SUBSTANCE ABUSE SPECIALIST

Job Description

Job Description

Substance Use Specialist

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team

Position Summary

The Substance Use Specialist is a key member of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team, providing assessment, treatment, recovery support, and advocacy services to individuals living with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. This position delivers community-based, person-centered care that promotes recovery, stability, wellness, and meaningful community integration.

Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, the Substance Use Specialist helps individuals develop healthy coping strategies, achieve recovery goals, and build the skills necessary to live fulfilling and independent lives. This role combines clinical expertise, recovery-oriented practices, and compassionate support to empower clients throughout their treatment journey.

Key ResponsibilitiesDirect Client Services

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Provide individual counseling and therapy services focused on recovery, relapse prevention, and healthy coping skills.
• Deliver evidence-based interventions and recovery-oriented treatment approaches.
• Provide psychoeducation to clients and their support systems on topics such as:
  • Harm reduction
  • Stages of change
  • Recovery planning
  • Crisis intervention
  • Substance use and mental health education
• Collaboratively develop, implement, and update individualized treatment and recovery plans.
• Monitor client progress and adjust interventions as needed to support treatment goals.
• Assist clients in building recovery skills, strengthening support networks, and maintaining community stability.
• Provide case management services and advocacy to help clients access needed resources and supports.

Treatment Planning and Care Coordination

• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary ACT Team to develop and coordinate comprehensive treatment plans.
• Participate in team meetings, clinical consultations, and case reviews.
• Coordinate services with healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, community agencies, and support systems.
• Assist clients with accessing housing, healthcare, employment, education, and other community resources.
• Support continuity of care and ongoing engagement in treatment and recovery services.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain timely, accurate, and complete client documentation.
• Complete required electronic health record (EHR) entries and treatment records.
• Track and document client progress toward treatment and recovery goals.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, confidentiality standards, and organizational policies.
• Adhere to federal, state, and agency regulations governing behavioral health services.

Professional Practice

• Promote person-centered, recovery-oriented, and community-based treatment approaches.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness, sensitivity, and respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.
• Foster positive working relationships with colleagues, clients, families, and external partners.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, supervision, and professional development activities.

Required QualificationsLicensure/Certification

• Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC) in the State of Pennsylvania.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or a related field required.
• Master’s Degree in a related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with individuals in addiction recovery.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in the counseling field, preferably in substance use treatment or co-occurring disorder services.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing serious mental illness preferred.

Core Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Recovery-Oriented Practice

• Commitment to person-centered, recovery-focused care.
• Understanding of harm reduction and evidence-based substance use treatment models.

Clinical Skills

• Ability to assess and treat individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of behavioral health rehabilitation principles and practices.

Communication and Relationship Building

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish trusting relationships with clients, families, and community partners.
• Effective conflict resolution and interpersonal skills.

Cultural Competence

• Awareness of cultural, social, economic, and systemic factors that impact recovery and treatment engagement.
• Ability to provide inclusive and respectful care to diverse populations.

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary ACT Team.
• Willingness to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve positive client outcomes.

Organization and Documentation

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.
• Commitment to maintaining accurate documentation and HIPAA compliance.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Candidates must be able to:

• Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Reach, bend, stoop, twist, and climb stairs.
• Drive throughout the community to provide services and attend appointments.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds when necessary.
• Work in both office-based and community-based settings.
• Utilize computers, telephones, and other office equipment regularly.

Equipment and Technology

This position routinely utilizes:

• Cellular and multi-line telephones
• Computers and electronic health record systems
• Microsoft Office applications
• Copiers, fax machines, calculators, and other office equipment
• Agency-specific software and documentation platforms

Working Environment

Work is performed in a variety of environments, including:

• Community locations
• Client homes
• Behavioral health treatment settings
• Multiple office locations

Employees may encounter:

• Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
• Right-to-Know and workplace safety hazards
• Fire and safety risks
• Community-based environmental conditions

The organization maintains compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, Security, Fire & Safety, and all applicable workplace regulations.

Additional Requirements

• Current valid driver's license and vehicle registration.
• Ability to travel throughout the service area.
• Attendance at all required trainings, meetings, and professional development activities.
• Consistent demonstration of sound judgment, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

Why Join Our ACT Team?

As a Substance Use Specialist, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals working toward recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. You will join a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to empowering individuals, promoting wellness, and helping clients achieve their personal goals within their communities.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be required to perform additional duties as needed to support organizational operations. Successful performance in this role requires professionalism, flexibility, teamwork, sound judgment, and a commitment to providing high-quality, recovery-oriented services.