Substance Use Counselor
About The Position
The Substance Use Counselor is instrumental in our patient’s treatment and recovery from opioid use disorder. Substance Use Counselors provide high quality, compassionate care through various mediums which include both individual and group counseling sessions. This role is part of an Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program at Gifford Street Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC) in New Bedford, MA, which is part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers. They provide a continuum of care including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and mobile treatment units. The approach to holistic addiction care extends beyond clinical treatment, incorporating recovery coaching, community outreach and partnerships to ensure patients receive comprehensive, patient-centered support. The schedule is full-time with early morning hours, Monday - Friday starting at 5:30 am, totaling 36 hours per week, which encourages a great work-life balance.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in a relevant field is required, or one of the following credentials: CAC, CAS, CADC, CRC, LADC I, LADC II, LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT.
- Bachelor’s Degree holders without credentials are encouraged to apply if they are committed to obtaining required credentials within 30-60 days of employment.
- Degree obtained must be in psychology, social work, or related health services field from an accredited college or university.
- 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 (e.g., 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, Joint Commission standards).
- Experience collaborating in a multidisciplinary team with medical staff, case managers, and peer support specialists.
- Candidates who do not hold a Master’s degree must possess one of the following certifications or commit to obtaining it within 60 days of hire: CAC, CAS, CADC, CRC, LADC I, LADC II, LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT.
Responsibilities
- Provide high quality, compassionate guidance in both individual and group counseling sessions.
- Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient's recovery.
- Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
- Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
- Prepare individual treatment plans for each assigned patient.
- Initial assessments as well as follow up assessments.
- Evaluate patient needs and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities are needed.
- May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.
- Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.
- Provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care as needed.
- Act as a liaison between referral sources and patients, as needed.
Benefits
- Semi-Annual Bonus Program
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Competitive 401(k) with employer match
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Employer-paid clinical supervision (free to employees)
- Free and unlimited access to 500+ accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supporting your mental health & well-being
- Industry-leading growth and development opportunities
- Reimbursement for licensing or certification exam fees to support credential attainment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
