Counselor I (Bilingual)

Casa Esperanza, Inc. is a bilingual/bicultural behavioral health treatment provider serving Boston and the Merrimack Valley. Our mission is to empower individuals and families to recover from addiction, trauma, mental illness, and other chronic medical conditions; overcome homelessness and discrimination; and achieve health and wellness through comprehensive, integrated care. Casa Esperanza has an operating budget of $12.5 million and more than $12 million in assets.About the roleThe Conexiones ATS/CSS includes education and counseling regarding the nature of addiction, relapse prevention and aftercare for clients with mental health, substance use or dual diagnosis issues.As part of the Casa Esperanza, Inc. integrated care team, the ATS/CSS Counselor provides services in a fully integrated, holistic, and collaborative manner using a team-treatment approach, to ensure the coordination of all client services, both across Casa programs as well as with external providers. This integrated model aims to facilitate clear communication amongst all providers and eliminate duplication of efforts or conflicting approaches to care; details necessary follow up and assignments; and ensure wrap-around support services are in place to maximize treatment effectiveness and clinical outcomes.What you'll doEssential Functions & Responsibilities:Greet new clients and create a welcome, comfortable atmosphere for themEstablish orientation, session, and follow-up appointments with patientsAct as primary counselor and point of contact for both internal and external collaboratorsProvide high quality, compassionate care in a culturally responsive mannerComplete a needs assessment including risk and safety planningEnsure evidence-based practices are appropriate per patient diagnosis and assessed needsMaintain and adhere to all confidentiality and HIPAA 42 CFR lawsCommunicate professionally and effectively with colleagues, collateral contacts, supervisors, etc. regarding client care, both verbally and in written formatsComplete assessments utilizing the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria to make clinical recommendations regarding appropriate levels of treatmentConduct substance use screening and overdose assessmentInterview clients, review records, and confer with other professionals to evaluate the condition of clientsComplete a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of clientsShare responsibility for therapeutic, educational, and other group programmingFacilitate clinical sessions, discuss relevant issues and prepare a treatment plan in consultation with the residentFacilitate a variety of groups ranging from relapse prevention and other evidence-based topics regarding health and wellness in recoveryParticipate in care management for patient needs including case management and referral servicesProvide client education around symptom management in an individual and group settingComplete intake enrollment as neededCounsel clients individually and/or in family and group sessions to assist clients in achieving treatment goals under the direction of the Clinical SupervisorPrepare and maintain reports and case histories in accordance with agency guidelines for format, timeliness, and quality assuranceEnter client data into paper and electronic records in a timely manner as outlined in program policiesMaintain all regulatory and licensing guidelines around clinical workflowsManage client crises and apply de-escalation techniques in a holistic, trauma-informed approachRespond promptly to client needsComplete extension authorizations and clinical reviews with insurance and payersComplete discharge notes and client disenrollment forms to close cases upon client dischargeAttend staff meetings and supervision sessionsParticipate in multi-disciplinary team meetingsAct as liaison and advocate for patient needsAll other related duties as assignedQualifications & Experience:Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or related field and experience in substance use treatment (required) or Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate Program.Minimum of 2-3 years working in a substance use therapy program.Must demonstrate ability to relate to a substance use treatment population in a sensitive manner, with an interest and willingness to work in a multicultural setting.Have a sense of compassion, patience, and empathy.Proficient with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office.Must display appropriate independent judgment to determine the appropriate course of action in resolving problems and in emergencies.Must be able to express self adequately in written and oral communication and to communicate effectively in an interdisciplinary, culturally diverse setting with clients, families, staff, and regulatory agencies.Must share a customer service orientation.Manage difficult or emotional client situations.Respond promptly to client needs.Focus on solving conflict, not blaming.Knowledge of relevant community resources for continuing care/aftercare placement.What we offer:Compensation: $50K - $51K Annual Salary RangeHoliday Pay (12 days per year + 1 floating holiday)Paid Time Off (PTO) - 18 days year one, 20.5 days at year 2, 23 days at year 5Sick Pay - 10 paid days per yearLong / Short Term DisabilityPaid by Company Life InsuranceHealth Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)ComPsych Guidance Resources - EAPEducational OpportunitiesEmployee Ticket at Work (Discounts for Entertainment, travel, movies; etc.)Increased Salary for Credentialsand more...Physical & Mental Requirements:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.At Casa Esperanza, Inc., the health and safety of our people is our number one priority. That’s why all offers of employment are contingent on the candidate showing proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (currently one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and boosted, when eligible) to pass the pre-employment requirements. Individuals with medical issues or religious beliefs that prevent them from getting the vaccine may request an exemption from the vaccine requirement.Casa Esperanza, Inc. values its diverse workplace and encourages women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, older members of society, and others from minority groups and diverse backgrounds to apply.We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. Casa Esperanza, Inc. also has a longstanding policy of providing a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of employment discrimination, including harassment, because of race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.All employees, interns, volunteers, and contractors of Casa Esperanza, Inc. are responsible for maintaining a work culture free from discrimination and harassment by treating others with kindness and respect.Casa Esperanza, Inc. also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email

hr@casaesperanza.org .The pay range for this role is:50 - 51 USD per year (Conexiones CSS Program)

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