Counselor

Company: Phoenix Domus

Location: Altoona, PA 16601 (Fairview Hills area)

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $41,275 – $45,500 / year (Commensurate with experience, degree, PCB certification, and qualifications)

Benefits: Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Paid Time Off (PTO)

Expected Start Date: Approximately 4 weeks from posting

About Us

Phoenix Domus provides high-quality, compassionate substance use disorder treatment in Blair County, PA. Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and operating an ASAM 3.1 Aligned Level of Care (Clinically Managed Low-Intensity Residential) facility, we are contracted with major HealthChoices Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), including Community Care Behavioral Health (CCBH), Magellan Health, and PerformCare.

We are seeking a dedicated, full-time Counselor (with potential advancement/consideration for a Lead Counselor role) to join our multidisciplinary clinical team in Altoona.

Position Summary

The Counselor is responsible for delivering comprehensive clinical services—including assessment, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, family sessions, and discharge planning—in full compliance with DDAP licensure standards, PA State Code (37 Pa. Code Chapter 704), ASAM Criteria (3rd Edition), and MCO contract requirements.

Candidates demonstrating exceptional clinical skills, leadership qualities, and advanced credentials may be considered for the Lead Counselor designation.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Services: Conduct clinical intake assessments, construct individualized treatment plans, and provide evidence-based individual, group, and family counseling tailored to individuals in an ASAM 3.1 residential setting.
• ASAM Compliance: Utilize ASAM 3rd Edition criteria to assess level-of-care appropriateness, track patient progress, write clinical updates, and justify ongoing stay/transitions.
• Documentation & MCO Coordination: Complete timely, high-quality clinical documentation adhering to DDAP, CCBH, Magellan, and PerformCare standards. Prepare concurrent reviews and interface directly with MCO care managers.
• Case Management: Coordinates referral services, legal documentation/court updates, with the clinical team. Works with Care Coordination team on medical/psychiatric appointments, and aftercare planning.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain full compliance with DDAP counselor caseload requirements, confidentiality regulations (42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA), and Pennsylvania State Code regulations.
• Lead Counselor Duties (if applicable): Provide clinical peer review, support onboarding of new clinical staff, and assist leadership with clinical oversight and quality assurance.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Must hold a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a human services field (e.g., Counseling, Social Work, Psychology) meeting DDAP staffing qualifications for a full counselor (37 Pa. Code § 704.7).
• Clinical Knowledge: Strong working knowledge and understanding of ASAM 3rd Edition criteria for 3.1 Level of Care.
• Certifications (Preferred): Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) credentialing (e.g., CAADC, CADC) preferred or actively in progress.
• Experience: Experience treating substance use and co-occurring disorders in a residential or structured treatment environment preferred.
• Screenings: Must pass required background checks (PA State Police Criminal History, Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI Fingerprinting) and pre-employment drug screening.

Pay: $41,275.00 - $45,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• clinical: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $41,275 - $45,500