SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Preferred Behavioral Health Group

If you are looking to make an impact by helping others, then Preferred Behavioral Health Group is the place for you! By joining our award-winning team, you will become part of the premier behavioral health organization in New Jersey. PBHG is a dynamic and innovative non-profit organization that was proudly named one of "THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN NEW JERSEY" for 2024 by NJBIZ! Our mission is to change lives and save lives across the state of New Jersey through a Trauma Informed Care culture.

Our staff is at the core of everything we do. We are dedicated to building a diverse team where employees feel a sense of belonging and are valued for their individual contributions. We encourage staff development and embrace a growth mindset. If you are interested in pursuing an exciting and rewarding career while being part of a recognized "Best Place to Work", please submit your resume today for consideration!

Job Title: Substance Abuse Counselor Intern

Program: Recovery Support Services

Location: Barnegat Office - 848 W Bay Avenue, Barnegat NJ

Position Type: Full Time

Salary: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 Based on experience and licensure

Job Summary

A Counselor Intern shall work under the supervision of an LCADC, or another health professional licensed to supervise work of an alcohol or drug counseling nature within their scope of practice. A Counselor Intern cannot diagnose substance abuse without the signature approval of an LCADC or other clinical supervisor approved to do so. The Substance Abuse Counselor Intern shall be responsible for the following:

• Assessing the counseling needs of the clients.
• Assessing clients using the Addiction Severity Index in NJSAMS or other standardized clinical interview tool, and diagnosing clients for substance use disorder using the DSM-5.
• Facilitating group sessions, utilizing evidence-based interventions to support client engagement, treatment goals, skill development, and recovery within a structured therapeutic environment.
• Determining the appropriate level of care according to ASAM Criteria.
• Obtaining previous records that are relevant to the current treatment episode.
• Unless clinically contraindicated, collaborating with the client to develop a written individual recovery plan that includes goals and measurable objectives, and is client centered, recovery oriented.
• Providing the substance abuse counseling services specified in the client treatment plan.
• Reviewing clients throughout the treatment episode according to the ASAM Criteria, to determine the need for continued services, transfer, or discharge/transfer.
• Reviewing and, where necessary, revising the client treatment plan to address ongoing problems.
• Developing a client discharge/transfer plan to ensure movement to the appropriate levels of care.
• Contact, case consultation if necessary, and coordination with referral sources, (for example, mental health treatment providers, criminal justice agencies, schools, employers, DCPP).
• Participating as a member of a multidisciplinary team for assigned clients.
• Providing active case consultation.
• Documenting all counseling and education services, assessments, reassessments, referrals and follow-up in the client's clinical record, and providing appropriate signatures and dating of such entries, including those made in electronic records.
• Complete documentation within 24 hours of service for all group and individual sessions.
• To understand and utilize Electronic Record System (Qualifacts) at PBH.
• Complete all designated Essential Learning courses.
• Obtain all clinical authorizations after assessment and ongoing.

Competencies

• Demonstrating knowledge in levels of care index (LOCI).
• Presenting cases in a coherent, formal professional manner which demonstrates appropriate clinical judgment and clinical technique.
• Understanding and utilizing Electronic Health Record (Carelogic - Qualifacts).
• Attending staff meetings as assigned by Supervisor.
• Adhering to SUS department dress code.
• Maintaining complete knowledge of SUS and PBHG policies and procedures.
• Maintaining complete understanding of urine testing policies and procedures.
• Completing oral and written tests for certification/licensing.
• Maintains required CPR, and first aid education/certification.

Qualifications

• Education: Be enrolled in a course of study leading to CADC or LCADC status, or to another health professional license that includes work of an alcohol and drug counseling nature within its scope of practice, without regard to changes in employment, with progress towards certification or licensing on file, reviewed by the facility at least semiannually and documented; and N.J.A.C. 10:161B-1.9 ii
• Be trained, evaluated and receiving continuing formal clinical supervision by the Director of Substance Use Services or designee, pursuant to the clinical supervision rules of the State health professional licensing board for the course of study in which they are enrolled: the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners (BMFTE) for licensed marriage and family therapists; the BMFTE's Professional Counselor Examiners Committee for licensed professional counselors; the BMFTE's Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee for LCADC and CADC; the State Board of Psychological Examiners for licensed psychologists; and the State Board of Social Work Examiners for licensed clinical social workers.
• Counseling staff employed in an outpatient treatment facility subsequent to June 1, 2009 shall have three years from the date of employment to obtain LCADC or CADC status or another health professional license that includes work of an alcohol or drug counseling nature within its scope of practice.

Pre- and Post-Employment Screening/Testing/Examinations

• Candidates for this position must submit to a criminal history check, supported by fingerprinting, prior to employment.
• Candidates for this position must submit to drug and alcohol screening prior to employment, and in accordance with PBHG policy, thereafter.
• Employee must obtain a physical exam prior to start date, and every three years, thereafter.
• Employee must submit to Mantoux/TB testing prior to start date, and TB Symptom Assessment form annually, thereafter.
• Produce proof of Rubeola and Rubella

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental and Prescription Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account
• Voluntary Benefits, such as Vision Insurance, Aflac, Pet Insurance
• Staff Training and Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Bonus program