SUBSTANCE ABUSE SPECIALIST

Apis Services Inc•Claymont, DE

2d•$0 - $24•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a compassionate, motivated, and community-focused Substance Abuse Specialist/Case Manager to join our behavioral health team. This position plays a critical role in supporting individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, housing instability, and other barriers to recovery and independence. The ideal candidate will provide assertive outreach, substance use counseling, care coordination, benefits assistance, referrals, and housing support services to adults experiencing behavioral health concerns. This role requires a strong commitment to person-centered care, harm reduction, recovery-oriented services, and advocacy for underserved populations. The Substance Abuse Specialist is responsible for facilitating admissions and discharges, monitoring client eligibility, coordinating access to services, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring individuals receive the appropriate level of care to meet their needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Social Work, Nursing, Rehabilitation, or a related field from an accredited college or university; OR High School Diploma with significant relevant experience in the behavioral health or substance use treatment field.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience working in behavioral health, substance use treatment, case management, or a related human services field.
At least forty (40) hours of substance abuse education, training, coursework, or continuing education units (CEUs) required.
Experience working with individuals experiencing severe mental illness, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions.
Experience with data collection, reporting, and documentation processes.
Current CPR and First Aid Certification.
Valid driver's license in good standing.
Minimum of three (3) years of continuous driving experience with no serious traffic infractions.
Strong understanding of substance use disorders, recovery principles, and harm reduction practices.
Excellent case management and service coordination skills.
Ability to build trust and establish effective working relationships with diverse populations.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills.
Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
Strong written communication and documentation skills.
Ability to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
Knowledge of community resources, public benefits systems, and behavioral health services.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and person-centered care.

Nice To Haves

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential preferred.
Experience serving homeless, underserved, or vulnerable populations.
Experience in housing support, outreach, and community-based behavioral health services.

Responsibilities

Build positive, supportive relationships with clients and encourage participation in treatment, recovery, community involvement, and independent living.
Provide substance use counseling, harm reduction education, recovery support, and referrals to community resources.
Conduct assertive outreach and engage individuals who may be reluctant to seek treatment or services.
Coordinate service delivery based on client needs and individualized recovery goals.
Assist clients in accessing housing, healthcare, transportation, employment, financial assistance, and other community resources.
Support clients through admissions, service transitions, and discharge planning.
Ensure appropriate interventions are implemented when a client experiences a crisis or requires an increased level of care.
Provide interim support and case management services for individuals awaiting placement in higher levels of care.
Develop, implement, and monitor individualized recovery and service plans.
Complete assessments, progress notes, recovery plans, and other required documentation accurately and within required timeframes.
Maintain client records and ensure all services are documented in the approved management information system.
Monitor client eligibility and utilization of services.
Track outcomes, collect data, and participate in program evaluation and quality improvement initiatives.
Ensure compliance with agency, state, and funding source documentation standards.
Assist clients with applications and ongoing eligibility for public benefits and support programs.
Coordinate services and referrals with State Service Centers, ASSIST Programs, Social Security Administration, LogistiCare/Medical Transportation Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Division of Disability Determination Services, and Housing and community-based service providers.
Advocate for clients to ensure access to needed services and supports.
Participate in daily and weekly treatment team meetings.
Attend residential house meetings and case reviews as required.
Work collaboratively with internal departments and external service providers to ensure continuity of care.
Maintain communication with supervisors and team members regarding client progress, concerns, and service needs.
Complete required Community Hospital Coordinated Care (CHCC) documentation and compliance activities.
Promote the health, safety, and well-being of all assigned clients.
Adhere to agency policies, PM 46 regulations, and all applicable state and federal requirements.
Report safety concerns and critical incidents promptly to the supervising Team Lead.
Maintain confidentiality and protect client information in accordance with HIPAA and agency standards.
Attend all required trainings, meetings, and professional development activities.