Youth Addictions Counselor

JOB TITLE: Youth Addictions Counselor

JOB SUMMARY: The Youth Addictions Counselor works with adolescents struggling with substance abuse issues, providing individual and group counseling sessions, assessing their needs, developing personalized treatment plans, educating them on addiction, and collaborating with families and schools to support their recovery process, often focusing on prevention and early intervention strategies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Conducting comprehensive assessments to identify the extent of substance use, underlying mental health issues, and risk factors in young clients. 
• Developing individualized treatment plans tailored to each youth's needs, including goals, interventions, and coping mechanisms. 
• Providing individual and group therapy sessions to address substance use behaviors, build healthy coping skills, and promote positive lifestyle changes. 
• Engaging with parents or guardians to educate them about addiction, provide support, and involve them in the treatment process. 
• Conducting presentations and workshops in schools and community settings to raise awareness about substance abuse prevention. 
• Responding to crisis situations related to substance use and providing immediate support. 
• Collaborating with school counselors, social workers, medical providers, and legal professionals to coordinate care and address complex needs. 
• Maintaining detailed client records, progress notes, and reports as required by agency and regulatory standards. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience working with adolescents and understanding their development needs.
• Experience providing individual and group therapy sessions in a clinic setting.
• Experience leading substance abuse prevention programs within schools.
• Experience working with adolescents involved in the legal system.
• Experience providing outreach and support services to at-risk youth.
• Bilingual abilities are preferred.

SUPERVISED BY:  Hired, supervised, and evaluated by the Director of Family and Youth.

EMPLOYEES SUPERVISED: N/A.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education –bachelor's degree in counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Licensure/Certification: Indiana LAC, or equivalent addiction certification preferred.
• Ability to build rapport with young people, listen actively, and communicate effectively with clients, families, and colleagues. 
• Knowledge of evidence-based counseling approaches for substance abuse treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). 
• Excellent communication and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Appropriate automobile insurance and valid license plates.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Occasional standing, walking, lifting, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving up to twenty-five (25) pounds.