About Job

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in mental health counseling and addiction medicine, with the ability to provide support and guidance to individuals facing various challenges. This role requires a commitment to improving the well-being of clients through effective therapeutic techniques and crisis management strategies. Under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor provides counseling and/or therapy to adults afflicted with the disease of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Co-occurring Disorders (COD).

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Performs all procedures accurately, thoroughly, and efficiently for clients following the Twelve Core Functions of SUD Counseling and applicable program policies and procedures:

Provide treatment services for individuals diagnosed with SUD or COD, as defined in the twelve core functions of substance use disorder treatment. These activities include but are not limited to screening, intake/admissions, biopsychosocial assessments, treatment planning, determination of the appropriate level of care, psychoeducation, didactic group therapy, linkage to essential wraparound services, and referrals to addiction treatment services.
Develop treatment plans with measurable goals, objectives, and interventions to help clients achieve them. Review individual treatment with clients during therapy.
Responsible for an assigned caseload, facilitating psycho-education classes, group therapy, support groups, and crisis management.
May facilitate or co-facilitate groups and individual counseling sessions with other Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LCADCs).
Participates in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings to determine the best treatment course for clients.
Assist clients with developing relapse prevention plans and coping and life skills to support recovery after discharge.
Develop discharge plans and connect clients with community-based services.
Establish discharge plans in the least restrictive environment possible while maintaining a client's safety level to facilitate growth and learning.
Maintain up-to-date client files.
Communicate with FFS Initiative programs, such as Recovery Court, Parole, Probation, DCP& P, IDRC, etc., as required.
Participate in program data collection and maintain program tracking mechanisms.
Create and submit progress reports to referral sources and payors, such as insurance companies, Parole, Probation, WorkFirst NJ-SAI, Recovery Court, and Reintegration programs, as needed.
Verifies insurance benefits for clients for specific treatment and care options as needed.
Coordinates claim submissions, follow-up calls, and appeals for denied claims as needed.
Contact clients and/or referring agencies when clients are non-compliant with the treatment program, such as frequently missing appointments or violating UDS protocols.
Contact other treatment service providers and hospitals to refer clients whose needs Avita Hope cannot meet.
Perform crisis intervention when necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

Have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or university.

· Counselors should be credentialed in the State of NJ as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC) or interns who are not LCADC or CADC but are enrolled in the course of study, leading to credentials of LCADC or CADC. We will also consider LCSW, LSW, LAC, and LPC for our co-occurring population

COMPETENCIES - KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS

· Must have a thorough knowledge of the 12-Core Functions of Counseling for Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders, Step Programs, AA, NA, and the bio-psycho-social model of substance use and co-occurring disorders.

· Must be able to work independently and complete assignments with minimal supervision.

· Good interpersonal skills are required.

· Must maintain a professional demeanor and perform duties effectively in stressful/emergencies.

· Must maintain objectivity and deal diplomatically with clients and family members.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT, SKILLS, OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Excellent communication skills. Ability to operate telephones, fax, and copier. Computer skills required to use agency IT systems effectively, including but not limited to the agency clinical record and Microsoft Office, including Word and Outlook. Must be able to work under required deadlines and schedules while being flexible to special requests and projects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND HAZARDS:

Risk of exposure to infectious disease. May become involved in crisis management.

WORK CONTACT GROUP: All internal management, staff, programs, and the general public.

SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to walk, lift, push, pull, and bend. Hearing and visual acuity are necessary; corrective devices are acceptable. Must be able to work under required deadline schedules while being flexible to special requests and projects.

SUPERVISED BY: Clinical Supervisor

SUPERVISES: none

Avita Hope provides equal opportunity employment for everyone regardless of their actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, civil union status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or arrest record. (Please note this may or may not affect your hiring due to the nature of our services) or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws that do not significantly interfere with performing essential job functions. Additionally, veterans are welcome to apply.

The position description is not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other management as required. Avita Hope reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Job Types: Contract, Internship

Pay: $25.00 - $27.00 per hour

Benefits: