Substance Use and Recovery Counselor

Job Summary

The Substance Use and Recovery Counselor provides counseling services for substance use and related issues, alcohol and drug assessments, and outreach programming for substance use prevention and recovery support for students. They also make appropriate referrals and recommendations, administer and interpret relevant assessment instruments, facilitate regular alcohol education groups, and peer support communities. They serve on various university committees and assist with additional Student Affairs programs as needed.

Duties & Essential Job Functions

• Counsels students and facilitates and implements education and counseling support groups, individual alcohol and drug assessments.
• Maintains confidential student files and relevant records.
• Presents/assists with alcohol and drug prevention education and training programs, as well as post-vention and recovery support education and stigma reduction.
• Serves on various university committees and assists with additional Student Affairs programs as desired and appropriate.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops/conferences, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.
• Affords assistance to staff in developing training, education, and outreach for the campus community.
• Researches current health, mental health, and social issues as well as how they are impacted by AOD.
• Supports and facilitates Collegiate Recovery Community as well as other related peer support services.

Required Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, student personnel administration or related field.
• Experience in facilitating groups.
• Experience with program implementation and coordination (particularly in health and/or wellness education), or counseling, higher education, or related field.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Experience working in a clinical setting, particularly with a college student population.
• Experience with making referrals and collaborating with rehabilitation facilities for alcohol and drug abuse.
• Experience with Motivational Interviewing and/or Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong attending, listening, and crisis-intervention skills.
• Knowledge of college student development and counseling theories.
• Knowledge of current alcohol and other drug, health, mental health, and social issues on university campuses.
• Knowledge, sensitivity, empathy, and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and BASICS techniques.
• Interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Presentation skills, both to small and large audiences.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Computer literacy, web applications in particular.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Organizational skills and multitasking abilities.
• Application of current health promotion theories, methods, strategies, and tactics.
• Collaboration with other departments.

Physical Requirements

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment

• Indoors and sedentary.
• Subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• No harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.