Youth Recovery Clinician

Institute for Health and Recovery; Worcester (MA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute for Health and Recovery is seeking a Youth Clinician to enhance evidence-based treatment and recovery support services for adolescents aged 12-20 with substance use disorders and their families. This hybrid position provides the opportunity to engage in a client-centered, trauma-informed care model, supporting families and communities affected by substance use and mental health challenges. Ideal candidates will possess clinical expertise and a strong commitment to diversity and equity.

Qualifications

• Previous clinical experience with youth and families affected by substance use disorders is essential.
• Bilingual and bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to provide culturally competent care.

Responsibilities

• Engage youth in need of early intervention or substance use services.
• Provide brief counseling and individual therapy utilizing evidence-based practices.
• Develop comprehensive treatment plans addressing family functioning and recovery support.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Adaptability

Problem-Solving

Education

Advanced degree in social work, counseling, psychology or related field

Job description

Job Title: Youth Clinician

Program/Department: Project YESS

Position Type: Exempt Full-Time 40 hours/ week – Hybrid Position (remote and on-site)

Location: Worcester

Reports to: Program Manager

About IHR: The Institute for Health and Recovery (IHR) is a statewide service, research, policy, program development and capacity building agency. IHR designs its services based on an understanding of the impact of trauma. IHR’s CARF accredited treatment programs provide holistic interventions for hard to reach and high-risk individuals and families. IHR’s mission, since our founding in 1990, has been to develop and support a comprehensive continuum of care for families, individuals, youth, and pregnant and parenting people affected by alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, violence/trauma, mental health challenges and other health issues, while advancing principles of health equity and social justice. Our work is focused on addressing and eradicating inequities in our health care, economic, and justice systems, especially as they disproportionately affect women and people of color. We are committed to providing services and creating communities that mitigate the effects of substance use, mental illness, and trauma.

Summary Statement: The Youth Clinician will enhance and expand comprehensive evidence -based treatment, early intervention, and recovery support services for adolescents and transitional aged youth (ages 12-20) with substance use disorders (SUD) and/or co-occurring substance use and mental disorders (COD), and their families/primary caregivers. The Youth Clinician will provide a coordinated, multi-system, family-centered approach to the population of focus. Essential Functions:

• Engage youth in need of early intervention or substance use services in a community-based outpatient system of care that is client-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based.
• Complete training and related tasks required for certification processes in evidence-based practices, including Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) .
• Provide brief counseling and individual therapy to youth (ages 12-20) and their families (as appropriate) in community settings, utilizing evidence-based practices (e.g. A-CRA, Motivational Interviewing).
• Screen clients for substance use risk and conduct comprehensive assessments/diagnostic evaluations through intake interviews and collateral resources.
• Develop treatment plans addressing family functioning, substance use, mental health, trauma, relapse prevention, and recovery support.
• Provide wrap-around and case management services by assisting youth and families in identifying and accessing community resources, natural supports, and opportunities that support goals.
• Conduct evaluation interviews and submit results in a timely manner.
• Facilitate discharge planning including aftercare, when appropriate.
• Provide crisis management and intervention as appropriate.
• Attend all project and team meetings as well as trainings as scheduled.
• Work in collaboration with the Program Manager, youth team, and referral sources.
• Maintain all written reports and records (including electronic health records) accurately and in timely manner.
• Communicate with team using cloud-based shared calendars, timesheets and check in with supervisors.
• Attend team and agency staff meetings.
  
  

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Advanced degree in social work, counseling, psychology or related field required.
• Clinical license (LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, LMFT) preferred, but not required.
• Previous clinical experience working with youth, young adults, families who are at risk of or impacted by SUDs/CODs.
• Bi-lingual/bi-cultural candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
• Strong understanding of family-centered, trauma-informed, evidence-based and integrated outpatient system of care to support the population of focus.
• Ability to conduct highest quality clinical services while maintaining all agency regulatory and ethical standards.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse cultural groups and in community-based settings.
• Ability to establish a relatable and approachable connection with adolescents.
• Good organizational and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse cultural groups.
  
  

Other Requirements: (If Applicable)

• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and regular access to a reliable vehicle.
• Business Class Rider on Motor Vehicle Insurance, if transporting clients.
  
  

(Reimbursable; required within one month of start of job).

Competencies

• Clear and effective communication
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in teams
• Self-motivated and independent
• Problem-solving skills
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Commitment to ongoing development and learning
• Dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice
  
  

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of this position include talking, hearing, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and using hands for activities such as grasping, handling, and reaching. These physical and mental demands are essential for the successful execution of job responsibilities. Reasonable accommodation will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.