A NABITA Testimonial by John Grady, Ph.D., Kean University
NABITA has proven to be a first-class organization committed to continued excellence, continual self-improvement, and providing the most evidence-based assessments possible by contemporary science. As an organizational leadership consultant and dual-licensed clinical counselor, I am especially appreciative of NABITA’s structure as it is designed for persistent positive evolution.
At Kean University, I serve two roles that allow me to apply NABITA’s tools and training. I am the Director of the Office of Counseling and Alcohol and Other Drug Services and a member of our Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), which we call KUBIT Cares.
The Value of NABITA’s Training Programs
Given my workload, I am very intentional about how I invest my time. I prioritize identifying high-quality resources that help address areas where I may lack expertise. NABITA has been one of those invaluable resources, providing a sense of security and confidence in my decisions.
At first, I explored NABITA cautiously, wanting to ensure it was worth my time and energy. As I engaged with the various trainings and organizational tools, including the Mentor Match program, it quickly became clear that NABITA is the definitive resource for BIT support. The materials and expertise are top-notch.
My background is in clinical counseling, including drug and alcohol counseling, where I use evidence-based approaches and treatment planning. However, BITs are an area where I’m less experienced. When I joined KUBIT, a newer team looking to refine its operations, we turned to NABITA as a trusted guide. The timing was perfect for me, as I was eager to ensure that our practices were evidence-based and aligned with the highest standards in the field.
In my dual roles as a counselor and BIT member, NABITA has been instrumental in helping me establish boundaries. For example, I recently worked with a client involved in a BIT report. I had to carefully clarify the distinction between my role as a counselor and my responsibilities as a BIT member. This involved reviewing what information would be included in BIT documentation and what would remain confidential to my counseling role. These moments require time, precision, and a deep understanding of the ethical limitations of licensed professionals.
The resources NABITA provides, such as the publications on the counselor’s role within BITs, have been invaluable in navigating these challenges. They’ve helped me set clear boundaries while balancing the flexibility my role occasionally demands as a case manager. NABITA’s support has been a cornerstone in ensuring I operate within my professional scope and maintain ethical standards.
When it comes to training, I trust NABITA completely. At this point, I don’t hesitate to participate in any training because I know the organization has invested the time and expertise to ensure its programs are relevant, thorough, and effective. All the work is thoughtfully produced, and I am always impressed by its quality. NABITA has become an essential partner in my professional development, and I’m grateful for the guidance.
Relying on the BITKit
I frequently rely on NABITA’s BITKit in my work. Since we don’t have a designated case manager at Kean, all BIT members take on that role as needed. Whenever possible, I turn to the BITKit as a resource, and I’ve used it numerous times. Most recently, it was instrumental when we were refining our outreach criteria. Our team sometimes has differing opinions on an appropriate approach, but as a counselor, I prioritize self-determination. I aim to balance effective communication with not overwhelming or pushing away the individual.
The BITKit has proven to be an exceptional tool for situations like this. It helped us identify resources and determine the appropriate frequency and type of outreach based on the individual’s risk level, as assessed by the NABITA Risk Rubric.
Ensuring Clarity and Consistency with NABITA’s Risk Rubric
NABITA’s Risk Rubric provides clear, standardized definitions, ensuring everyone operates from the same baseline criteria. While it allows room for interpretation, it establishes a “rulebook” for decision-making. Teams without the Risk Rubric may need to rely on professional insights, intuition, and well-intentioned discussions, which, while valuable, lack the structure necessary for consistent, objective, and defensible decisions.
The Risk Rubric gives our team a strong foundation for policies and procedures. With established guidelines in place, I feel assured knowing that while decisions may be questioned, our methodology is solid and reliable. At its core, a clearly defined rubric tied to a proven framework helps us make informed, responsible decisions.
SIVRA Exemplifies Persistent Evolution
I genuinely admire the recent revisions to the SIVRA tool. It’s not just about creating a viable instrument; the real value lies in NABITA’s commitment to continuous improvement. Incorporating new data enables continuous refinement of the tool and enhances its functionality. This dedication to growth is vital.
SIVRA ensures I’m asking the right questions, individualized to the person and their circumstances. It also helps validate my assessments and strengthens my documentation in clinical settings. Integrating these tools into BIT practices brings a sense of confidence and reassurance. When the process is robust, we can be confident that we have done our best.
I rely heavily on NABITA to do its part in ensuring its tools are effective. You don’t often find that reassurance elsewhere, since few resources are as well-established. As a clinician and behavioral intervention professional, this gives me confidence to perform my two roles to the best of my ability. Week by week, I’m improving as an individual and growing alongside my team. That ongoing improvement is gratifying.
If you are thinking about joining NABITA, now is the time. You’ll gain access to expert training and persistently refined tools that empower you to trust your work and processes.