Work First QPSA Counselor

Join a supportive team who values Compassion, Excellence, Collaboration, Inclusion, Hope, & Authenticity!

As our full-time Work First Counselor, you will be responsible for providing substance use assessments for DSS-referred adults involved in Work First, Child Protective Services (CPS), and Food & Nutrition Services (FNS). This position is responsible for Comprehensive Clinical Assessments (CCAs), ASAM-based recommendations to determine Level of Care (LOC), providing treatment recommendations, and communicating results and treatment status to Wake County DSS. This position must also verify active treatment, refer clients to appropriate services when needed, and support engagement through follow-up and coordination.

Schedule

Flexible, 40-hours per week.

Pay

$26.44+ per hour, based on credentials.

Benefits

Being a part of a non-profit behavioral health organization has some unique benefits, along with our incredible health insurance options. Working here at SouthLight, you will be able to make a difference in people's lives every day, and know that you are a part of inspiring positive change in your community.

You will be eligible for medical benefits the first of the month following your first 30 days. We have options for a standard plan, as well as an HSA with a $300 initial contribution and up to a $25 per paycheck match. You would receive 10 paid holidays as well as PTO hours which would accrue at a rate of 10 hours per month. After 6 months you would be eligible to enroll in our 401(k) plan which has a 4% match. We also provide company paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, in house and paid training opportunities, and paid credentialing. SouthLight is also an approved employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

We are excited to offer an additional benefit of Clinical Supervision Reimbursement. We will provide a monthly reimbursement of up to $200 (full-time) or $100 (part-time) to each associate level clinician electing this benefit for no more than 2 years, or until licensure is completed, whichever is first. Licensures eligible to receive this benefit include LCSWA, LCMHCA, LMFTA, LPA, LCASA, and CADC.

Job Responsibilities of a Work First QPSA Counselor

• Arrange appointments for assessment of consumers referred by WF/FNS/CPS.
• Conduct substance use and mental health assessments using approved CCA templates.
• Apply ASAM Criteria to determine appropriate Level of Care and document justification.
• Refer consumers for treatment when assessment indicates treatment is needed.
• When consumers are already in active treatment, verify treatment with provider, obtain documentation and communicate this to Wake County DSS.
• Provide consultation and training to Work First staff on substance use recognition, screening, referral, and treatment expectations.
• Provide care coordination and case support services for consumers.
• Collect and monitor outcome data on the provision of consumer services relevant to WF/FNS/CPS consumer participation in accordance with state and program requirements and generate monthly reports accordingly.
• Provide monthly psychoeducation groups to WF consumers participating in the Jobs & Community Workforce Solutions (CWS) activities.

Qualifications of a Work First Counselor

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in a Human Services field or an approved combination that meets CADC/QP requirements.

• Experience working with DSS-involved families preferred but not required

Licensure/Certifications

• Active CADC, LCAS/A, LMFT/A, LCMHC/A, or LCSW/A.

• CADC accepted; enhanced training and supervision provided for new CADC's.
• Must complete required continuing education and maintain credential in good standing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to build rapport and maintain professional relationships with consumers and DSS partners.
• Strong clinical and diagnostic skills, or willingness to learn with structured support.
• Ability to apply ASAM Criteria accurately with supervision
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and EHR system
• Ability to work independently and as a team
• Excellent documentation skills and ability to meet strict timelines.
• Ability to facilitate psychoeducation groups and staff trainings.

About SouthLight Healthcare

Tap into your passion at SouthLight Healthcare. Build your career in an environment where your voice, passion and work matters every day. At the core of SouthLight is a commitment to our values, our employees and clients. We strive to be an organization where every colleague can contribute and excel. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to building a culture that values diversity and inclusion. SouthLight offers competitive opportunities and a robust benefits package.

Founded in 1970, SouthLight Healthcare is one of the area's largest and long-established nonprofit providers of substance use treatment and mental health services. With outpatient and community-based programs, SouthLight provides prevention, education and treatment services in the Triangle and beyond. SouthLight has multiple office locations throughout the Triangle area, serving more than 9,000 clients each year. Services include adult outpatient counseling, Intensive Outpatient Program, Psychiatric Services and Medication Management, Opioid Treatment Program, Court Deferral Program, Peer Support Services, Family Centered Treatment, Community Support Team and a residential treatment program for women and children and more.