Substance Abuse Counselor

Counselor – Detox Program

Location: Cherry Hill, NJ
Department: Clinical Services
Reports To: Lead Clinical Counselor / Clinical Director

Position Summary

The Counselor is responsible for providing comprehensive clinical services to patients receiving medically monitored withdrawal management (ASAM Level 3.7-WM). Responsibilities include conducting biopsychosocial assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, providing individual and group counseling, coordinating discharge planning, maintaining timely and accurate clinical documentation, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary treatment team to promote patient stabilization and successful transition to ongoing care.

The Counselor practices in accordance with all applicable federal and state regulations, agency policies, ethical standards, accreditation requirements, and evidence-based practices while fostering a safe, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented environment.

Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesClinical Services

• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments within required regulatory and agency timeframes.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans with measurable goals and objectives.
• Provide individual counseling sessions utilizing evidence-based interventions.
• Facilitate psychoeducational, process, and recovery-focused group counseling sessions.
• Assess patient progress and modify treatment interventions as clinically indicated.
• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support throughout the detoxification process.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and contribute to treatment planning.
• Coordinate discharge planning and referrals to appropriate levels of care, including residential treatment, outpatient services, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), sober living, and community resources.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete all required clinical documentation accurately, thoroughly, and within established timeframes.
• Maintain timely progress notes, DAP notes, treatment plans, treatment plan reviews, discharge summaries, and other required documentation.
• Ensure documentation meets agency standards, NJ DMHAS regulations, payer requirements, and accreditation standards.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Participate in chart audits, quality improvement initiatives, and corrective actions as needed.

Patient Care

• Monitor patient engagement, participation, and progress throughout treatment.
• Assist patients in identifying relapse triggers, barriers to recovery, strengths, and recovery goals.
• Provide education regarding substance use disorders, relapse prevention, coping skills, recovery resources, and healthy lifestyle practices.
• Communicate significant clinical concerns promptly to nursing, medical providers, and clinical leadership.
• Promote patient safety and maintain professional therapeutic boundaries.

Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with physicians, nursing staff, case managers, peer support specialists, and other members of the multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Coordinate care with referral sources, family members (when authorized), community providers, probation/parole officers, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, case consultations, and required trainings.

Qualifications

Candidates must possess one of the following credentials:

• CADC
• LCADC
• LAC
• LPC
• LSW
• LCSW
• LMFT
• Other qualified behavioral health professional eligible to provide clinical services under New Jersey regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in detoxification, residential treatment, substance use disorder treatment, or behavioral healthcare.
• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria and withdrawal management.
• Experience conducting biopsychosocial assessments and treatment planning.
• Experience facilitating both individual and group counseling.
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relapse prevention, trauma-informed care, and stages of change.
• Experience with electronic health records (Kipu experience preferred).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong clinical assessment and counseling skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build therapeutic rapport with diverse patient populations.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and recovery-oriented systems of care.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and patient confidentiality.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $70,000