LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER/ADDICTION COUNSELOR

Role: The LCSW / Addiction Counselor will be responsible for providing therapeutic services, assessments, counseling, and support to individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring mental health and social issues. The LCSW / Addiction Counselor will work in a Medication-Assisted treatment (MAT) program that includes Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), such as buprenorphine, to support recovery and improve treatment outcomes. This role requires expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of SUDs, a deep understanding of the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, and the ability to integrate these insights with pharmacological treatments. The LCSW / Addiction Counselor may also provide case and care management, or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access healthcare.

Responsibilities:

• Support the BHSE Program Director with the implementation, procedures and protocols of the program.
• Engage in or support research efforts, program evaluation, and the development of best practice guidelines in addiction treatment, contributing to the continuous improvement of the MAT program.
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments using recommended screening tools to evaluate substance use, mental health, and other relevant factors.
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy for patients with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, focusing on the integration of therapy with MAT and MOUD.
• Assist patients in setting recovery goals, developing coping strategies, and maintaining abstinence through both therapy and MAT.
• Coordinate services to address needs identified during assessments and ensure integration of care within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) for accessibility by the Care Team.
• Assess and address cultural, racial, and socioeconomic factors that influence substance use and recovery. Ensuring that services are culturally sensitive and tailored to the needs of diverse patient populations.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to evaluate patients' conditions, monitor the effectiveness of MAT, and assess overall patient needs.
• Advocate for patients to resolve crises and enhance engagement in treatment.
• Provide crisis intervention services in the event of acute behavioral health or addiction-related crises, ensuring immediate stabilization and coordination of care with other professionals.
• Assist in facilitating compliance with court orders, probation requirements, or parole conditions, ensuring that legal obligations are integrated into the treatment plan for patients involved with criminal justice system.
• Provide psychoeducation to patients and their families about addiction, treatment options, including MAT, and available recovery resources.
• Monitor, evaluate, and record patient progress, tracking measurable goals related to recovery and the effectiveness of MAT and MOUD.
• Modify treatment plans based on changes in patients' conditions or progress.
• Plan and coordinate patient discharges, ensuring proper linkage to ongoing care and support for MAT maintenance.
• Organize support groups or provide family counseling to assist loved ones in understanding and supporting patients through addiction recovery, with a particular focus on MAT and MOUD.
• Plan and conduct programs to combat substance abuse, improve community health, and provide education on the benefits of MAT, particularly for opioid use disorder.
• Investigate cases of child abuse or neglect, taking authorized protective action when necessary.
• Coordinate patients' transfer to home or another facility when appropriate, ensuring continuity of care and follow-up on MAT.
• Visit patients at home when necessary and/or requested by a team member to monitor progress and provide additional support.
• Coordinate appointments for high emergency room users, evaluating contributing factors, and directing patients to appropriate care, including MAT if indicated.
• Conduct follow-up visits to monitor progress in the MAT program and make recommendations for ongoing care.
• Actively participate in interdisciplinary case discussions and staff reunions when necessary.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school.
• Active license as Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) by La Junta Examinadora de Trabajadores Sociales de Puerto Rico.
• Certification as an Addiction Counselor is preferred.
• Experience working with patients in MAT programs and understanding of their integration into comprehensive treatment plans.
• Familiarity with current evidence-based practices for managing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Ability to handle acute crisis situations, including suicidal ideation or self-harm.
• Knowledge of and adherence to laws, regulations, and policies governing substance use treatment programs.
• Proficiency in using EHR systems to document assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and other relevant patient data.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person