SUBSTANCE ABUSE SPECIALIST

Substance Use Specialist (ACT/ACT Plus)

Key member of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) / ACT Plus multidisciplinary team, responsible for assessment, treatment, recovery support, and case management services for individuals with co‑occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Delivers person‑centered, recovery‑oriented, and community‑based services that promote wellness, recovery, housing stability, community integration, and improved quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Assessment & Treatment
  • Conducts comprehensive substance use and co‑occurring disorder assessments.
  • Evaluates participant strengths, needs, readiness for change, and recovery goals.
  • Provides individual counseling and therapeutic interventions for individuals with co‑occurring behavioral health and substance use disorders.
  • Utilizes evidence‑based practices and recovery‑oriented approaches to treatment.
  • Assists participants in developing healthy coping skills and relapse prevention strategies.
  • Conducts ongoing reassessments and treatment plan reviews.
• Recovery Support Services
  • Supports participants in achieving recovery, wellness, and community integration goals.
  • Provides education regarding addiction, recovery, relapse prevention, harm reduction, and behavioral health conditions.
  • Assists participants in identifying barriers to recovery and developing strategies to overcome challenges.
  • Encourages participant self‑advocacy, empowerment, and personal responsibility.
  • Supports participants through various stages of change and recovery.
• Treatment Planning
  • Develops individualized treatment and recovery plans in partnership with participants.
  • Updates treatment plans based on participant progress, goals, and changing needs.
  • Monitors participant outcomes and progress toward treatment objectives.
  • Coordinates treatment recommendations with other providers and members of the ACT team.
  • Ensures treatment planning remains person‑centered, strengths‑based, and recovery‑focused.
• Community‑Based Services & Advocacy
  • Provides community‑based substance use treatment and supportive services.
  • Assists participants in accessing healthcare, behavioral health, housing, employment, and community resources.
  • Advocates for participant needs with service providers, agencies, and community partners.
  • Supports participants in maintaining housing, employment, and community stability.
  • Assists participants in developing healthy support networks and community connections.
• Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
  • Participates actively in interdisciplinary ACT team meetings and treatment planning discussions.
  • Collaborates with psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, case managers, peer support specialists, and community providers.
  • Provides consultation regarding substance use treatment and recovery issues.
  • Contributes to integrated care planning and service delivery.
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Maintains accurate and timely participant documentation.
  • Completes required clinical notes, assessments, treatment plans, progress reports, and EHR documentation.
  • Maintains records in accordance with organizational, regulatory, and funding requirements.
  • Ensures compliance with HIPAA confidentiality standards and privacy regulations.
  • Documents time worked accurately.
• Community Partnerships & Professional Responsibilities
  • Maintains positive working relationships with external providers, referral sources, and community agencies.
  • Participates in professional development and continuing education activities.
  • Supports organizational quality improvement initiatives.
  • Maintains ethical and professional standards of practice.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience (Required)
  • Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Behavioral Health, Human Services, or related field.
  • Minimum one (1) year of experience working with individuals in addiction recovery or substance use treatment.
  • Minimum four (4) years of experience in counseling, behavioral health, or substance use treatment services.
• Preferred
  • Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Behavioral Health, or related field.
  • Experience working within Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), community mental health, or integrated behavioral health settings.
  • Experience serving individuals with serious mental illness and co‑occurring disorders.
• Licenses & Certifications (Required)
  • Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC) or equivalent state‑recognized substance use credential.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
  • Reliable transportation for community‑based services.
• Required Skills
  • Strong counseling and motivational interviewing skills.
  • Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery models, and co‑occurring treatment approaches.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building abilities.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in community‑based settings.
  • Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and participant needs.
  • Knowledge of harm reduction and recovery‑oriented practices.
  • Proficiency with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Job Competencies

• Recovery-Oriented Practice

  Supports participant recovery through strengths‑based, person-centered, and community-focused interventions.

• Substance Use Treatment Expertise

  Demonstrates knowledge of addiction treatment, relapse prevention, harm reduction, and evidence-based recovery practices.

• Cultural Competence

  Provides respectful, inclusive, and responsive services that recognize diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• Communication & Counseling Skills

  Builds therapeutic relationships and communicates effectively with participants, families, providers, and team members.

• Assessment & Treatment Planning

  Conducts comprehensive assessments and develops individualized treatment plans that support recovery goals.

• Collaboration & Teamwork

  Works effectively within multidisciplinary teams to coordinate treatment and support participant success.

• Advocacy

  Promotes participant rights, access to services, and self-determination throughout the recovery process.

• Documentation & Compliance

  Maintains accurate clinical records and adheres to HIPAA, licensing, and funding requirements.

• Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution

  Identifies barriers to recovery and develops practical solutions while maintaining professionalism and participant engagement.

• Organization & Time Management

  Manages multiple participant needs, treatment activities, documentation requirements, and community-based responsibilities effectively.

Vehicle Requirements

• Current driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Current vehicle registration and insurance as required.
• Reliable transportation for community outreach and participant services.

Drug‑Free Workplace Statement

Apis Services maintains a drug‑free workplace. Employees may be subject to drug and alcohol testing in accordance with affiliate policies, licensing requirements, regulatory standards, post‑incident procedures, reasonable suspicion protocols, and other applicable requirements.

Schedule Flexibility

Work schedules are subject to participant and program needs. Flexibility regarding evenings, weekends, community travel, on‑call responsibilities, and work locations may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Apis Services and its affiliates are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This commitment extends to every phase of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, training, and termination.