Licensed or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor - Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Taunton, MA

About The Position

The Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP), operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, provides services to individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days. Its model includes acute detoxification, early clinical stabilization, and connecting clients to community-based outpatient supports and substance use disorder treatment providers. The program provides administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services focused on client-centered, recovery-oriented care. The Human Services Coordinator I functions as a Licensed or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, facilitating psycho-educational and recovery-based groups, completing admission assessments and other clinical documentation, and participating in short-term individual treatment. The role works with clients and collaborates with clinical staff, Aftercare staff, community agencies, and other partners to coordinate referrals, discharge planning, and aftercare services. The incumbent must comply with applicable federal confidentiality and health privacy regulations, including 42 CFR Part 2 and Part 8 and HIPAA. The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday off. Travel may be required based on assignment. A background check and verification of education, licensure, and certifications are part of the pre-hire process. The role is subject to vaccination or mitigation requirements applicable to certain agency staff in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities.

Requirements

Professional licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II) or certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADC I).
At least one year of experience working with clients whose primary diagnosis or concern is a substance use disorder, with knowledge of substance use and treatment systems.
Knowledge of mental health, community resources and systems, basic clinical skills, human behavior, social work, health care, and law.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to negotiate, mediate, and defuse conflict.
Ability to think quickly and make independent judgments.
At least three years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in human services work or social work, or an equivalent combination of experience and qualifying substitutions. A bachelor's degree or higher in a related field may substitute for two years of this experience.
If electing to use a motor vehicle for work travel, a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at the class level specific to the assignment.
Successful candidates must acknowledge and attest to their COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status, or applicable mitigation measures, under the regulation specified in the posting.

Nice To Haves

Professional licensure in a human services field, including LCSW, LICSW, or LMHC.
A positive, non-judgmental, and accepting attitude toward individuals with substance use disorders.
Self-motivation, strong organizational skills, and superior attention to detail.
Bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Responsibilities

Facilitate psycho-educational and recovery-based groups.
Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, educational conferences, mandatory training, and team meetings.
Collaborate with Aftercare staff to determine aftercare needs and coordinate discharge processes, aftercare services, and referrals.
Coordinate with Aftercare and the Benefits Coordinator to identify client needs, follow up on services, create rehabilitation and stabilization service/support plan goals, plan service delivery, and support clients in completing services.
Complete referral packets; partner with DMH Site and Area Offices to identify adults needing placement.
Arrange telephone intakes and/or face-to-face interviews with halfway houses and residential facilities.
Complete required documentation within established time frames, including progress notes, assessments, treatment plans, biopsychosocial documentation, and discharge summaries.
Explain information and options to clients with varying needs, expectations, cultures, and languages, and help them determine appropriate actions; some clients may be resistant or hostile or require involuntary services.
Assess information from multiple sources to determine clinical and health care needs and next steps; review written and verbal information and compare it with other available data.
Prioritize tasks according to departmental standards, with supervisor input, and requirements established by statutes and regulations.
Perform other duties assigned by program or clinical directors to support safe and appropriate unit operations.