SUD Counselor/ Assessor

MVP RECOVERY; Chester (Delaware County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

MVP Recovery seeks a dependable SUD Counselor/Assessor for our Upper Darby, PA outpatient program. This full-time role blends SUD assessments with individual and group counseling, using ASAM Criteria to guide care and connect clients to treatment and community resources.

Ideal candidates show solid clinical judgment, strong communication, and initiative, with a commitment to coordinating care and documentation within established timelines.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Bachelor's with 1 year of clinical experience in drug and alcohol treatment.
• ASAM Criteria training and experience determining levels of care.
• Experience conducting SUD assessments and providing counseling.
• Knowledge of SUDs, co-occurring conditions, relapse prevention, and recovery.
• Strong documentation and client-engagement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive SUD assessments and clinical interviews.
• Use ASAM Criteria to determine level-of-care recommendations.
• Identify treatment needs and connect individuals with appropriate services.
• Coordinate with internal staff and outside providers for referrals.
• Provide individual SUD counseling and facilitate groups.
• Develop individualized treatment plans and monitor progress.
• Utilize evidence-informed approaches and trauma-informed practices.
• Complete assessments, progress notes, and treatment plans timely.
• Participate in supervision, case consultation, and staff meetings.

Skills

ASAM training

SUD assessments

Individual counseling

Group counseling

Clinical documentation

Communication skills

Organization

Team collaboration

EHR experience

Education

Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, behavioral health, or related field

Bachelor's degree with 1 year clinical experience in drug and alcohol treatment

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

Job Title: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor/ Assessor

Position Type: Full-Time Location: Upper Darby, PA Schedule: Monday – Friday 8am-4:30pm

Position Summary

MVP Recovery is seeking a dependable and motivated SUD Counselor / Assessor to join our outpatient substance use disorder treatment program for our new office in Upper Darby, PA! This full-time clinical position combines substance use disorder assessments with individual and group counseling. The Counselor / Assessor will conduct comprehensive assessments, utilize ASAM Criteria to determine the appropriate level of care, provide outpatient counseling services, and connect individuals with appropriate treatment and community resources based on their assessed needs. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong clinical judgment, excellent communication and organizational skills, and a high level of initiative, accountability, and follow-through.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive substance use disorder assessments and clinical interviews.
• Utilize ASAM Criteria to determine and document appropriate level-of-care recommendations.
• Identify treatment needs and connect individuals with appropriate internal or external services and resources.
• Coordinate with internal staff, including Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS), and outside providers when referrals or additional levels of care are needed.
• Provide individual SUD counseling and facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational groups.
• Develop individualized treatment plans and monitor client progress toward treatment goals.
• Utilize evidence-informed approaches, including Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, relapse prevention, and trauma-informed practices.
• Recognize co-occurring behavioral health concerns and make appropriate referrals.
• Utilize effective verbal de-escalation and crisis-intervention skills when needed.
• Complete assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, referrals, and other required clinical documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
• Participate in clinical supervision, case consultation, staff meetings, and required training.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet applicable Pennsylvania DDAP requirements for the position, including a qualifying education and experience pathway such as:

• Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, behavioral health, or a related human services field; or
• Bachelor's degree in an applicable field with at least one year of clinical experience in drug and alcohol treatment

Preferred Experience & Skills

• ASAM training and experience determining appropriate levels of care.
• Experience conducting SUD assessments.
• Experience providing individual counseling and facilitating groups.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, co-occurring conditions, recovery, and relapse prevention.
• Strong de-escalation and client-engagement skills.
• Strong clinical documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with electronic health records and clinical documentation systems.
• Experience in a Pennsylvania SUD treatment setting preferred.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is reliable, compassionate, organized, and clinically confident, with a strong work ethic and the ability to effectively balance assessment and counseling responsibilities. Initiative and follow-through are essential. The successful candidate takes ownership of responsibilities, completes documentation and follow-up in a timely manner, communicates effectively with clients and team members, and ensures individuals are appropriately connected to services based on their assessed needs.

MVP Recovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package, opportunities for professional development, supportive clinical supervision, and a collaborative work environment dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting recovery.