Outpatient Counselor FLOAT

Cumberland Heights is a community dedicated to providing the highest quality care for persons and families at risk for or suffering from chemical dependency. Our mission encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of recovery, offering a safe, loving, and healing environment that combines professional excellence with the principles of the Twelve Steps.

About the role

The Outpatient Counselor provides services across the Eight Domains of Addiction Counseling: clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referral, service coordination, counseling (individual, family, and group), education, documentation, and professional and ethical responsibilities. This position practices within the Cumberland Heights Model of Care and serves as the primary agent of the treatment team, working closely with patients to create individualized plans of care supporting long-term recovery. The role may function as a primary, float, family counselor, or individual therapist and reports to the Clinical Director of the assigned outpatient division.

Responsibilities

• Manages a group of patients and coordinates their treatment and services within and across the continuum of care, collaborating with the patient, family, and clinical team.
• Clinically evaluates patient goals, preferences, needs, barriers, and strengths using standardized and empirical tools for treatment planning.
• Diagnoses substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health disorders within scope of practice, coordinating with physicians and psychiatric nurse practitioners as needed.
• Collaboratively creates and revises patient-centered plans of care to support behavioral change and long-term recovery management, including continuing care plans.
• Provides interactive psycho-educational groups focused on substance use disorders, mental health issues, and related skills for patients and families, including professional and peer support resources.
• Facilitates individual, group, and family counseling/therapy sessions using evidence-based practices within the Cumberland Heights Model of Care.
• Documents clinical activities in patient records according to established policies, including electronic forms, financial agreements, and releases of information.
• Participates in team meetings, treatment plan reviews, and clinical supervision as required by organizational policy and licensure.
• Communicates regularly with family members, professionals, and community partners regarding treatment progress and continuing care needs, as permitted by releases of information.
• Intervenes in crises to de-escalate situations and uses events as therapeutic opportunities for patients.
• Performs CPR and First Aid as needed and maintains active certifications in compliance with state regulations and company policy.
• Follows up on SRA alerts, screener notifications, or outreach efforts from patients and families in crisis within required time frames.
• Provides clinical supervision for clinicians seeking licensure, interns, and clinical support staff within defined scope of practice.
• Maintains clinical credentials, notifying HR of renewals, lapses, or administrative delays.
• Serves on administrative and quality management teams, assists with supply procurement, office maintenance, and safety measures for staff, patients, and visitors.
• Represents Cumberland Heights at professional meetings, presentations, and marketing/development activities as assigned.
• Manages public inquiries, assessments, and drop-in visits, and serves as a liaison with alumni and self-help groups.
• Develops video or audio/visual aids for group and educational use.
• Ensures a therapeutic environment conducive to healing for patients and families throughout the continuum of care.
• Recommends improvements to the quality and delivery of services.
• Handles company funds appropriately and maintains confidentiality of company and patient information.
• Adapts productively to change and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in a related field (e.g., counseling, counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, social work) or LADAC I required; LADAC II, LCSW, or LPC-MHSP preferred.
• One year of experience in addictions-related treatment preferred; experience with age/population-specific addiction treatment is a plus. Equivalent experience in job-related activities, including addiction-specific coursework, internships, or practicums, may be considered.
• Ability to teach, model, and use evidence-based counseling practices for substance use and co-occurring disorders in alignment with 12-Step philosophy.
• Ability to quickly establish and maintain a therapeutic alliance with individuals and families.
• Self-management skills to maintain a calm and therapeutic demeanor during high-stress situations.
• Working knowledge of 12-Step concepts and programs is beneficial.
• Cultural humility and openness to working with a diverse patient population across the full span of human development.
• One year of personal recovery required; five years preferred. Commitment to practicing within professional codes of ethics, including NAADAC and Cumberland Heights’ Code of Ethics.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English (speaking, reading, and writing); proficiency in a second language, particularly Spanish, is a plus.
• Clear and concise communication skills for both patient/family interactions and clinical documentation.
• Collaborative, strengths-based communication style that builds relationships within the team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook and ability to quickly learn specialty software, including electronic medical records.
• Proficient in using video technology and various media (slide decks, internet clips, etc.) for teaching purposes.

Work Environment

• Position is based in individual offices, group rooms, or larger community meeting areas, involving everyday risks requiring normal safety precautions.
• Requires mobility within and between buildings, including across uneven and rural terrain, to respond to patient needs.
• Frequent contact with individuals in crisis, including those who may be emotionally volatile, requiring additional safety precautions.
• May perform emergency crisis intervention holds and must be certified or eligible for certification in crisis prevention/intervention, First Aid, and CPR.
• May be subject to varying shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and overnight stays during inclement weather as part of critical staffing.
• Ability to lift and/or push/pull up to 25 lbs.
• Essential job functions require the ability to speak, hear, see, sit, walk, stand, reach, and use fine/gross motor skills.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance effective the first day of the month following 28 days of employment.
• Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).
• 401K with company match, eligibility after 90 days of employment.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual beginning on day one, with up to 20 days of PTO in the first year.