Substance Use Counselor, CSS (Full Time)

The Dimock Center; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dimock Center is hiring a Social Worker / Mental Health Counselor for the Clinical Stabilization Services (CSS) program. This full‑time, onsite role supports residents in residential and outpatient settings, focusing on stabilization, recovery, and transition to ongoing care.

You will provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, case management, and documentation while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to promote patient recovery and community reintegration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or closely related field required.
• 1+ year in substance use disorder treatment setting preferred.
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and electronic documentation.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a company vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, group, and family counseling to support treatment goals.
• Facilitate psychoeducational groups using evidence‑based practices.
• Complete biopsychosocial assessments and contribute to treatment planning.
• Maintain caseloads and provide counseling as appropriate.
• Coordinate referrals and transitions with the multidisciplinary team.
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention when needed.
• Document assessments and treatment plans in required systems.
• Participate in meetings, supervision, and professional development.
• Build therapeutic relationships with patients, families, and partners.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work (or related field)

Master's degree in Counseling or Social Work (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Electronic documentation systems

Job description

• Location: Roxbury, MA (Fully Onsite)
• Status: Full Time
• Schedule: 5 Days Per Week (Sunday to Thursday OR Tuesday to Saturday); Early and Late Morning Shifts Available
• Salary: $25-$38/hr, depending on relevant education, licensure and experience

Social Worker / Mental Health Counselor – Clinical Stabilization Services (CSS) | Full Time

You

You are a caring, clinically minded professional with an interest in substance use and behavioral health who thrives in a team environment and is committed to excellence. This role is an excellent opportunity for a candidate completing an advanced degree in social work, counseling, or a related human services field who wants meaningful, hands‑on clinical experience.

The Dimock Center

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 individuals experiencing mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. For many individuals and families, our programs are life‑changing and life‑saving.

About Clinical Stabilization Services

Clinical Stabilization Services (CSS) provides structured residential treatment for individuals who need support following withdrawal management and before transitioning to the next level of care. Our multidisciplinary team provides patient‑centered, evidence‑based treatment focused on stabilization, recovery, and successful transition to ongoing care.

Summary/Objective

Under the direction of the Clinical Director and in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, counselors, nurses, case managers, and Behavioral Health Specialists, the Social Worker / Mental Health Counselor provides clinical services to patients receiving CSS treatment.

The Counselor provides individual and group counseling, psychoeducation, crisis intervention, care coordination, and clinical documentation while supporting patients in achieving their treatment and recovery goals.

Essential Functions

• Provide brief supportive therapy and individual, family, and group counseling to support patient progress toward treatment goals.
• Facilitate psychoeducational groups utilizing evidence‑based practices under the guidance of the Clinical Director.
• Complete biopsychosocial assessments and contribute to individualized treatment planning as appropriate to the role and level of licensure.
• Maintain an assigned caseload and provide individual counseling as clinically appropriate.
• Collaborate with case managers and the multidisciplinary team to coordinate referrals, linkages, and transitions to the appropriate level of care.
• Provide crisis prevention, intervention, and risk assessments, escalating concerns to the Clinical Director, nursing leadership, or other appropriate clinical staff when necessary.
• Support patients in developing skills and resources that promote continued recovery and successful community reintegration.
• Complete required documentation, including assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, discharge documentation, and insurance‑related documentation, in accordance with agency, DPH, and BSAS requirements.
• Participate in staff meetings, clinical meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Participate in individual clinical supervision and accumulate hours toward licensure, when applicable.
• Maintain professional and respectful relationships with patients, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build therapeutic relationships with individuals experiencing substance use and behavioral health challenges.
• Ability to communicate professionally with leadership, colleagues, patients, and community partners.
• Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced clinical environment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Commitment to culturally responsive, compassionate, and patient‑centered care.

Work Environment

This position operates in a residential clinical treatment setting.

Physical Demands

Duties may require sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods. Frequent lifting may be required.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a part‑time weekend position. The schedule is Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, with a commitment to work every weekend.

Required Education And Experience

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

Preferred Experience

• Current enrollment in or completion of a Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, or a related field.
• LADC I or II, CAC, CADAC, or other relevant addiction counseling credential.
• LCSW or LICSW licensure.
• Spanish language capability.

Other Duties

Note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of duties that are required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary

The salary target is $25-$35/hr depending on licensure and experience.