The Substance Abuse Counselor (ASAM 2.5) is a key clinical team member responsible for delivering evidence-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services in a structured, intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization setting. Working under the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria Level 2.5, the counselor provides individual, group, and family therapy to adults with moderate to severe substance use disorders, often co-occurring with mental health conditions. This role is focused on supporting clients in early recovery, reducing relapse risk, and helping them develop the skills necessary for long-term sobriety and wellness.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Services

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, substance use evaluations, and ASAM level-of-care placements.
• Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and interdisciplinary team members, ensuring alignment with ASAM 2.5 criteria and payer requirements.
• Facilitate individual, group, and family counseling sessions focused on substance use, relapse prevention, coping skills, life skills, and recovery planning.
• Deliver psychoeducation on addiction, co-occurring disorders, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and harm reduction strategies.
• Monitor and document clients’ progress, clinical observations, and treatment outcomes in compliance with agency policies and regulatory standards.
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning as needed.

Case Management & Coordination

• Collaborate with psychiatrists, physicians, case managers, peer recovery specialists, and community partners to ensure comprehensive care.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case reviews, and discharge planning.
• Coordinate referrals to community resources, aftercare programs, housing, employment, and additional support services.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate documentation in accordance with state, federal, CARF, and ASAM guidelines.
• Adhere to ethical and legal standards, including HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and professional codes of conduct.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives, audits, and program evaluation efforts.

Qualifications:

Education & Licensure:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Licensed or credentialed in the state as a CSAC, CADC, LPC, LCSW, or equivalent (or eligible for certification).

Experience:

• Minimum 1–2 years of experience providing substance use treatment services, preferably in an ASAM 2.1 or 2.5 level of care.
• Experience working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of ASAM Criteria and evidence-based treatment modalities (CBT, DBT, MI, relapse prevention, trauma-informed care).
• Strong clinical documentation, assessment, and treatment planning skills.
• Ability to build rapport and engage diverse client populations.
• Effective communication, crisis intervention, and teamwork skills.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Work Environment:

• Structured treatment environment with daily group programming and individual sessions.
• May require evening or weekend hours based on program schedule.
• Exposure to individuals experiencing withdrawal, behavioral health crises, and trauma-related symptoms.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Capacity to respond quickly and appropriately in crisis situations.

Job Type: Part-time

Base Pay: $25.00 - $40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 – 30 per week

Work Location: In person