Addiction Recovery Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen•Somerville, MA

1d•$58,917 - $67,441

About The Position

The ACCS Addiction Recovery Counselor promotes the integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) so they can live successfully in the community. The counselor works collaboratively with PS to understand how substance use affects their lives and serves as a resource to PS and team members on substance addiction assessment, treatment, rehabilitation techniques, and resources. The role provides assessment, direct support, evidence-based addiction treatment, psychoeducation, referrals, and care coordination to PS in group living environments and outreach settings. The counselor also trains, mentors, and models addiction-treatment practices for staff; documents PS needs and services; participates in intervention teams and the Addiction Recovery Counselor Community of Practice; and receives role-based clinical supervision from an Assistant Team Leader. The position requires driving to support PS, using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. Personal-vehicle use requires adequate insurance and a safe driving record. A valid driver's license is required, and drivers must be at least 21, have held a valid U.S. license for at least six months, and pass a driving-screening background check. CPR and First Aid are required within the first two weeks of hire, and MAP is required within 90 days.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Massachusetts LADC 1, LADC II, CADC I, or CADC II credential required.
Access to an operational and insured vehicle and willingness to use it to transport PS.
Valid driver's license presented at employment; must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid U.S. driver's license for at least six months, and pass a driving-screening background check.
If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record subject to annual checks.
CPR certification required within the first two weeks of hire.
First Aid certification required within the first two weeks of hire.
MAP certification required within 90 days of hire.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb; lift at least 25 pounds using proper techniques or a two-person lift; operate a computer and office equipment; sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces; assist PS with daily living tasks; communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives; and meet the stated vision requirements.
Strong commitment to supporting PS rights and ability to live, work, build meaningful relationships, and receive treatment and supports in their community of choice.
Extensive knowledge of addiction-treatment principles, modalities, best practices, and evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, Harm Reduction, SSI-SA, SBIRT, Housing First, addiction peer support, Seeking Safety, WRAP, Cognitive Behavioral interventions, acute addiction treatment, and Medication Assisted Treatment.
Knowledge of engagement strategies and ability to build supportive, trusting relationships with PS.
Knowledge of risk management and mitigation strategies.
Knowledge of recovery-oriented, person-centered, strengths-based principles and modalities, empowerment, and self-advocacy techniques.
Knowledge of the effects of prejudice, internalized negative attitudes, discrimination, oppression, and poverty affecting people with psychiatric disorders.
Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally competent services and sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues.
Knowledge of the human, legal, and civil rights of PS.
Knowledge of emergency services, acute care addiction systems, and community-based mental health, healthcare, care coordination, and other resources.
Knowledge of health risks associated with psychiatric disability and/or addictions.
Skills to formulate appropriate treatment plans and train staff in substance misuse and addiction interventions.
Knowledge of formal and informal substance-misuse and addiction assessment practices.
Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles and supervisory techniques.
Participatory and collaborative skills; ability to provide staff leadership on substance-misuse and addiction issues and make independent judgments and decisions.
Ability to work professionally and confidentially.
Knowledge of personal computer applications, equipment, and documentation standards.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
Clinical experience working with people with co-occurring disorders or addictions preferred.
Bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Screen, assess, and reassess substance use, addiction risk, and treatment needs using the SSI-SA and other assessments in group living and outreach settings.
Develop formulations addressing substance use levels and risks, current impacts, and readiness for change; direct other licensed staff in developing formulations as needed.
Provide direct interventions and supports to PS with substance misuse or addiction, regardless of where they reside.
Use trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, person-centered, culturally competent, and strength-based approaches and skills-training techniques.
Provide evidence-based and best-practice addiction treatment, including Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, Harm Reduction, Relapse Prevention, SSI-SA, SBIRT, Seeking Safety, WRAP, Cognitive Behavioral interventions, Safety Plans, Crisis Prevention and Response Plans, and the 8 Dimensions of Wellness.
Refer PS and coordinate with Care Coordination entities to promote access to Medication Assisted Treatment, Dual Recovery groups, and psychoeducational services addressing substance misuse and related issues such as Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS treatment.
Provide addiction-treatment psychoeducational services individually and in groups.
Participate as a member of intervention teams for assigned PS.
Train, mentor, and model evidence-based addiction-treatment practices for GLE SIE staff, including Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, Harm Reduction, and Housing First.
Perform, train, supervise, mentor, and model evidence-based clinical and recovery-oriented interventions for PS, including screening, brief intervention, referral and treatment, Seeking Safety, WRAP, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
Document PS needs and services thoroughly and thoughtfully.
Promote engagement, safe housing, community tenure, greater self-sufficiency, and successful service completion for PS.
Promote PS access to healthcare, employment, and education services.
Coordinate access to community-based acute addiction treatment, medication-assisted treatment, self-help and peer support, psychoeducation, and relapse-prevention services.
Participate in the Addiction Recovery Counselor Community of Practice Workgroup for role-specific supervision, competency development, mentoring, and learning.
Receive regularly scheduled, role-based clinical supervision from the Assistant Team Leader.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Drive using a Vinfen van or personal vehicle and maintain required licensing, insurance, and driving qualifications when using a personal vehicle.