Group Counselor

Description

The TRUST Center is a respected outpatient substance use disorder program dedicated to empowering individuals on their path to recovery. The Group Counselor is a key member of the multidisciplinary team and provides group counseling, psychoeducation, crisis intervention, and recovery support to individuals receiving services through the program.

The Group Counselor works collaboratively with clinical, medical, and program staff to support client needs and promote sustained recovery. This position requires strong group facilitation skills, knowledge of substance use disorders and recovery principles, sound professional judgment, and the ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The Group Counselor is expected to provide services in accordance with applicable New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) requirements, RECAP policies and procedures, program standards, ethical requirements, and established clinical practices.

• Facilitate structured group counseling sessions for clients receiving outpatient substance use disorder services.
• Create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment that encourages open communication, participation, accountability, and mutual support.
• Develop and facilitate psycho educational sessions addressing topics including coping skills, relapse prevention, self-esteem, stress management, recovery planning, and related behavioral health topics.
• Utilize evidence-based approaches and recovery-oriented practices appropriate to client needs and program requirements.
• Support clients in developing effective coping strategies and skills that promote recovery and self-sufficiency.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to changes in client behavior, emotional status, or level of functioning.
• Provide timely and appropriate interventions during client crises and elevate concerns according to established procedures.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients at all times.
• Encourage client participation in treatment and support individualized recovery goals.
• Document services and client interactions accurately, timely, and in accordance with program and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including medical staff, counselors, clinical staff, and other program personnel to support comprehensive client care.
• Communicate relevant client concerns and treatment-related information to appropriate members of the treatment team.
• Participate in treatment planning and case consultation as assigned.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, supervision, and other program meetings as required.
• Consult with the Program Director, Clinical Supervisor, or appropriate supervisory staff regarding clinical concerns, crises, or situations requiring additional intervention.
• Maintain current knowledge of substance use disorder treatment practices, recovery services, and applicable program requirements.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities.

• Comply with applicable OASAS regulations, program requirements, RECAP policies and procedures, and professional standards.
• Maintain required credentials and certifications applicable to the position.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete client records and documentation.
• Protect the confidentiality of client information in accordance with applicable federal and state confidentiality requirements and RECAP policy.
• Follow established procedures for crisis intervention, incident reporting, emergency response, and client safety.
• Follow all applicable mandated reporting requirements.
• Maintain appropriate documentation of group counseling and other assigned services.
• Attend required supervision, staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Follow all applicable health, safety, infection control, and workplace requirements.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards in all client and staff interactions.

While performing this job, the employee may be required to sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, and move throughout the work environment.

The position requires the ability to communicate effectively with clients, coworkers, supervisors, medical professionals, and community partners, including the ability to talk and hear.

The employee must be able to use standard office…