SUD Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

About Us 

Join Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families throughout the St. Louis area. As a mission-driven healthcare organization, we are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to those who need it most. We offer rewarding healthcare careers, competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive, collaborative culture. If you are seeking a career that provides purpose and opportunity, Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers is the place to grow, make a difference, and build a rewarding future.

Employee Perks: 

• Affordable Medical & Prescription Drug Benefits
• Healthcare/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental & Vision
• PTO & Sick Time Accrual
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 401K Employer Match up to 4%
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Employer Paid Long-Term Disability
• Legal Plan/ Plus Parent Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discount Programs for Travel, Entertainment, Childcare, Auto & More

About the Role:

The SUD (Substance Use Disorder) Counselor plays a critical role in supporting individuals struggling with addiction by providing compassionate, evidence-based counseling and guidance. This position focuses on assessing clients' needs, developing personalized treatment plans, and facilitating individual and group therapy sessions to promote recovery and long-term sobriety. The counselor collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, including medical professionals and social workers, to ensure comprehensive care and support for clients. Additionally, the role involves educating clients and their families about addiction, coping strategies, and relapse prevention techniques. Ultimately, the SUD Counselor aims to empower clients to achieve sustainable recovery and improve their overall quality of life.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.
• Certification or licensure as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor (e.g., CADC, LADC) as required by state regulations.
• Experience working with individuals affected by substance use disorders in a clinical or community setting.
• Strong understanding of addiction, mental health disorders, and evidence-based treatment modalities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage clients from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related discipline.
• Experience with trauma-informed care and co-occurring mental health disorders.
• Training in specific therapeutic techniques such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
• Familiarity with community resources and support networks for addiction recovery.
• Bilingual abilities or experience working with culturally diverse populations.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough assessments of clients' substance use history, mental health status, and social factors to inform treatment planning.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans that address clients' unique needs and recovery goals.
• Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions using evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.
• Monitor client progress regularly and adjust treatment plans as necessary to optimize outcomes.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, case managers, and community resources to coordinate comprehensive care and support services.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Provide education and support to clients and their families regarding addiction, recovery processes, and relapse prevention.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and stay current with best practices in addiction counseling.

Skills:

The required and preferred skills are essential for delivering effective counseling and support to clients with substance use disorders. Strong assessment and diagnostic skills enable the counselor to identify client needs accurately and develop tailored treatment plans. Communication and interpersonal skills are used daily to build trust, motivate clients, and facilitate therapeutic relationships. Knowledge of evidence-based therapies allows the counselor to apply appropriate interventions that promote recovery and prevent relapse. Additionally, collaboration and organizational skills are vital for coordinating care with other professionals and maintaining detailed client records in compliance with ethical standards.