What are the responsibilities and job description for the Clinical Substance Use Specialist - ACT position at Lutheran Family Services?
Clinical Substance Use Specialist - ACT
Job Type
Full-Time
Position Summary:
- Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is an evidence-based practice that improves outcomes for adults with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) who are most at risk of psychiatric crisis, hospitalization, or involvement with the criminal justice system. The Clinical Substance Use Specialist provides integrated, person-centered substance use treatment and recovery support as part of a multidisciplinary ACT team. This team member must hold an active Alcohol & Drug Counselor (PLADC or LADC) or Mental Health Counselor (PLMHP, LMHP, or LIMHP) license with specialized training in substance use disorder treatment.
Job Duties:
- Provide individual and group counseling focused on substance use, relapse prevention, and long-term recovery, including crisis intervention and outreach-based support in community settings such as homes, shelters, and hospitals.
- Provide on-call support and intervention on a rotating schedule, including evening, weekend, and holiday hours as scheduled.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of substance use history, co-occurring mental health conditions, risk factors, and recovery goals.
- Collaborate with the multidisciplinary ACT team to develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans using evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and harm reduction models.
- Support clients in navigating community resources, advocating for their needs within healthcare, legal, and social service systems.
- Transport clients to medical appointments or community resources as needed.
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with agency policies and funding requirements, including treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
- Provide consultation and training to team members on best practices in co-occurring disorder treatment and coordinate care with external providers, detox facilities, and rehabilitation programs.
- Participate actively in daily ACT team meetings and contribute to shared clinical decision-making to ensure comprehensive, person-centered care.
- Monitor client progress toward treatment and recovery goals, collect and report outcome data, and participate in quality improvement initiatives to maintain fidelity to the ACT model.
- Engage in ongoing training and professional development to enhance service delivery and ensure alignment with recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care principles.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of substance use disorder treatment, co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented care models.
- Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build therapeutic relationships and maintain professional boundaries.
- Strong problem-solving abilities, with capacity for independent clinical judgment.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and person-centered care.
- Adaptability and comfort working in a variety of community settings.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic health record systems.
- Awareness and sensitivity of our constituents and the populations served by employees.
- Regular and predictable attendance, and promptness for work.
- Commitment to uphold the mission, vision, and values of Lutheran Family Services.
- Support the organization’s objective to be an inclusive and accessible workplace.
Position Competencies:
- Relationship Building
- Advocacy
- Adaptability
- Organization
- Critical Thinking
Education and Experience:
- High school or GED required; Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field preferred.
- Active Nebraska Alcohol & Drug Counselor (PLADC or LADC) or Mental Health Counselor (PLMHP, LMHP, or LIMHP) license required.
- At least one year training/experience in substance use disorder treatment required.
- Demonstrated understanding of and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
- Bilingual in English and another language preferred (desired languages align with languages spoken by our client populations, including but not limited to Spanish, Arabic, etc.).
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of standing, walking, driving, and sitting at a desk and using a computer.
- In-office work and field environment with travel to other worksites and/or community sites.
- Company-issued laptop and cell phone.
- Provide on-call support and intervention, including evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
- Valid driver’s license, proof of liability auto insurance, and ability to drive a personal vehicle on a daily basis to transport clients safely within the community.
Salary : $48,838 - $68,969