Counselor -+DOE

** Position close date:
September 23rd, 2026
** The Counselor I is responsible for providing substance use disorder support services, including client engagement, group facilitation, and treatment planning assistance under clinical supervision at our VHB house. The role focuses on supporting clients through their recovery journey while maintaining compliance with professional standards and participating in ongoing training and development by performing the following duties.
** Education & Experience
** A high school diploma or GED is required for this role. In addition to the education requirement, this position requires experience working or volunteering in a behavioral health, recovery, or human services setting preferred. Demonstrated interest in developing skills in conducting assessments, facilitating groups, and supporting individualized treatment planning under clinical supervision. Familiarity with trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and substance use disorder services is beneficial.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be used to satisfy these requirements.
** Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations
** This position requires a Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I) and must be registered with MHACBO within 30 days of hire. CADC I certification must be obtained within 24 months of registering as a CADC I candidate if not already obtained upon hire.
** Essential

Job Duties
*** Provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed substance use disorder support through recovery-focused conversations and co-facilitation of structured group sessions using established curriculum and evidence-based practices under supervision.
* Assists with substance use assessments, including ASAM criteria, under the direct supervision of a qualified clinical professional to support the development of individualized treatment plans.
* Supports the development and updating of individualized treatment plans by gathering client input and collaborating with supervisors and treatment team members.
* Co-facilitates structured, curriculum-based group sessions focused on skill-building, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and pro-social behavior under clinical supervision.
* Assists in responding to client concerns or escalations by employing basic de-escalation techniques within scope and promptly notifying appropriate individuals as needed.
* Conducts client check-ins during scheduled appointments or outreach to maintain therapeutic rapport, observes recovery progress, and refers concerns to clinical staff as appropriate.
* Completes clinical documentation such as progress notes, group notes, and client check-ins in a timely and accurate manner, with all documentation reviewed and signed by a qualified supervisor..
* Participates in clinical supervision, team meetings, and training sessions to develop counseling skills, receive feedback, and support coordinated care.
* Observes clients for signs of relapse, intoxication, withdrawal, or other risk behaviors and follows established protocols to escalate to clinical staff and ensure safety.
* Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary outpatient staff, including medical providers, clinical staff, peers, and case managers, to support implementation of treatment plans and reinforce recovery goals.
* Participates in client admissions by providing program orientation, assisting with intake logistics, and ensuring documentation is routed to appropriate clinical staff.
* Incorporates client feedback, as directed by supervisors, to improve engagement and builds therapeutic rapport in support of individualized care.
* Contributes to team efforts to improve programming and workflows by providing observations…