Substance Abuse Counselor- Shrewsbury, MA - Veterans Inc.

Are you motivated by knowing you've made a difference in someone's life and in our community? Do you have passion for helping those in substance abuse recovery? If you answered yes, then you may have what it takes to be part of the Veterans Inc. team!

Veterans Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit, is the largest provider of supportive services to veterans and their families across New England. We are looking for experienced addiction treatment professionals for our substance abuse treatment program located at Independence Hall in Shrewsbury, MA. Independence Hall offers a continuum of care, including inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment services, to assist individuals in achieving their recovery goals.  At Independence Hall we provide client-centered care and recovery-oriented treatment within a therapeutic environment for both veterans and non-veterans 18 years and older. The qualified candidate must be a team player, a creative problem solver, and have a passion for helping others. Veterans are encouraged to apply but veteran status is not a requirement.

The primary goal of this position is to provide support and substance abuse counseling services to RRS clients to help ensure that the major objectives of treatment are attained.  This position works as a member of a multidisciplinary team to provide clients with necessary program information, and is responsible for providing clients with direct individual and group counseling, education, clinical or case management services to assist clients with treatment plans and goals.

This individual would be based out of the 59 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 location. This is a full-time position and has full benefits (health, dental, vision, 403B, paid time off, short/long term disability and life insurance, etc.). The hourly rate $20.19 and is non-negotiable. 

Must be able to pass a CORI and background investigation.  Must be able to start within two weeks of receiving a verbal offer.

Veterans Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Diversity is valued, and welcomed, on all levels within the organization! Veterans highly encouraged to apply!

Essential Functions:

• Performs intake, evaluation, orientation, admissions, treatment planning, counseling, documentation, discharge planning and referral of substance abusing clients.
• Assists client through individual, group, substance use or mental health use disorder counseling.
• Maintains audit ready client files and documentation as required.
• Assesses all new intakes to determine presence and extent of substance abuse issues and mental health illness; completes evaluation report.
• Develops and documents individualized treatment plans that address the needs of substance abuse client population.
• Recommends treatment plans for clients to program manager and criminal justice officials.
• Refers clients to appropriate treatment modality based on assessment.
• Collects statistics as required for reports; prepares required reports and paperwork.
• Develops and facilitates process groups and educational programs.
• Identifies opportunities for program improvement as needed.
• Participates in continuing education to continually improve skills and abilities and stay abreast of current technologies and practices.
• Ensures compliance with legal issues including but not limited to client confidentiality and risk management; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Adheres to all of the confidentiality requirements and guidelines outlined in the 42 CFR, Part 2 federal regulations pertaining to chemical dependency treatment records.
• Attends and participates in all meetings as required.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: The following generally describes the knowledge and abilities required to perform the essential functions of the job and may be changed to address business needs and/or changing business practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to understand, communicate and follow Veterans Inc. policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of military culture, experience in working with veteran population and an understanding of veterans-related needs and issues.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to people with low socioeconomic status and minority cultural backgrounds.
• Must have strong interpersonal and social skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, using tact and diplomacy both orally and in writing.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and respect towards clients.
• Competency in advocacy, professional responsibility, mentoring and recovery support.
• Ability to speak, read, understand and write in English.
• Ability to multitask, problem solve, prioritize and work in a setting with a high degree of interruptions.
• Must display the use of appropriate independent judgment to determine appropriate course of action in resolving problems and in emergencies.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Must have strong computer skills with intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be able to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to maintain acceptable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to give presentation to small groups.

Education and Experience Requirements:

1. Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, or related field from an accredited institution. Master's degree in related field highly preferred.
2. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in substance abuse treatment or mental health use disorder counseling required.
3. Must be able to successfully pass a CORI/Background records check.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Certification in alcohol and drug counseling, LADC I or II preferred.

1. Demonstrated knowledge of military culture, experience in working with veteran population and an understanding of veterans-related needs and issues preferred.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Mental Requirements:

1. Reading
2. Analytical skills
3. Negotiation Skills
4. Verbal & Written communication
5. Confidential interactions
6. Concentration
7. Problem-solving
8. Decision-making
9. Collaboration

Physical Requirements:

1. Vision Acuity to be able to see in the normal range with or without correction.
2. Hearing Ability to hear within normal audio range, with or without correction.
3. Walking: Frequency- Frequency
4. Driving: Occasionally - Must have valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
5. Sitting: Frequency - Occasionally
6. Standing: Frequency - Occasionally
7. Lifting: 15 lbs., Frequency: Occasionally
8. Carrying 15 , Frequency: Occasionally

Physical Environment:

1. Clinical setting: Frequency Often
2. Outside: Frequency Occasionally
3. Worker is not substantially exposed to adverse or hazardous environment conditions.

For more information, or to apply now; visit our website.  Please do not mail, email, or fax your cover letter/resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.  Mailed, emailed, or faxed cover letter, resume, and applications will not be reviewed nor considered!

If you need assistance completing an application please contact careers@veteransinc.org.  Emails regarding application status will not be returned.

No Recruiters Please!