Addictionologist

Job Summary

The Addictionologist will be responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with substance use disorders by providing ongoing medical care and support to facilitate recovery. This role requires close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, delivering comprehensive care to patients, including medication management, counseling, and crisis intervention when necessary.  

​​Role and Responsibilities​

• Plans, organizes, and provides ongoing medication management for both new and existing patients, including renewing and refilling medications to avoid lapses in treatment. 
• Conducts thorough in-person and telemedicine evaluations, ensuring timely, accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. 
• Performs periodic medication management and monitoring visits, adjusting treatment plans as necessary based on patient response. 
• Maintains up-to-date documentation of all patient interactions, including visits, treatment plans, and diagnostic test results, with a clear plan of action for the patient’s ongoing care. 
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with community agencies, case managers, primary care providers, psychiatrists, clinical researchers, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and other members of the clinical team to ensure coordinated care. 
• Educates patients on understanding the addiction disease process and provide guidance on preventive practices for managing both acute and chronic conditions. 
• Orders diagnostic tests, screening evaluations, and interpret results to support the development of comprehensive treatment plans. 
• Assists patients in identifying and pursuing effective treatment goals that align with their personal recovery journey. 
• Identifies the types and levels of support patients require to maintain independence and manage their recovery despite acute or chronic conditions. 
• Maintains up-to-date information on community resources and provide patients with access to additional support services as needed. 
• Offers education and support to family members and others involved in the patient's care to enhance their understanding of addiction and their role in the rehabilitation process. 
• Participates in the oversight of patient health, safety, and welfare within Sanford Behavioral Health’s treatment programs, contributing to high standards of care. 
• Adheres to professional standards, policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements to ensure HIPAA, universal precautions, safety standards and organizational protocols are followed. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

​​Qualifications and Education Requirements​

• Graduate of an accredited School of Medicine, required. 
• Licensed to practice in the State of Michigan with full prescription privileges, including a valid DEA license to prescribe controlled substances. 
• Certification by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) or American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), or actively working toward certification. 
• Experience in diagnosing and treating addiction and substance use disorders, with a solid understanding of co-occurring mental health conditions. 
• Familiarity with current addiction medicine practices, evidence-based treatments, and the integration of mental health care into addiction treatment plans. 

Knowledge/Skills/abilities

• Knowledge with use of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) 
• Strong attention to detail 
• Strong communication skills 

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking. 
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds. 
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as typing for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to clearly express and exchange ideas by means of spoken words to impart oral information to employees or others accurately or quickly, engaging in sometimes lengthy conversations or presentations. 
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs daily.  
• Must be able to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with your hand or hands. 
• Must be able to perceive sound by ear to interpret oral information from employees or others accurately or quickly. 
• Work will be performed in an office environment with fluctuating temperatures. 

ADA Disclaimer

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily.  If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. All requests must be made to the Human Resource Department in writing.