SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR INTERN

About the role

Join our award-winning team at Preferred Behavioral Health Group (PBHG), the premier behavioral health organization in New Jersey. PBHG is a dynamic and innovative non-profit dedicated to changing and saving lives through a Trauma Informed Care culture. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where employees feel valued and encouraged to grow. This full-time position offers a varied schedule and is based at our Lakewood Office.

Responsibilities

• Assess the counseling needs of clients.
• Assess clients using the Addiction Severity Index in NJSAMS or other standardized clinical interview tools, and diagnose clients for substance use disorder using the DSM-5.
• Facilitate group sessions using evidence-based interventions to support client engagement, treatment goals, skill development, and recovery within a structured therapeutic environment.
• Determine the appropriate level of care according to ASAM Criteria.
• Provide active case consultation.
• Document all counseling and education services, assessments, reassessments, referrals, and follow-up in the client's clinical record, ensuring appropriate signatures and dating of entries, including those made in electronic records.
• Demonstrate knowledge in levels of care index (LOCI).
• Present cases in a coherent, formal, and professional manner, showcasing appropriate clinical judgment and technique.
• Attend staff meetings as assigned by your supervisor.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a course of study leading to CADC or LCADC status, or another health professional license that includes work of an alcohol and drug counseling nature within its scope of practice.
• Progress toward certification or licensing must be on file and reviewed by the facility at least semiannually.
• Trained, evaluated, and receiving continuing formal clinical supervision by the Director of Substance Use Services or designee, pursuant to the clinical supervision rules of the relevant State health professional licensing board.

Pre- and Post-Employment Screening

• Submit to a criminal history check, supported by fingerprinting, prior to employment.
• Submit to drug and alcohol screening prior to employment and in accordance with PBHG policy thereafter.
• Obtain a physical exam prior to the start date and every three years thereafter.
• Submit to Mantoux/TB testing prior to the start date and complete a TB Symptom Assessment form annually thereafter.
• Provide proof of Rubeola and Rubella immunization.

Schedule

• Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Mondays and Fridays: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• No weekends or major holidays required.

Pay

$42,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Prescription Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Vision Insurance, Aflac, Pet Insurance)
• Staff Training and Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Bonus Program

Location: 700 Airport Road, Lakewood, New Jersey 08701