Substance Abuse Counselor

Seeking an enthusiastic, client-centered substance abuse counselor for an inpatient psychiatric hospital to join our adjunctive therapy team. We have a large, multidisciplinary team who provide programming throughout the hospital serving adults with acute psychiatric illness, some of whom have concurrent substance use and/or abuse. In this position, the substance abuse counselor plans and conducts a variety of evidence-based group and individual interventions that support the wellness and recovery of individuals with dual substance abuse and mental illness. Substance Abuse Counselors facilitate individual sessions and complete substance use assessments.

Adjunctive therapy staff participate as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team to analyze individual patient’s treatment areas and projects the prescribed treatment. The substance abuse counselor is expected to observe, assess, record and report patient behavior and relate it to patient's progress in treatment via documentation and verbal communication, and complete proper clinical documentation in accordance with policies and procedures. AT Staff participate in weekly meetings and group supervision, assist in the performance improvement process and engage in the planning, developing, and carrying out of therapeutic and activity-based programming.

Please note: This position is an "offset weekend" shift, scheduled for a weekend day (Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday) and involves one evening shift per week

Job Duties:

1. Plans and conducts a variety of evidence-based interventions that support the wellness and recovery of individuals with substance abuse and mental illness

2. Participates as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team to analyze individual patient’s treatment areas and projects the prescribed treatment related to substance use and abuse

3. Completes substance abuse screenings and assessments as indicated by treatment need

4. Facilitate and document group and individual sessions with identified substance abuse clients

5. Facilitate and document group and individual sessions with the general population in accordance with training

6. Completes all relevant clinical and administrative documentation associated with the referral, screening, assessment, treatment, and tracking of individuals who are referred to the MICA program in accordance with policies and procedures

7. Attends daily morning report with the Adjunctive Therapy team and on identified unit and provide clarification and support to the individual served towards progress and needs in the area of the substance abuse problem

8. Designs individual and group sessions around trauma informed and recovery based practices

9. Observes, records and reports patient behavior and relate it to patient's progress in treatment via documentation and verbal communication

10. Assists in the planning, developing, and carrying out of therapeutic and activity-based programming

11. Provide substance abuse education and support to patient’s family members as appropriate

12. Participates in adjunctive therapy performance improvement processes

13. Attends and participates in weekly staff meetings

14. Participates in departmental/facility projects and special events as directed by the Director and Team Leaders

15. Creates an atmosphere of warmth, caring, and unconditional positive regard toward all patients and staff

16. Any other relevant duties/projects as assigned by the Director, Assistant Director, or Program Coordinator

Compensation:

Bachelor Level with CADC: $22/hour

Master's Level $52-61K Annual

Experience/Requirements:

1. Candidates must possess a) Licensed Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) in the State of New Jersey and be in good standing, b) Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in the State of New Jersey and be in good standing or c) have a master’s in counseling and be in active pursual of LPC, LCADC or CADC and in supervision under an LCADC or LPC

2. Minimum of 1 year of experience providing substance abuse counseling

3. Experience conducting assessments, group and individual sessions with dual diagnosis population

4. Knowledge of developing treatment plans and working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team

5. Any additional combination of skills, ability, and experience appropriate for the job

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Tuition reimbursement

• Vision insurance