SUD Adolescent Counselor

About Company:

Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers provides quality health care and social services to thousands of uninsured and medically underserved. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all residents of the community by providing healthcare that is comprehensive, equitable and trauma informed, including primary care, dental and behavioral health services rooted in compassion, hope, dignity, and cultural competency. With three (3) conveniently located health centers, three (4) behavioral health sites and a friendly welcoming staff, PHC aspires to serve all the health care and wellness needs of the entire family.

About the Role:

The SUD Adolescent Counselor plays a critical role in supporting adolescents struggling with substance use disorders by providing compassionate, evidence-based counseling and intervention services. This position focuses on assessing individual needs, developing personalized treatment plans, and facilitating therapeutic sessions that promote recovery and resilience. The counselor collaborates closely with families, schools, and healthcare providers to create a supportive network that encourages positive behavioral change and emotional well-being. Through ongoing monitoring and adjustment of treatment strategies, the counselor ensures that each adolescent receives the most effective care tailored to their unique circumstances. Ultimately, this role aims to empower young individuals to overcome substance use challenges and build a foundation for a healthy, productive future.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
• Certification or licensure as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor (e.g., CADC, CRADC) as required by state regulations.
• Experience working with adolescents in a clinical or counseling setting, particularly related to substance use disorders.
• Strong understanding of adolescent development, substance use disorders, and evidence-based treatment modalities.
• Ability to pass background checks and comply with all legal and ethical standards for working with minors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related mental health field.
• Experience with family therapy and multi-systemic approaches to adolescent treatment.
• Training in trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Familiarity with community resources and referral networks for adolescent behavioral health.
• Bilingual skills or cultural competency in working with diverse adolescent populations.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of adolescents to identify substance use patterns, mental health status, and social factors impacting recovery.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans that incorporate evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to adolescent needs.
• Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use education, coping skills, and relapse prevention.
• Collaborate with families, schools, and multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and support systems for adolescents.
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation of client progress, treatment plans, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Provide crisis intervention and support during critical situations to ensure client safety and well-being.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay current with best practices in adolescent substance use treatment.

Skills:

The required and preferred skills are essential for effectively engaging adolescents and their families in the recovery process. Strong communication and active listening skills enable the counselor to build trust and rapport, which are foundational for successful therapeutic relationships. Clinical assessment and treatment planning skills ensure that interventions are tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs and circumstances. Crisis management and problem-solving abilities are critical for responding to emergencies and adjusting treatment approaches as necessary. Additionally, collaboration and cultural competency skills facilitate working within multidisciplinary teams and diverse communities to provide holistic and inclusive care.