Drug & Alcohol Counselor/ Case Management Worker

Description

Position Summary

Northern Tier Counseling is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Drug & Alcohol Counselor/Case Manager to provide comprehensive support services to individuals experiencing substance use disorders (SUD). This position combines clinical counseling and case management functions, including assessment, treatment planning, counseling, care coordination, resource navigation, and advocacy. The successful candidate will assist clients throughout their recovery journey by addressing both treatment and social service needs while collaborating with healthcare providers, referral sources, community agencies, and the criminal justice system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conduct intake assessments, screenings, and evaluations to determine client needs and appropriate levels of care.
2. Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment and service plans based on client goals and treatment needs.
3. Provide individual, group, and family counseling services as appropriate.
4. Monitor client progress, document treatment outcomes, and modify treatment plans as needed.
5. Coordinate referrals to detoxification services, residential treatment, outpatient programs, recovery support services, housing resources, employment services, and other community supports.
6. Work closely with Single County Authority (SCA) representatives and navigate the Pennsylvania WITS system.
7. Assist clients with obtaining authorizations and funding through insurance providers, SCA funding sources, Treatment Court, and other applicable programs.
8. Collaborate with treatment providers, probation and parole officers, healthcare professionals, social service agencies, and community partners to ensure continuity of care.
9. Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, case notes, treatment plans, discharge summaries, and reports in accordance with agency, state, and federal regulations.
10. Educate clients and families regarding substance use disorders, treatment options, relapse prevention, and recovery supports.
11. Provide crisis intervention, case consultation, and client advocacy within healthcare, legal, and social service systems.
12. Present client cases during supervision and treatment team meetings to obtain feedback and coordinate services.
13. Assist clients in securing employment, housing, transportation, and other supportive services necessary to support recovery.
14. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, supervision, and professional development activities.
15. Utilize the agency's electronic health record (EHR) system and maintain compliance with all documentation requirements.
16. Perform other duties as assigned to support the needs of the program.

Requirements

Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, and evidence-based treatment approaches.
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania's drug and alcohol treatment system, Medicaid regulations, and community resources.
• Knowledge of drug abuse subcultures and recovery support services.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system and its relationship to substance use treatment.
• Strong counseling, assessment, case management, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients and families.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and documentation systems.

Education and Experience

Qualified applicants must meet one of the following:

1. Master's Degree or higher in Chemical Dependency, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Nursing (with a clinical specialty in human services), or a related field that includes a practicum in a health or human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting; OR
2. Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Dependency, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Nursing (with a clinical specialty in human services), or a related field and one (1) year of clinical experience (minimum 1,820 hours) in a health or human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting; OR
3. Associate Degree in Chemical Dependency, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Nursing (with a clinical specialty in human services), or a related field and two (2) years of clinical experience (minimum 3,640 hours) in a health or human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience providing both counseling and case management services.
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania WITS.
• Experience working with managed care organizations, treatment courts, and SCA funding.
• CADC, CAADC, or other relevant certification preferred.