Substance Use Counselor; Clinical Social Worker

Role Overview

The Substance Use Counselor conducts comprehensive assessments of drug and alcohol use to determine appropriate treatment options and level of care for patient recovery. The role provides individual and group counseling, education on relapse prevention and urge reduction, and supports patients in overcoming dependencies and adjusting to life changes.

• Assess patients for substance use disorders and evaluate the appropriate level of care and treatment support.
• Develop and implement patient treatment plans using a strengths‑based, trauma‑informed approach.
• Provide substance use counseling and interventions individually or in groups to promote recovery and well‑being.
• Make referrals when appropriate and support patient access to treatment and required services.
• Monitor medication usage in collaboration with medical providers or psychiatrists.
• Perform crisis interventions and act as a patient advocate to coordinate services and resolve emergency problems.
• Maintain current professional knowledge through literature review, courses, and seminars.
• Educate health center staff on therapeutic communication and effective client interaction.
• Submit reports on patient outcomes and productivity; complete all documentation in the Electronic Medical Record per DPH standards.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and serve on DPH committees and work groups as assigned.
• Participate in patient huddles with other team members.
• Perform additional duties as determined necessary for the job class.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling (or equivalent post‑graduate training).
• Minimum of one year of related counseling experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Licensure by the State of Missouri as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) must be obtained prior to completion of a six‑month probationary period.
• Preferred experience working with adult and pediatric patients.

The annual starting salary is $64,480. A generous benefits package includes affordable health, dental, and vision insurance; four weeks of paid time off in the first year; eleven paid holidays; a deferred benefit retirement plan; paid life insurance; and short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.

A selection committee evaluates applicants based on recent education, experience, supplemental question responses, employment references, and other relevant information. Only candidates who possess the strongest job‑related qualifications are invited to interview. Interviewees must earn a qualifying grade of 70 or more to be eligible for appointment and will be required to complete a Conviction Questionnaire within three days. The top five ranked candidates are certified to the Department Director for a final hiring decision.

Applicants who are conditionally offered a merit position must submit to a urine drug screen prior to appointment; the cost is covered by the County.

All newly hired employees must provide proof of COVID‑19 vaccination in compliance with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Omnibus COVID‑19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Rule. Proof may include CDC vaccination cards, provider documentation, electronic health record entries, or state immunization records. Employees who are medically or religiously exempt must wear facial coverings and submit to weekly testing. Full vaccination is defined as two doses of a two‑dose vaccine or one dose of a single‑dose vaccine, with an additional dose for immunocompromised individuals.

Applicants interested in this position should complete an online application at  Only online applications are accepted.

The Civil Service Commission of St. Louis County supports fair and equitable employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veterans' status, or political affiliation.