Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (Boston Healthcare for Homeless Program)

Hours: Part-time, Friday through Sunday, 8:30-5:00 – 24 hours

Summary of Position:
The purpose of this position is to provide support services, treatment planning and milieu management support at the Barbara McInnis House. Services include: individual and group therapy for patients with primary SUD diagnoses, provide support for scheduled AA/NA/Smart Recovery meetings, assist teams with discharge planning including completing treatment program referrals and facilitating appropriate discharges and follow up services as needed.

Essential Duties:

• Provide supportive individual and group counseling with focus on Substance Use Disorders utilizing Stages of Change assessment, motivational interviewing and relapse prevention. Refer patients with significant co-occurring psychiatric symptoms or behavioral issues to psychiatry/therapy at BMH.
• Establish relationships with treatment facilities to help increase access to both outpatient and residential substance abuse services
• Focus on treatment planning for patients with Substance Use Disorders including working closely with respite case managers to coordinate referrals and/or discharges to SUD treatment programs
• Serves as a resource to respite staff
• Complete substance abuse assessments as needed
• Works collaboratively with respite teams and BH staff
• Participates in the weekly behavioral health treatment team meeting

Qualifications:
Basic Knowledge/Skills
• Ability to assess and manage patient needs including active substance use, from a harm reduction framework
• Ability to facilitate substance abuse focused groups
• Knowledge of healthy and appropriate boundaries when working with vulnerable populations
• Computer skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Experience and Education
• Massachusetts LADAC required
• Spanish Speaking highly preferred
• Experience working with patients who have a history of homelessness, trauma, addiction and mental illness

Physical and Mental Requirements

Demonstrated interest in working with an underserved population