Counselor - Ithaca, NY (35199)

ST JOHNS COMMUNITY SERVICES•City of Ithaca, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Serenity House is a residential treatment program located in Ithaca that welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds who are recovering from substance use disorders and seeking long-term rehabilitation support. Through client-centered residential care, we work collaboratively with residents to support their reintegration into the community through counseling, vocational opportunities, life skills development, and connections to local resources. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented services that promote dignity, growth, and long-term wellness. We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and motivated Counselor who is passionate about supporting individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. The ideal candidate demonstrates professionalism, strong communication skills, and the ability to build safe and supportive therapeutic relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. The successful candidate will be committed to person-centered care and capable of working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary residential treatment team.

Requirements

Minimum of Associate degree in human services or a related field.
One or more years of relevant experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, residential care, or related services preferred
Current certification/licensure CASAC, CASAC-T, CASAC-P, LMHC, LMSW, or related other credentials.
Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive care to diverse populations
Strong understanding of professional ethics, boundaries, and confidentiality requirements
Commitment to empowering residents to achieve individualized treatment and recovery goals
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while remaining flexible and proactive
Willingness to seek clarification, support, and feedback when needed
Ability to appropriately utilize crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe environment
Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, current treatment trends, and recovery culture
Familiarity with mental health first aid principles and behavioral health support strategies
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to complete timely, accurate, and professional documentation using electronic systems
Commitment to maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards in residential care services
Obtain a valid health certificate to meet current funding authority requirements as required.
Having a valid state-issued driver’s license with a current driving record in good standing is required.
Meet SJCS and the funding authority requirement of criminal background and record checks.

Responsibilities

Maintain a caseload of residents enrolled in the residential treatment program
Facilitate approximately 3–5 therapeutic and psychoeducational groups per week
Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans
Participate in the admission, intake, and discharge planning process
Collaborate with community-based providers and referral sources to support continuity of care
Support residents in achieving goals identified within their treatment plans
Provide person-centered and recovery-oriented services that uphold resident dignity, autonomy, and integrity
Develop and maintain positive, professional, and collaborative relationships with residents, families, and the SJCS team
Complete timely and accurate documentation in accordance with agency and New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) standards
Work closely with program leadership to maintain compliance with applicable regulations and agency policies
Ensure resident and program confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, 42CFR, and agency requirements
Participate in staff meetings, supervision, training, and other program activities as assigned