Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of two 3 years of relevant experience required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a social service setting.
• Strong assessment, engagement, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of substance use treatment, public benefits systems, and the criminal justice environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and timeliness.
• Proficient computer literacy and experience with electronic databases.
• Customer service–oriented approach with strong interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Provisional or Professional Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).
• Experience working with justice-involved populations, substance use treatment, and entitlement programs.
• Familiarity with 822 regulations and public benefits systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for participants seeking services.
• Conduct comprehensive screenings and assessments to determine program eligibility within an 822 setting.
• Facilitate timely intake, admission, and orientation of participants into programs.
• Actively engage participants throughout the intake process to promote retention and program readiness.
• Conduct outreach for missed appointments and follow up with referral sources.
• Participate in case conferences to introduce new participants and coordinate services.
• Maintain accurate client files, intake documentation, and office records.
• Screen all participants for eligibility for public benefits including TANF, SNAP, SSI, and Medicaid.
• Assist eligible clients with benefit applications, recertifications, and follow-up requirements.
• Support clients in obtaining necessary documentation (e.g., birth certificates, Social Security cards).
• Provide individual counseling related to benefits, eligibility concerns, and related barriers.
• Coordinate with DOCCS, Reentry Works staff, and Fulton Community Reentry Center to ensure entitlement screening and access for new participants.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Orient participants and families to program objectives, expectations, and available services.
• Provide educational interventions related to substance use, recovery, and the impact of addiction on individuals and families.
• Make direct referrals to internal and external services, including residential treatment, medical care, behavioral health, housing, education, and vocational training.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with community-based organizations and external providers to expand service access.
• Assist with outreach efforts to increase program census and connect participants to wraparound services.
• Enter detailed and timely information into The Osborne Association database.
• Respond to routine internal and external requests for information.
• Prepare and submit required weekly and monthly reports.
• Attend all required training related to entitlements, including Single Stop, TANF, SNAP, SSI, and Medicaid.
• Participate in agency-wide advocacy efforts and maintain knowledge of all Osborne services.

Benefits

• four weeks of vacation
• tuition reimbursement
• flexible work schedule
• excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• a 403(b) plan with a company match
• Career development through ongoing training and individual development plans