Substance Abuse Counselor

Duties and Responsibilities:

Substance Abuse Counselors are critical positions for responding to residents who need support with substance use and abuse problems. Some of the roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine the substance use needs and mental health status of clients.

• Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients, addressing specific goals related to substance use, behavior, and mental health.

• Provide individual and group counseling sessions to clients, using evidence-based therapies and interventions.

• Monitor client progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

• Educate clients about the nature of addiction, recovery strategies, and coping mechanisms.

• Facilitate support groups and lead discussions on topics related to substance abuse and recovery.

• Collaborate with healthcare providers, family members, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to treatment.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, treatment plans, and progress notes.

• Provide crisis intervention and support to clients in emergency situations.

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and legal/regulatory requirements in the field of addiction counseling.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• Certification or licensure in substance abuse counseling (e.g., CAC, LCSW, LPC, or equivalent).

• Experience in providing substance abuse treatment and counseling, including individual and group sessions.

• Strong knowledge of substance use disorders, treatment modalities, and recovery principles.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and counseling skills.

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse client population and in a team-oriented environment.

• Ability to manage emotional and crisis situations with professionalism and empathy.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience working in a clinical setting, inpatient, outpatient, or residential facility.

• Understanding of mental health disorders and co-occurring conditions.

• Fluency in a second language is a plus.

Work Environment: This position typically involves working in a clinical or therapeutic setting, which may include offices, residential facilities, or outpatient centers. Some travel may be required for community outreach, conferences, or off-site meetings.

Compliance

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Compensation:

A competitive salary, incentive and benefits will be offered, commensurate with the role and the final candidate’s experience.

Equal Opportunity:

163rd Street Council is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law.

Work environment and physical demands:

The work environment described here is representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, use hands or fingers, feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, kneel, talk, or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and distance vision. Must be able to travel locally using public transportation.