Substance Use Counselor

Acadia • South Whitehall Township, PA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Substance Use Counselor works in an outpatient medication-assisted treatment (MAT) opioid treatment program and supports patients in treatment and recovery from opioid use disorder. The counselor provides compassionate, high-quality care through individual and group counseling sessions, helps plan and oversee patients’ recovery, and coordinates individualized care, referrals, and aftercare as needed. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with occasional Saturday hours. The clinic is Allentown Comprehensive Treatment Center in Orefield, Pennsylvania, part of Acadia Healthcare’s Comprehensive Treatment Centers.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in a social or health services field and 2 years of clinical experience in a health or human service agency; or a bachelor’s degree in a social or health services field and 1 year of such clinical experience; or a master’s degree in a social or health services field with a practicum in a health or human service agency.
• Degree must be from an accredited college or university.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient, residential, or correctional facilities.
• Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
• Experience conducting individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use recovery.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention techniques.
• Documentation experience, including maintaining clinical notes, treatment plans, and progress updates in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Familiarity with state regulatory standards, such as 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, and Joint Commission standards.
• Experience collaborating in a multidisciplinary team with medical staff, case managers, and peer support specialists.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate guidance in individual and group counseling sessions.
• Plan, oversee, facilitate, and document patients’ recovery.
• Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
• Complete documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents promptly and clearly.
• Prepare individual treatment plans for assigned patients.
• Conduct initial and follow-up assessments.
• Evaluate patient needs and determine whether referrals to other programs or facilities are needed.
• Plan aftercare for assigned patients as appropriate.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Provide case management to ensure individualized, quality care as needed.
• Act as a liaison between referral sources and patients as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Competitive 401(k) plan.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Employer-paid clinical supervision at no cost to employees.
• Free, unlimited access to more than 500 accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering continued support for employee lifestyle and well-being.
• Early morning hours offering work/life balance.
• Opportunity for growth.
• Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree