Clinical Substance Use Specialist - ACT

Lutheran Family Services; Fremont (NE); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off

Highly-competitive salaries

Job summary

Lutheran Family Services in Fremont, Nebraska, is hiring a Clinical Substance Use Specialist for its Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. In this role, you will provide comprehensive substance use treatment, individual and group counseling, and support to individuals with mental illness facing challenges like substance use and homelessness.

Successful candidates will hold a valid Nebraska Alcohol & Drug Counselor license and have experience in substance use disorder treatment. This position offers a full-time role with a commitment to quality, compassionate community service.

Qualifications

• At least one year of training or experience in substance use disorder treatment is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling focused on substance use and long-term recovery.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of substance use history.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary ACT team to develop treatment plans.

Skills

Substance use disorder treatment

Communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Team collaboration

Cultural responsiveness

Education

Active Nebraska Alcohol & Drug Counselor (PLADC or LADC) license

Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or counseling

Job description

Our employees are at the very heart of all we do.

For over 130 years, the people of Lutheran Family Services have changed lives. Our professional staff has created homes through adoption and foster care, guided families struggling with abuse or addiction, and compassionately helped refugees from war‑torn countries discover new lives in Nebraska and Iowa. And those are just a handful of our programs.

Do you have a calling to make a difference? A passion to help others? If so, then check out the amazing career opportunities we offer.

Our mission is to provide safety, hope and well‑being to all people -- including our employees.

In addition to having what may be the hardest but most satisfying job you’ve ever had, you’ll enjoy excellent benefits, including generous time off and highly‑competitive salaries.

See where we are hiring below, but stay in touch if you don’t see the perfect position yet. We are always looking for the right people.

Hiring For The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team

Lutheran Family Services is forming a new team in Fremont, Nebraska. The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team utilizes a multidisciplinary, team‑based service delivery model that offers continuous, community‑based support to individuals with serious mental illness, particularly those with concurrent substance use issues, frequent hospitalizations, risk of homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system, and psychiatric crises.

ACT is where care meets the community. Team members engage with individuals in various settings, including the office, homes, streets, shelters, and community spaces. This approach fosters genuine relationships while providing accessible, consistent, compassionate, and deep human support.

Position: Clinical Substance Use Specialist – ACT

Location: 1420 E Military Ave, Fremont, NE

Job Id: 831

# of Openings: 1

Job Type: Full‑Time

Position Summary

• Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is an evidence‑based practice that improves outcomes for adults with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) who are most at risk of psychiatric crisis, hospitalization, or involvement with the criminal justice system.
• The Clinical Substance Use Specialist provides integrated, person‑centered substance use treatment and recovery support as part of a multidisciplinary ACT team.
• This team member must hold an active Alcohol & Drug Counselor (PLADC or LADC) or Mental Health Counselor (PLMHP, LMHP, or LIMHP) license with specialized training in substance use disorder treatment.

Job Duties

• Provide individual and group counseling focused on substance use, relapse prevention, and long‑term recovery, including crisis intervention and outreach‑based support in community settings such as homes, shelters, and hospitals.
• Provide on‑call support and intervention on a rotating schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of substance use history, co‑occurring mental health conditions, risk factors, and recovery goals.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary ACT team to develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans using evidence‑based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and harm reduction models.
• Support clients in navigating community resources, advocating for their needs within healthcare, legal, and social service systems.
• Transport clients to medical appointments or community resources as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with agency policies and funding requirements, including treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Provide consultation and training to team members on best practices in co‑occurring disorder treatment and coordinate care with external providers, detox facilities, and rehabilitation programs.
• Participate actively in daily ACT team meetings and contribute to shared clinical decision‑making to ensure comprehensive, person‑centered care.
• Monitor client progress toward treatment and recovery goals, collect and report outcome data, and participate in quality improvement initiatives to maintain fidelity to the ACT model.
• Engage in ongoing training and professional development to enhance service delivery and ensure alignment with recovery‑oriented, trauma‑informed care principles.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of substance use disorder treatment, co‑occurring disorders, harm reduction, and recovery‑oriented care models.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build therapeutic relationships and maintain professional boundaries.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and capacity for independent clinical judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to trauma‑informed, culturally responsive, and person‑centered care.
• Adaptability and comfort working in a variety of community settings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic health record systems.
• Awareness and sensitivity of our constituents and the populations served by employees.
• Regular and predictable attendance and promptness for work.
• Commitment to uphold the mission, vision, and values of Lutheran Family Services.
• Support the organization’s objective to be an inclusive and accessible workplace.
• Relationship building, advocacy, organization, and critical thinking skills.

Education and Experience

• High school or GED required; Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field preferred.
• Active Nebraska Alcohol & Drug Counselor (PLADC or LADC) or Mental Health Counselor (PLMHP, LMHP, or LIMHP) license required.
• At least one year of training or experience in substance use disorder treatment required.
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Bilingual in English and another language preferred (e.g., Spanish, Arabic).

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, driving, and sitting at a desk and using a computer.
• In‑office work and field environments with travel to other worksites and/or community sites.
• Company‑issued laptop and cell phone required.
• Provide on‑call support and intervention, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of liability auto insurance, and ability to drive a personal vehicle daily to transport clients safely within the community.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Lutheran Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of age, race, religion, color, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.