Substance Use Counselor- Master's Level

Acadia Healthcare; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Semi-Annual Bonus Program

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Competitive 401(k) plan

Paid vacation and sick time

Employer-paid clinical supervision (e‑

Free and unlimited CEUs

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Acadia Healthcare's Jackson Comprehensive Treatment Center in Jackson, MS is seeking a Substance Use Counselor with a Master's degree to support outpatient MAT in treating opioid use disorder. You will provide individual and group counseling, develop treatment plans, and document care in our EHR.

The role emphasizes compassionate, culturally competent care, crisis de-escalation, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field from an approved institution.
• Experience with MAT (medication-assisted treatment) for opioid use disorder.
• Strong knowledge of substance use disorders, relapse prevention, and harm reduction.
• Ability to build rapport quickly and maintain therapeutic relationships with a diverse adult population.
• Skilled in conducting individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use, trauma, and co-occurring disorders.
• Familiarity with treatment planning, progress notes, and electronic health record documentation standards.
• Ability to maintain appropriate clinical boundaries and confidentiality.
• Strong crisis management, de-escalation, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of Mississippi DMH standards and documentation requirements.
• Basic understanding of ASAM criteria and placement guidelines for levels of care.
• Commitment to culturally competent, person-centered care in a fast-paced outpatient setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality, compassionate guidance in both individual and group counseling sessions.
• Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient's recovery.
• Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
• Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents is completed timely and clearly.
• Prepare individual treatment plans for each assigned patient.
• Initial assessments and follow-up assessments.
• Evaluate patient needs and determine referrals to other programs or facilities.
• May plan for aftercare and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care.
• Act as a liaison between referral sources and patients.

Skills

Therapeutic rapport-building

Counseling (individual & group)

Crisis management

EHR documentation

Relapse prevention

ASAM criteria knowledge

DMH standards knowledge

Culturally competent care

Communication with diverse adults

Clinical boundary maintenance

Education

Master’s degree in psychology/counseling

Job description

Overview

Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program

Seeking:Substance Use Counselor- Master's Degree Required

Full Time Hours: Monday - Friday 5:00 AM - 1:30 PM & Rotating Saturday with Abbreviated Hours (2.5 Hours Total)

Our Benefits:

• Semi-Annual Bonus Program
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Competitive 401(k) plan
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Employer-paid clinical supervision (free to employees)
• Free and unlimited access to 500+ accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• Employee Assistance Program(EAP) offering continued support to employee lifestyle and well-being
• Early morning hours offering a great work/life balance
• Opportunityfor growth that is second to none in the industry

Our Team:

Jackson Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), located in Jackson, MS, is part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers, the leading provider of medication-assisted treatment in the nation. Our counseling team provides compassionate, high-quality counseling and therapy to patients that are seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder.

Your Job as a Substance Use Counselor:

The Substance Use Counselor is instrumental in our patient’s treatment and recovery from opioid use disorder. Substance Use Counselors provide high quality, compassionate care through various mediums which include both individual and group counseling sessions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide high quality, compassionate guidance in both individual and group counseling sessions.
• Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient's recovery.
• Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
• Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
• Prepare individual treatment plans for each assigned patient.
• Initial assessments as well as follow up assessments.
• Evaluate patient needs and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities are needed.
• May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.
• Provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care as needed.
• Act as a liaison between referral sources and patients, as needed.

Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility. Check your eligibilty here: HRSA Eligibility

Qualifications

Required, Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in an psychology, counseling, social work, mental health, or human services/behavioral health-related field from an approved educational institution is required.
• Prior experience & knowledge of MAT (medication-assisted treatment) for opioid use disorder (OUD); holding no negative stigmas or perceptions
• Strong understanding of substance use disorders, harm reduction principles, and relapse prevention strategies
• Ability to build rapport quickly and maintain therapeutic relationships with a diverse adult population
• Skilled in conducting individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use, trauma, and co-occurring disorders
• Familiarity with treatment planning, progress notes, and electronic health record (EHR) documentation standards
• Ability to maintain appropriate clinical boundaries and adhere to confidentiality and ethical guidelines
• Strong crisis management, de-escalation, and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) standards and documentation requirements
• Basic understanding of ASAM criteria and clinical placement guidelines for levels of care
• Commitment to culturally competent, person-centered care in a fast-paced outpatient setting

Licenses/Certifications:

• Required: Professional license or DMH credential as a Mental Health Therapist (PCAT, CAT, LCAT)

We are committed to providingequal employmentopportunitiestoall applicantsforemploymentregardlessofanindividual’scharacteristicsprotected byapplicable state,federalandlocallaws.

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