OTP Staff Counselor ($4,000 Sign on Bonus)

Staff Counselor

Position Overview

The Staff Counselor provides therapeutic support and clinical services to help patients progress toward recovery goals and improved health outcomes. Using a collaborative, patient-centered approach, this role conducts assessments, develops individualized treatment plans with measurable SMART goals, and delivers individual and group counseling in accordance with OTP and Cedar Recovery policies, accreditation standards, and state and federal regulations.

This position supports admissions and ongoing care coordination, partnering with medical, clinical, and administrative teams to ensure comprehensive, outcomes-driven care.

Primary Responsibilities

Clinical Services

• Conduct admissions assessments, initial and ongoing clinical assessments, and treatment planning.
• Develop individualized plans of care addressing social, environmental, psychological, vocational, medical, and familial factors, including maladaptive patterns of substance use and high-risk behaviors.
• Establish and monitor measurable SMART goals with each patient.
• Provide individual and group counseling in accordance with OTP and Cedar policy-defined frequency requirements.
• Educate patients on substance use disorder (SUD), relapse prevention, and recovery strategies.
• Provide crisis intervention and case management as clinically indicated.
• Assist patients in developing aftercare plans and facilitate referrals to community resources and external providers.

Program Compliance & Documentation

• Complete clinical documentation accurately and within required timeframes.
• Orient patients to program policies and procedures within 24 hours and again within 30 days of admission.
• Review drug screen results using clinically appropriate, non-stigmatizing language and complete benzodiazepine action plans when results are inconsistent with prescribed or approved substances.
• Submit and document code change requests, including required diversion control plan education.
• Complete and update Central Registry information as required.
• Maintain licensure/certification and complete required continuing education.
• Maintain a HIPAA-compliant, secure work environment to protect patient privacy and confidentiality.

Care Coordination & Operations

• Serve as liaison for patients requesting dose changes to promote dose stability or support voluntary/involuntary withdrawal, providing increased counseling when appropriate.
• Facilitate transfers to other programs and ensure continuity of care through timely exchange of records in compliance with privacy standards.
• Coordinate guest dosing arrangements as needed.
• Process consents, releases of information (ROIs), standing orders, transfers, and letters of attendance.
• Conduct no-show outreach and support patient re-engagement efforts.
• Participate in interdisciplinary Treatment Team meetings.
• Report to the Clinical Supervisor for supervision and clinical guidance.
• Perform additional clinical or operational duties as assigned to support patient care and clinic needs.

Cedar Recovery Values

• Love unconditionally, forgive habitually, and demonstrate mercy.
• Treat patients better than they expect to be treated.
• Support progress toward recovery goals and improved health outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related human services field. (Completed or in progress)
• LCSW or LPC licensure is a plus but not required for this position.
• Experience in substance use disorder treatment strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of assessment, treatment planning, case management, crisis intervention, and referral processes.
• Proficiency with EMR systems, Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and Zoom.

Position Type & Schedule

• Full-time (40 hours/week)
• 8-hour shifts. (Hybrid Schedule)
• Rotating Saturdays: 6 AM – 9 AM
• Must be available to respond to clinical team needs as required.

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience and education.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cedar Recovery is committed to equal employment opportunity and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics.