Substance Abuse Therapist

Once our opening in 1987, New Hope Treatment Centers has been a welcoming place for young people in moments of crisis. The Substance Abuse Therapist provides assessment, counseling, and treatment services to adolescents involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). The therapist addresses substance uses disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions using evidence-based interventions while supporting behavioral stabilization, recovery, and successful reintegration into the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following

• Conduct clinical and substance use assessments for youth upon admission and throughout treatment
• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans addressing substance use, behavioral health needs, and trauma
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy utilizing evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Facilitate substance abuse education and relapse prevention groups
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries in compliance with agency and regulatory standards
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and collaborate with residential staff, probation officers, case managers, and families
• Provide crisis intervention and behavioral support when needed in the residential setting
• Monitor client progress and modify treatment interventions as appropriate
• Assist youth with developing coping skills, accountability, and pro-social behaviors
• Support discharge and aftercare planning to promote long-term recovery and stability

Competencies

The Substance Abuse Therapist must demonstrate competence in the following areas

• Clinical Assessment and Treatment Planning- demonstrates the ability to conduct comprehensive behavioral health and substance use assessments, identify co-occurring disorders, and develop individualized, measurable treatment plans that align with clinical best practices and regulatory requirement
• Evidence-Based Therapeutic Interventions-applies evidence-based treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention strategies appropriate for adolescents with substance use and behavioral health disorder
• Trauma-Informed Care-provides services using trauma-informed principles, recognizing the impact of trauma on behavior and substance use while promoting emotional safety, empowerment, and resilience in youth
• Adolescent Development and Behavioral Health Knowledge-demonstrates understanding of adolescent development, behavioral disorders, substance use disorders, and the unique needs of justice-involved youth in residential treatment setting
• Crisis Intervention and Behavioral Management-utilizes de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies to manage aggressive or high-risk behaviors while maintaining safety within a residential treatment environment
• Documentation and Regulatory Compliance-maintains accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries in accordance with CARF standards, state regulations, and agency policie
• Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration effectively collaborates with residential staff, case managers, probation officers, families, and clinical leadership to coordinate care and support treatment goals
• Ethical Practice and Professional Boundaries-maintain confidentiality and adheres to professional ethics, organizational policies, and state regulatory requirements governing behavioral health service
• Cultural Competency and Engagement-demonstrates the ability to work effectively with diverse youth populations, building therapeutic rapport while respecting cultural, social, and individual difference
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills-communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with youth, families, staff, and external stakeholders while maintaining professionalism and clarity
• Organizational and Time Management Skills-prioritizes workload, meets documentation deadlines, and manages caseload responsibilities in a structured residential treatment environment

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related behavioral health field
• Licensed in North Carolina (LCAS)
• Will consider MH with substance use experience.
• Ability to pass required background checks, drug screening, and any state-mandated employment clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with adolescents, substance abuse treatment, or justice-involved youth

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication sk
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain organized records
• Professional judgment, discretion, and ethical conduct
• Proficiency with electronic health records and standard office technology.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Work is performed in a behavioral health treatment environment that may involve exposure to emotionally distressed individuals
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and use standard office equipment
• Ability to respond to crisis situations, which may require quick movement
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.