Substance Use Disorder Counselor
About The Position
The Substance Use Disorder Counselor is a professional counseling and case management position in the drug and alcohol field. Work is performed within Pennsylvania licensure guidelines and the Gaiser Center’s policies and procedures. The counselor provides confidential counseling and support to clients to encourage a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle, using a holistic, trauma-informed approach and evidence-based care. The position serves the Inpatient department and reports to the Clinical Director. It requires assessing and addressing clients’ substance use treatment needs, maintaining comprehensive records, coordinating care, and providing individual, family, and group counseling. The counselor must maintain 25 continuing education units per fiscal year. Office conditions are the primary work environment, and extended hours may be required to meet client needs.
Requirements
- Meet Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Drug and Alcohol licensure staffing qualifications for a counselor through one of the following: a master’s degree in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, or another human services-related field that includes a practicum in a health or human services agency; a bachelor’s degree in one of those fields and at least one year of documented, supervised clinical experience working with chemically dependent individuals; or an associate degree from an accredited college in chemical dependency, psychology, or a related field and two years of clinical experience in a drug and alcohol setting.
- Knowledge of substance use disorder practices, subculture, and treatment methods.
- Knowledge of crisis intervention methods and individual, family, group, and marital counseling techniques.
- Knowledge of motivational interviewing and other substance use disorder treatment theories.
- Knowledge of treatment facilities and human services agencies providing substance use disorder and associated behavioral health services.
- Strong organizational skills, including the ability to plan and organize.
- Ability to multitask and work in a high-stress environment.
- Adhere to professional ethical standards and maintain ethical conduct.
- Satisfactory criminal background check and pre-employment drug testing.
Nice To Haves
- CAC, CCDP, or CCJP Pennsylvania state certification is preferred.
- A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license in good standing is preferred.
- A practicum in a drug and alcohol setting is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Assess and professionally evaluate individuals’ drug and alcohol needs in accordance with ASAM and DSM-5 guidelines and applicable Pennsylvania laws and regulations.
- Complete required client documentation for assigned caseloads, including intake notes, treatment plans and updates, referral notes, aftercare plans, and discharge summaries.
- Develop individualized, comprehensive treatment plans with client input; monitor progress and measure results.
- Conduct client intake interviews and perform utilization reviews with insurance carriers and funding sources.
- Obtain ASAM authorizations for admissions, continued stays, and discharges.
- Facilitate process and didactic groups and conduct individual and family counseling or therapy using evidence-based treatment modalities.
- Research and prepare relevant materials for counseling sessions.
- Maintain complete, appropriate client records and complete documentation within required time frames.
- Present case summaries at staff meetings and seek input from counselors and supervisors.
- Coordinate with healthcare providers, agencies, and community resources to support continuity of care.
- Provide crisis interventions and demonstrate empathy toward clients.
- Maintain 25 continuing education units per fiscal year.
- Comply with federal and state confidentiality requirements, including 42 CFR Part 2.
- Follow organizational policies and procedures; attend and participate in staff meetings, conferences, and staff development trainings.
- Promote safe work practices and take steps to prevent injuries.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Free life insurance
- Free employee assistance program (EAP)
- Family benefits available
- Generous paid time off (PTO)
- 11 paid holidays
- Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through nonprofit status
- Short-term disability
- Accident insurance
- Critical care insurance
- Cancer protection assurance
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Approved professional training costs covered
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
