SUBSTANCE ABUSE SPECIALIST

Abraxas Youth & Family Services; Claymont (DE); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Abraxas Youth & Family Services seeks a compassionate Substance Abuse Specialist/Case Manager to support adults facing behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders, housing barriers, and related needs. You will provide outreach, counseling, care coordination, benefits assistance, referrals, and housing support to help clients achieve recovery and independence.

You will facilitate admissions and discharges, monitor eligibility, coordinate services, document accurately in the agency

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years in behavioral health or related field.
• At least 40 hours of substance abuse education, training, CEUs.
• Experience with individuals with severe mental illness or co-occurring conditions.
• Experience with data collection, reporting, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized recovery and service plans.
• Complete assessments, progress notes, recovery plans, and required documentation.
• Maintain client records in the approved management information system.
• Monitor client eligibility and utilization of services.
• Track outcomes and participate in program evaluation and quality improvement.
• Ensure compliance with agency, state, and funding source documentation standards.

Skills

Substance use disorders

Recovery principles

Harm reduction

Case management

Service coordination

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Advocacy skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Problem solving

Written communication

Documentation skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Community resources

Public benefits systems

Behavioral health services

Attention to detail

Ethical practice

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Social Work, Nursing, Rehabilitation, or related field

High School Diploma with significant relevant experience in behavioral health or substance use treatment

Job description

Substance Abuse Specialist / Case Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking a compassionate, motivated, and community-focused Substance Abuse Specialist/Case Manager to join our behavioral health team. This position plays a critical role in supporting individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, housing instability, and other barriers to recovery and independence.

The ideal candidate will provide assertive outreach, substance use counseling, care coordination, benefits assistance, referrals, and housing support services to adults experiencing behavioral health concerns. This role requires a strong commitment to person-centered care, harm reduction, recovery-oriented services, and advocacy for underserved populations.

The Substance Abuse Specialist is responsible for facilitating admissions and discharges, monitoring client eligibility, coordinating access to services, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring individuals receive the appropriate level of care to meet their needs.

Key Responsibilities

Client Care & Service Coordination

• Build positive, supportive relationships with clients and encourage participation in treatment, recovery, community involvement, and independent living.
• Provide substance use counseling, harm reduction education, recovery support, and referrals to community resources.
• Conduct assertive outreach and engage individuals who may be reluctant to seek treatment or services.
• Coordinate service delivery based on client needs and individualized recovery goals.
• Assist clients in accessing housing, healthcare, transportation, employment, financial assistance, and other community resources.
• Support clients through admissions, service transitions, and discharge planning.
• Ensure appropriate interventions are implemented when a client experiences a crisis or requires an increased level of care.
• Provide interim support and case management services for individuals awaiting placement in higher levels of care.

Case Management & Documentation

• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized recovery and service plans.
• Complete assessments, progress notes, recovery plans, and other required documentation accurately and within required timeframes.
• Maintain client records and ensure all services are documented in the approved management information system.
• Monitor client eligibility and utilization of services.
• Track outcomes, collect data, and participate in program evaluation and quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with agency, state, and funding source documentation standards.

Benefits & Resource Navigation

• Assist clients with applications and ongoing eligibility for public benefits and support programs.
• Coordinate services and referrals with:
  • State Service Centers
  • ASSIST Programs
  • Social Security Administration
  • LogistiCare/Medical Transportation Services
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Division of Disability Determination Services
  • Housing and community-based service providers
• Advocate for clients to ensure access to needed services and supports.

Team Collaboration

• Participate in daily and weekly treatment team meetings.
• Attend residential house meetings and case reviews as required.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments and external service providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Maintain communication with supervisors and team members regarding client progress, concerns, and service needs.
• Complete required Community Hospital Coordinated Care (CHCC) documentation and compliance activities.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Promote the health, safety, and well-being of all assigned clients.
• Adhere to agency policies, PM 46 regulations, and all applicable state and federal requirements.
• Report safety concerns and critical incidents promptly to the supervising Team Lead.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect client information in accordance with HIPAA and agency standards.
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, and professional development activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

One of the following is required:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Social Work, Nursing, Rehabilitation, or a related field from an accredited college or university; OR
• High School Diploma with significant relevant experience in the behavioral health or substance use treatment field.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working in behavioral health, substance use treatment, case management, or a related human services field.
• At least forty (40) hours of substance abuse education, training, coursework, or continuing education units (CEUs) required.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing severe mental illness, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions.
• Experience with data collection, reporting, and documentation processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential preferred.
• Experience serving homeless, underserved, or vulnerable populations.
• Experience in housing support, outreach, and community-based behavioral health services.

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Current CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Valid driver's license in good standing.
• Minimum of three (3) years of continuous driving experience with no serious traffic infractions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of substance use disorders, recovery principles, and harm reduction practices.
• Excellent case management and service coordination skills.
• Ability to build trust and establish effective working relationships with diverse populations.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of community resources, public benefits systems, and behavioral health services.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and person-centered care.

Why Join Our Team?

We are dedicated to helping individuals achieve recovery, stability, and independence. As a Substance Abuse Specialist/Case Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by supporting vulnerable individuals through compassionate care, advocacy, and connection to life-changing resources.

We value teamwork, professionalism, respect, and a commitment to improving the lives of those we serve.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to meet organizational and client needs. Success in this role requires professionalism, sound judgment, flexibility, compassion, and a commitment to teamwork and recovery-oriented services.