Certified Addiction Counselor (40 Hour) (Office​/On-site

Introduction

Do you want to utilize your skills and make a difference? Are you ready to take the next step in your career? If so, please read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is currently seeking a dedicated and experienced individual for the position of Certified Addiction Counselor to join our team.

Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) provides specialized inpatient treatment to individuals with complex mental health and substance use needs. The ASD Merritt 2AB Unit is a residential rehabilitation program serving approximately 30 patients with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The team provides a supportive, structured environment where patients can focus on recovery, develop skills for continued success, and prepare for their return to the community.

Addiction Counselors are an important part of this team, building therapeutic relationships with patients and helping them connect their treatment to the resources and supports they will need after discharge.

• Facility:
  Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH)
• Division:
  Addiction Services Division (ASD) Merritt 2AB
• Location:
  
  Middletown, CT
• Schedule:
  
  Full-time, 40 hours per week, 1st shift, Tuesday - Saturday 8:00am - 4:30pm
• PCN: 114581

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees

• Engage in a rewarding career;
• Showcase your talents in a meaningful role;
• Thrive in an exciting environment;
• Provide support to a division that is passionate about the work we do;
• Work together in a collaborative team environment.

In this role, you will provide meaningful, hands‑on support to patients throughout their treatment and recovery journey. The counselor leads group sessions, meets individually with patients, provides case management, helps patients connect with community resources, assists with discharge planning, supports daily unit activities, and provides transportation to appointments when needed. This is an opportunity to use your counseling skills to build trust, encourage recovery, and help individuals take meaningful steps toward a healthier and more independent future.

DMHAS is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.

CVH's vision and mission is to promote recovery through collaborative, compassionate, and culturally competent treatment in a safe, healthy, and caring environment. We provide trauma informed gender responsive treatment that empowers individuals to manage recovery, improve quality of life and return to the community.

Please note:

A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.

In the Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Veterans' Affairs this class is accountable for providing specialized counseling services to clients in a behavioral health treatment program.

• Provides counseling services to alcohol and drug dependent clients;
• Screens clients to determine eligibility for programs;
• Assesses strengths, weaknesses and treatment needs;
• Orients clients to treatment program;
• Participates in treatment planning and individual and/or group counseling;
• Responsible for case management activities;
• Provides crisis intervention services in response to emotional and/or physical distress;
• Makes referrals to outside or other programs for medical and/or psychological intervention;
• Maintains confidential reports and records of client data;
• Represents program at community events and seminars;
• Educates clients on substance abuse issues and availability of resources;
• Consults with service…