Substance Use Counselor

Alpharus Health•Ocala, FL

8d•$49,296 - $67,917•Onsite

About The Position

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider offering substance use and mental health treatment. The Substance Use Counselor works at Lowell C.I. Annex in Ocala, Florida, providing counseling and treatment support to clients in a correctional healthcare setting. The role supports individualized, evidence-based care, recovery, and clients’ transition to pro-social life and aftercare services. Work is performed under direct supervision, with supervisor approval for caseload responsibilities and discharge plans. The counselor interviews clients about their substance use and treatment histories, helps evaluate treatment response, and supports development of individualized treatment plans. The role delivers individual and basic group counseling and educational programming, coordinates crisis response and referrals, and maintains records required for organizational, regulatory, accreditation, and contractual compliance.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a helping profession from an accredited college or university.
Must be able to obtain Florida Department of Corrections clearance to work in the correctional institution.
Basic knowledge of human growth and psychosocial development.
Basic knowledge of group and individual dynamics, conflict resolution, and intervention techniques based on client maturation level.
Basic understanding of mental health disorders requiring referrals.
Basic communication skills for exchanging information and interacting with internal and external audiences regarding client care.
Active listening skills and social perceptiveness.
Ability to read and interpret policies and instructions.
Ability to understand medication side effects and their impact on clients.
Adaptability and flexibility, including the ability to shift priorities.
Ability to walk and move about facilities for up to two hours at a time to monitor and interact with clients.
Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and negligible force frequently or constantly to move objects.
Ability to record, proofread, and check documents and files; prepare and analyze data and figures; transcribe; and read.
Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, or audit information and data.
Ability to respond to telephones and hear and detect alarms and unusual noises.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in substance use treatment or counseling and/or mental health counseling is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct client interviews to review substance use disorder and treatment history.
Evaluate client responses to treatment and recommend modifications to treatment plans.
Assist with caseloads and develop individualized treatment plans, goals, interventions, and appropriate support.
Assist with and provide basic didactic group counseling, including psychoeducation, drug education, and family education.
Provide individual counseling, educational programs, and lectures on topics including relapse prevention, problem solving, behavior modification, and anger management.
Support clients in overcoming substance use disorder, adjusting to pro-social life, and making cognitive and behavioral changes.
Carry a caseload under direct supervision and with supervisor approval, consistent with state and contract requirements.
Collaborate with clients on discharge summaries and plans for supervisor approval, integrating aftercare treatment with referral resources.
Coordinate required services to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations and support continued recovery.
Collect and maintain treatment records and reports for organizational, regulatory, accreditation, and contractual compliance.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums.
Employee assistance programs focused on mental health.
403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance, and life and AD&D insurance paid for by Alpharus.
Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
18 paid time off days per year, with accrual rates increasing with years of service.
9 paid company holidays.
Training and development programs.
Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year.
Access to online courses providing CEUs and job-related training.
Formal and informal clinical supervision and guidance.