Youth Addictions Counselor

Edgewater Health; Gary (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Edgewater Health is seeking a Youth Addictions Counselor to serve adolescents facing substance use issues at our Gary, IN location. You will deliver individual and group counseling, assess needs, and craft personalized plans in collaboration with families and schools.

You will educate clients about addiction, apply evidence-based approaches including CBT, document progress, and coordinate care with a multidisciplinary team. Travel up to 25% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related field.
• Indiana LAC licensure or equivalent addiction certification preferred.
• Ability to build rapport with young people, listen actively, and communicate effectively with clients, families, and colleagues.
• Knowledge of evidence-based counseling approaches for substance abuse treatment, including CBT.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify extent of substance use and risk factors in youth.
• Develop individualized treatment plans with goals, interventions, and coping strategies.
• Provide individual and group therapy addressing substance use and promoting healthy lifestyle changes.
• Engage with parents/guardians to educate and involve them in treatment.
• Conduct school and community presentations on substance abuse prevention.
• Respond to crisis situations and provide immediate support.
• Coordinate care with school counselors, social workers, medical providers, and legal professionals.
• Maintain detailed client records and progress reports.

Skills

Rapport building

Active listening

Communication skills

Crisis intervention

Evidence-based counseling

CBT knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related field

Indiana LAC licensure or equivalent addiction certification

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Corporate Headquarters - Gary, IN 46402

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Travel Percentage: Up to 25%

Job Shift: Any

Job Category: Health Care

JOB TITLE: Youth Addictions Counselor

Job Summary

The Youth Addictions Counselor works with adolescents struggling with substance abuse issues, providing individual and group counseling sessions, assessing their needs, developing personalized treatment plans, educating them on addiction, and collaborating with families and schools to support their recovery process, often focusing on prevention and early intervention strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducting comprehensive assessments to identify the extent of substance use, underlying mental health issues, and risk factors in young clients.
• Developing individualized treatment plans tailored to each youth's needs, including goals, interventions, and coping mechanisms.
• Providing individual and group therapy sessions to address substance use behaviors, build healthy coping skills, and promote positive lifestyle changes.
• Engaging with parents or guardians to educate them about addiction, provide support, and involve them in the treatment process.
• Conducting presentations and workshops in schools and community settings to raise awareness about substance abuse prevention.
• Responding to crisis situations related to substance use and providing immediate support.
• Collaborating with school counselors, social workers, medical providers, and legal professionals to coordinate care and address complex needs.
• Maintaining detailed client records, progress notes, and reports as required by agency and regulatory standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience working with adolescents and understanding their development needs.
• Experience providing individual and group therapy sessions in a clinic setting.
• Experience leading substance abuse prevention programs within schools.
• Experience working with adolescents involved in the legal system.
• Experience providing outreach and support services to at-risk youth.
• Bilingual abilities are preferred.

Supervised By

Hired, supervised, and evaluated by the Director of Family and Youth.

Employees Supervised

N/A.

QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education –bachelor's degree in counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Licensure/Certification: Indiana LAC, or equivalent addiction certification preferred.
• Ability to build rapport with young people, listen actively, and communicate effectively with clients, families, and colleagues.
• Knowledge of evidence-based counseling approaches for substance abuse treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Excellent communication and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Appropriate automobile insurance and valid license plates.

Typical Physical Demands

• Occasional standing, walking, lifting, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving up to twenty-five (25) pounds.