Substance Use Specialist Home Base ACT I Team $2500 retention bonus

Substance Use Specialist

The Substance Use Specialist provides comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, and counseling for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. This role delivers crisis intervention, care coordination, and advocacy while collaborating within a multidisciplinary team to ensure client-centered services.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide individual, group, and family counseling for mental health and/or substance use disorders using various treatment modalities, including evidence-based practices.
• Deliver specialty substance use services and serve as a resource to staff on substance use treatment.
• Provide services to assigned caseload of clients, ensuring service intensity meets program standards, including required in-person contacts provided in both office- and community-based settings. Also provides services to other clients in need at Center programs. (See addendum for program standards)
• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and mental status examinations. Provide evaluations and monthly reporting requirements to external agencies.
• Identify and implement substance use treatment interventions that align with client needs and program standards.
• Develop, present and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with the care team, clients and their families as appropriate.
• Apply knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), in clinical practice.
• Identify, assess and respond to clinical emergencies and crisis situations, including suicide risk and danger to others. Perform crisis intervention and risk management as needed, escalating to appropriate resources when indicated (Qualified Mental Health Professionals/QMHPs or Emergency Services).
• Serve as a liaison between clients and community agencies, advocating for client needs and facilitating access to services.
• Attend team meetings and case reviews to share updates and collaboratively address client challenges.
• Conduct home visits, school meetings, and community outreach to support clients in their natural environments.
• Assist clients with daily activities and life skills through modeling and providing education to promote independence. This includes medication management and budgeting as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely records of all client interactions and services provided, including clinical documentation as required.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Transport clients safely to appointments and activities as needed.
• Foster cooperative relationships with staff, clients, and community agencies.
• Attend trainings and case presentations, and complete professional development activities necessary to maintain valid licensure/certification.
• Serve on committees and participate in agency initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support client goals and program needs.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree Required, Bachelor's Degree Preferred; Field of Study: Human Services or related.
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in substance use therapy and working with the dually diagnosed.
• RI licensure required: LCDP, LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, LMHC-A. LMFT, LMFT-A; Counselor, Principal Counselor or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification accepted in lieu of licensure.
• Must have valid driver's license, registration, current inspection sticker and insured auto.
• Awareness of the general trends in confronting the problems of substance use.
• Skilled in crisis assessment, risk management, and de-escalation.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and calm demeanor during emergencies.
• Strong knowledge of community resources and systems, including housing, education, employment, healthcare, and other resources specific to substance use recovery.
• Proficiency in documentation and electronic record-keeping systems, including ability to document in electronic medical records.
• Capable of working collaboratively with community partners and in a team environment.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to convey information clearly and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, representatives from outside agencies and the public.
• Ability to build rapport and establish trust with diverse clients and community partners.
• Cultural competence and commitment to providing equitable and inclusive services.
• Ability to travel within the community with reliable transportation.
• Bilingual preferred. For positions designated as bilingual (Bil), proficiency in the required language is mandatory, and the language assessment must be passed no later than 30 days of starting the role.

About Us

Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutions, Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group, is a trusted, integrated health care organization that fuels the latest advances in medical research, attracts the nation's top specialty-trained doctors, hones renowned services and innovative programs, and engages in the important discussions people need to have about their health and end-of-life wishes. Care New England is helping to transform the future of health care, providing a leading voice in the ongoing effort to ensure the health of the individuals and communities we serve.

EEO Statements

Americans with Disability Act Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job-specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.

EEOC Statement: Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Ethics Statement: Employee conducts himself/herself consistent with the ethical standards of the organization including, but not limited to hospital policy, mission, vision, and values.