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Substance Use Disorder Counselors’ Job Performance and Turnover after 1 Year: Linear or Curvilinear Relationship?

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Abstract

The main goals of the current study were to investigate whether there are linear or curvilinear relationships between substance use disorder counselors’ job performance and actual turnover after 1 year utilizing four indicators of job performance and three turnover statuses (voluntary, involuntary, and no turnover as the reference group). Using longitudinal data from 440 matched counselor-clinical supervisor dyads, results indicate that overall, counselors with lower job performance are more likely to turn over voluntarily and involuntarily than not to turn over. Further, one of the job performance measures shows a significant curvilinear effect. We conclude that the negative consequences often assumed to be “caused” by counselor turnover may be overstated because those who leave both voluntarily and involuntarily demonstrate generally lower performance than those who remain employed at their treatment program.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by Award Number R01DA019460 from the National Institutes on Drug Abuse awarded to Lillian T. Eby. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute on Drug Abuse or the National Institutes of Health.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Behavioral Research, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Tanja C. Laschober & Lillian Turner de Tormes Eby

  2. Applied Psychology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Lillian Turner de Tormes Eby

Authors
  1. Tanja C. Laschober
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  2. Lillian Turner de Tormes Eby
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Tanja C. Laschober.

Appendix 1: Counselor Task Performance (Rated by the Supervisor)

Appendix 1: Counselor Task Performance (Rated by the Supervisor)

Conducts individual counseling sessions with patients

  1. 1.

    Facilitates individual counseling sessions with patients.

  2. 2.

    Performs assessment and initial diagnostic evaluation of patients.

  3. 3.

    Conducts problem-related and objective-driven sessions.

  4. 4.

    Educates patients on their disease and/or diagnosis to assist in their understanding of the problem (or to support their recovery).

  5. 5.

    Creates therapeutic relationships with patients.

Counsels patients in group settings

  1. 1.

    Facilitates group counseling sessions with patients.

  2. 2.

    Effectively facilitates group interaction to bring about recovery.

  3. 3.

    Interviews patients, reviews records, and confers with other professionals in order to evaluate individuals’ suitability for participation in a particular program.

  4. 4.

    Develops patient treatment plans based on evidence-based research.

  5. 5.

    Develops patient treatment plans based on observations, clinical experience, and patient histories.

  6. 6.

    Reviews and evaluates patients’ progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.

  7. 7.

    Intervenes as an advocate for patients in crisis situations and other non-routine events.

  8. 8.

    Provides patients or family members with information about available services and programs.

  9. 9.

    Coordinates counseling efforts with mental health professionals.

  10. 10.

    Coordinates counseling efforts with health care professionals such as doctors, nurses, and physician assistants.

  11. 11.

    Coordinates activities with courts, probation officers, community services, and other post-treatment agencies.

  12. 12.

    Maintains accurate records and reports regarding patients’ histories and progress, services provided, and other relevant information.

  13. 13.

    Participates in treatment center meetings to facilitate patient care (e.g., case conferences).

  14. 14.

    Follows rules and regulations of treatment center in terms of personal and professional conduct.

  15. 15.

    Contributes to a positive team environment by working well with other counselors.

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Laschober, T.C., de Tormes Eby, L.T. Substance Use Disorder Counselors’ Job Performance and Turnover after 1 Year: Linear or Curvilinear Relationship?. Adm Policy Ment Health 40, 300–310 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-012-0420-1

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