Substance Use Counselor - Askia (Weekends)

Dimock; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

Dimock Center in Boston seeks a Substance Use Counselor for the Askia Academy on weekends. The role provides clinical services and group sessions to substance use patients with co-occurring conditions; schedule is weekends 11am-7pm, with potential variations.

Requires a Bachelor's in social work or related field; licensure preferred but not required. Strong communication and computer skills are expected; driver's license required for program operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in social work or closely related field required.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills required (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive a company vehicle required.
• One year experience in substance use disorder treatment preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide brief supportive therapy and facilitate psychoeducational groups under Clinical Director.
• Collaborate with the case manager to execute referrals to appropriate level of care.
• Provide crisis prevention, intervention and risk assessments; escalate when needed.
• Complete all required documentation (biopsychosocial assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, discharge summaries, forms).
• Attend staff meetings (daily and clinical).
• Attend trainings as assigned.
• Participate in individual clinical supervision and accumulate licensure hours, if applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or closely related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Access

Job description

Substance Use Counselor - Askia (Weekends)

• Approved Salary: $26-$38/hr, depending on licensure and experience
• Schedule: Every weekend; hours may vary, though the available shift is 11am-7pm

Are you looking for part-time work during the weekends as a counselor? This role may be an ideal fit for you - perfect for candidates who may be currently completing an advanced degree in a human services-related field.

You are a caring, hard working individual with Substance Use Disorder experience, who thrives in a team environment and is committed to excellence. Master's degree and license are preferred but not required.

The Dimock Center is a federally qualified community health center that heals and uplifts individuals, families and communities. Our vision is to redefine the model of a healthy community by creating equitable access to comprehensive health care and education. We promote a culture of respect, excellence, equal opportunity, and commitment to our employees and the communities we serve.

Our Behavioral Health Services programs provide residential and outpatient treatment for those struggling with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders. For many individuals, our programs literally save lives.

Under the direction of the Clinical Director and in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, clinicians, counselors and Behavioral Health Specialists, the Social Service Worker / Counselor is responsible for providing clinical services and group sessions on weekends for patients admitted to our Askia facility, which specializes in the care of substance use patients with co-occurring diagnoses. The Counselor provides patient-centered, evidence-based treatment and supports Askia patients.

Askia Academy offers a structured environment that includes groups, case management services, counseling, and support reconnecting with the community. Askia is a 16-bed, level 3.1 residential rehabilitation service (RRS) with co-occurring disorders enhanced (COE) capabilities overseen by the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM). The COE designation gives Askia greater resources and capacity to serve and treat a higher level of psychiatric need in addition to serving and treating addiction recovery.

Summary/Objective

The primary goals of Askia Academy are to help strengthen recovery and prevent relapse; to help identify the life challenges, past and present, that can be addressed to ensure sustained recovery; to introduce residents to numerous resources to help address issues such as physical health, mental health, finances, housing, employment, and relationship challenges; and to improve long‑term recovery by helping residents develop a continuing care plan to enable them to manage their addiction and sustain abstinence.

Essential Functions

• Provide brief supportive therapy and facilitate psychoeducational groups that include identifying and implementing evidence-based practices under the guidance of the Clinical Director. Counsel patients individually, in family meetings and in group sessions to facilitate progress toward treatment goals under the direction of the Clinical Director.
• Work in collaboration with the case manager to execute referrals and linkages to the appropriate level of care.
• Provide crisis prevention, intervention and risk assessments and screenings, escalating to the appropriate party when assistance is needed (Clinical Director, nurse management, etc.).
• Complete all required documentation (biopsychosocial assessment, individual and group progress notes, treatment plan, discharge summary, insurance forms, etc.) in accordance with agency and DPH/BSAS guidelines for format and timeliness.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings (daily and clinical).
• Attend trainings as assigned.
• Participate in individual clinical supervision and accumulate hours toward licensure, if applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner to leadership and staff.
• Detail‑oriented with the ability to see and work towards the "big picture."
• Ability to be flexible and to juggle multiple priorities.

Work Environment

This job operates in a clinical setting.

Physical Demands

Duties may include frequent lifting. Will require sitting, standing and walking for extended periods of time.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in social work or a closely related field required.
• One (1) year experience working in a substance use disorder treatment setting preferred but not required.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills required (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive a company vehicle required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensure as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC, LADC II), Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC) or Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC) preferred.
• Master's Degree in Counseling completed or in progress, Master's in Social Work, LCSW, or LICSW.
• Spanish language capability.

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to cover a comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities and may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

The Dimock Center values diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.