What are the responsibilities and job description for the Substance Use Disorder Counselor position at New Beginnings Reentry Services, Inc?
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR
New Beginnings Reentry Services (NBRS) - Adult Reentry Day Center
Reports to: Program Director | Full-Time | Boston, MA (On-site)
SALARY: $70,000 - $75,000
SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday, In-Person; Flexible weekends as needed
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POSITION SUMMARY
The SUD Counselor at NBRS plays a critical dual role in providing clinical support to formerly incarcerated individuals. This role supports participants in navigating reentry barriers, building personal stability, and developing long-term wellness strategies. The ideal candidate brings strong clinical expertise, trauma-informed care, and a deep understanding of justice-involved populations.
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Counseling & Clinical Services
- Provide weekly individual counseling sessions with a focus on trauma-informed substance use treatment
- Facilitate weekly therapeutic group sessions covering recovery, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and wellness
- Create and revise Individual Treatment Plans (ITPs) aligned with clinical needs and behavioral health goals
- Monitor and evaluate client progress, documenting outcomes, attendance, and engagement
- Prepare and submit timely case notes, data reports, and clinical documentation to the Program Director
- Conduct clinical check-ins during programming and intervene in crisis situations as needed
- Maintain compliance with HIPAA, relevant ethical standards, and NBRS policy
Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Participate in weekly case review meetings and interdisciplinary team huddles
- Provide feedback on service gaps and propose programmatic responses to better support client success
- Coordinate with external service providers and ensure warm handoffs for clients accessing additional care
Program Development & Support
- Collaborate with the Program Director to evaluate program effectiveness and suggest improvements
- Support the design and scheduling of new workshops, peer groups, or partner services based on client needs
- Assist in developing and maintaining community partnerships that enhance holistic care delivery
- Participate in community outreach events and represent NBRS in collaborative spaces
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QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field
- Licensed or certified as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor (LADC, CADC, LICSW) strongly preferred
- Minimum 2 years of direct experience in case management, clinical counseling, or behavioral health support
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction practices
- Proficient in documentation and use of case management systems
- Skilled in de-escalation, crisis management, and strengths-based client engagement
- Demonstrated cultural humility and experience working with justice-involved populations
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PREFERRED SKILLS
- Experience working with reentry, correctional, or high-risk populations
- Bilingual (Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, or Somali) highly preferred
- Familiarity with Boston-area social services, community-based resources, and referral pathways
- Experience working in interdisciplinary teams and facilitating peer support groups
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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Paid Time Off: 2 weeks vacation, 2 sick days, 1 personal day, 3 days bereavement leave
Health Insurance: NBRS reimburses up to $350/month toward premiums (after 90-day waiting period)
Retirement: NBRS contributes 3% of annual salary to an employer-funded retirement account (no employee contribution required)
All benefits are subject to available funding. NBRS is committed to transparency and will notify employees of any changes.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Salary : $70,000 - $75,000