Substance Abuse Counselor

Position Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Substance Abuse Counselor for the Addiction Services – ASAP – Middlesex County Jail within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the Substance Abuse Counselor is to provide community-based case management and counseling services for individuals with substance use disorders to include assessment, treatment / recovery planning, linkage and coordination of care.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Provides case management services to assist individuals and/or families to gain access to needed medical, social, education, mental health, addiction, co-occurring and other services.
• Provides crisis prevention, intervention, and resolution services to individuals served.
• Develops or contributes to the development of a comprehensive individualized service/rehabilitation/recovery plan that addresses issues identified in collaboration with the individual served that reflect measurable goals and objectives and are based on individual program needs assessments in accordance with all regulatory requirements.
• Provides substance abuse evaluations, develops treatment plans, and provides individual and/or group counseling and crisis interventions.
• Demonstrates the ability to engage and establish a working relationship with and provide services to individuals with physical
• Utilizes motivational interviewing skills, wellness and recovery principles, and knowledge of trauma-informed care to establish a working relationship with individuals and families served.
• Follows up with referrals to program within established unit timeframes.
• Facilitates referrals to physical health, mental health and addictions treatment programs to include detox and rehab services.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in a behavioral health profession plus three (3) years of related experience working with high need individuals with substance use disorders.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Standing, sitting, walking, talking or hearing. No special vision requirements. Ability to speak clearly and write proficiently. Hearing is essential. The ability to focus on the task at hand despite numerous interruptions. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time and document into an electronic medical record. The employee spends much time driving, walking, standing, bending and talking with individuals served in the community located throughout the County. The employee can expect to lift up to 30 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment includes both office based services and community outreach. Individual wellness checks and crisis intervention required. Subject to unpredictable situations, patient crises, to include behavioral, medical and psychiatric. Occasionally exposed to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors. Exposure to blood borne pathogens that requires use of personal protective equipment. Locked facility.

Special Conditions

• Consideration will be giving to candidates with a master's degree in a related behavioral health profession or a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) license along with the three (3) years of specific related experience.
• Must be able to serve assigned shifts, which may include weekend, holiday and/or off-hour shifts.
• Must possess own vehicle for use to outreach individuals served.