Substance Use Counselor In-Training

Job Description

Job Description

Substance Use Therapist (Behavioral Health)

NEW Community Clinic | Full-Time | Monday-Friday

Make an impact where it matters most. At N.E.W. Community Clinic (NEWCC), we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality, compassionate behavioral health care-regardless of their ability to pay. We are seeking a Substance Use Counselor In-Training who is passionate about supporting individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health needs in a collaborative, mission-driven, integrated care setting.

This role is ideal for a clinician who values teamwork, whole-person care, and meaningful community impact.

Position Summary

The Substance Use Counselor In-Training provides outpatient counseling and therapeutic services to patients with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. This role supports patient access to behavioral health services, conducts assessments and treatment planning, provides crisis support as needed, and collaborates closely with medical and psychiatric providers to deliver integrated, patient-centered care. All services are provided in accordance with NEWCC policies, DHS 35, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

What You'll Do

Clinical Care & Counseling

• Provide pre-admission consultation, screening, and intake services
• Maintain a full-time outpatient therapy caseload
• Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions as appropriate
• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments, including mental health, substance use, medications, and psychiatric history
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans focused on strengths, needs, and recovery goals
• Provide crisis stabilization support when necessary

Care Coordination & Collaboration

• Document services accurately and timely in EPIC EMR
• Collaborate with primary care, psychiatric providers, and interdisciplinary teams to support integrated care
• Assist providers with clinical and legal documentation requested by patients (e.g., disability forms, transportation authorizations, letters of diagnosis) under appropriate supervision
• Support internal referrals to other NEWCC services, including medical, dental, case management, and WIC
• Coordinate referrals to community resources and higher levels of care when clinically indicated

Education, Advocacy & Team Engagement

• Provide patient education, psychoeducation, and life skills support
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, and interdisciplinary team staffing
• Represent NEWCC at community trainings and outreach activities as needed
• Maintain current licensure and participate in continuing education and professional development
• Assist with completion of brief primary care screenings (e.g., PHQ-9)

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, or Social Work from an accredited program

• Obtained in-training license through the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services as an Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training (LPC-IT) OR obtained license through the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) required.

• Specialty area in Substance Use; SAC-IT, SAC, or CSAC required.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Experience working with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health diagnoses
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care
• Experience in community-based, integrated, or primary care settings
• EPIC EMR experience a plus
• Ability to provide culturally responsive, patient-centered care
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred

Why Join NEW Community Clinic?

• Mission-driven work serving underserved and uninsured populations
• Integrated medical and behavioral health care model
• Supportive, collaborative team environment
• Meaningful work that makes a visible impact in the community
• Opportunities for professional growth and continued learning