatment
plan.
C.
Formulate
agreed upon immediate and long-term goals using behavioral terms in the written
treatment plan.
D.
Identify
the treatment methods and resources to be utilized as appropriate for the
individual client.
6.
Counseling: (Individual, group and family) – The utilization of
the special skills to assist individuals, families or groups to achieve
objectives through exploration of a problem and its ramifications, examination
of attitudes and feelings, consideration of alternative solutions.
Global
Criteria
A.
Select
the counseling theory(ies) that apply(ies).
B.
Apply
technique(s) to assist the client, group and/or family in exploring problems
and ramifications.
C.
Apply
techniques(s) to assist the client, group and/or family in examining client’s
behavior, attitudes and/or feelings if appropriate in the treatment setting.
D.
Individualize
counseling in accordance with cultural, gender, and lifestyle differences.
E.
Interact
with the client in an appropriate therapeutic manner.
F.
Elicit
solutions and decisions from the client.
G.
Implement
the treatment plan.
7.
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 activities and collateral contacts.
Global Criteria
A.
Coordinate
services for client care.
B.
Explain
the rationale of case management activities to the client.
8.
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
A.
Recognize
the elements of the client crisis.
B.
Implement
an immediate course of action appropriate to the crisis.
C.
Enhance
overall treatment by utilizing crisis events.
9.
Client Education: Provision of information to
individuals and groups concerning alcohol and other drug abuse and the
available services and resources.
Global
Criteria
A. Present
relevant alcohol and other drug use/abuse information to the client through
formal and/or informal processes.
B. Present information about available alcohol and other drug services and resources.
10.
Referral: Identifying the needs of
the client that cannot be met by the counselor or agency and assisting the client to utilize appropriately the
support systems and community resources available.
Global Criteria
A.
Identify
need(s) and/or problem(s) that the agency and/or counselor cannot meet.
B. Explain the rationale for the referral to the client.
C.
Match
client needs and/or problems to the appropriate resources.
D.
Adhere
to applicable laws, regulations and agency policies governing procedures
related to the protection of the client's confidentiality.
E.
Assist
the client in utilizing the support systems and community resources available.
11.
Reports and Recordkeeping: Charts the results of the assessment and treatment plan, writing
reports, progress notes, discharge summaries and other client-related data.
Global
Criteria
A. Prepare reports and relevant records integrating available information to facilitate the continuum of care.
B.
Chart
pertinent ongoing information pertaining to the client.
C. Utilize
relevant information from the written documents for client care.
12.
Consultation With Other
Professionals In Regard To Client Treatment/Services: Relating with other professionals to assure comprehensive, quality care
for the client.
Global
Criteria
A.
Recognize
issues that are beyond the counselor's base of knowledge and/or skill.
B.
Consult
with appropriate resources to ensure the provision of the effective treatment
services.
C.
Adhere
to applicable laws, regulations and agency policies governing the disclosure of
client identifying data.