Substance Abuse Counselor

Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana Inc•New Orleans, LA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Substance Use Counselor provides professional, in-person substance-use counseling and recovery support to veterans participating in the GPD Transitional Housing Program. This role focuses on helping clients achieve sobriety, develop relapse-prevention strategies, and address co-occurring behavioral health needs. Responsibilities include clinical assessment, individualized Recovery plan, group and individual counseling, crisis intervention, and collaboration with VA and community providers. The counselor ensures compliance with confidentiality regulations (HIPAA & 42 CFR Part 2), VA GPD guidelines, and agency clinical standards.

Requirements

Master’s in social work or counseling; LCSW or LPC preferred. PLPC/LMSW considered with active board‑approved supervision plan.
2–4 years’ experience providing substance use recovery support, counseling, or care coordination (Veterans and/or co-occurring disorders preferred).
Familiarity with ASAM, evidence‑based group facilitation, documentation standards, and 42 CFR Part 2.
Strong communication, documentation, and crisis‑management skills.
Proficiency with MS Office and Electronic Health Records.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Ability to pass background check, drug screen, annual TB test; CPR within 30 days of hire.
Ability to transport clients occasionally using personal or agency vehicle.
Current driver’s license issued by state of residence
Current Vehicle Inspection Decal
Current vehicle insurance
Current vehicle registration in state of residence
Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report

Responsibilities

Conduct substance-use assessments, screenings, and biopsychosocial evaluations.
Develop individualized Support plan based on client needs and recovery goals.
Provide evidence-informed substance use recovery support services (group and individual), in person, using approved curricula (e.g., Living in Balance, Matrix, Seeking Safety) and trauma-informed practices
Provide crisis intervention and de‑escalation support.
Facilitate two 90-minute recovery support groups per week and maintain 6–8 individual recovery support sessions per week, as scheduled.
Monitor participant engagement and progress and adjust recovery support goals and activities as appropriate.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation per program standards and legal requirements.
Submit screening summaries, recovery support plans, progress notes, and incident reports within required timelines (notes within 24 hours; recovery support plan within 7 days of first service).
Ensure all services comply with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Louisiana licensure/board rules, and organizational policy.
If serving non‑VA‑eligible (“humanitarian”) clients only, maintain full separation from GPD services (no mixed groups, no GPD charting, no GPD funds/space/time).
If services include GPD participants, adhere to approved GPD Scope of Work and any VA‑approved modification.
Collaborate with GPD Case Managers, VA Behavioral Health/SUD programs, and community providers using warm handoffs and signed releases.
Support veterans in accessing behavioral-health services, recovery resources, and medical/psychiatric care.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case consultations (without duplicating VA treatment).
Advocate for veterans’ behavioral-health needs within healthcare systems.
Promote recovery‑oriented, trauma‑informed, and culturally responsive care.
Provide staff education on SUD, lifesaving services, relapse‑prevention, withdrawal management, and MAT basics.
Maintain currency with evidence-based practices, including ASAM-informed placement awareness, MAT awareness, opioid use disorder support strategies, and harm reduction.
Participate in required training, supervision, and continuing education.
Collaborate with community partners on recovery initiatives and opioid education.
Perform other clinically appropriate tasks assigned by the Program Director.
Respond promptly to client crises; implement safety strategies and coordinate with emergency services when necessary.
Connect clients to resources that support recovery and stability.