Substance Use Counselor- Master's Level

About the Role

Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program seeking a Substance Use Counselor with a Master’s degree required. The position is full‑time with hours Monday‑Friday 5:00 AM‑1:30 PM and a rotating Saturday shift of 2.5 hours total. Early morning hours offer a great work/life balance.

Our Team

Jackson Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), located in Jackson, MS, is part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers, the leading provider of medication‑assisted treatment in the nation. The counseling team provides compassionate, high‑quality counseling and therapy to patients seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality, compassionate guidance in both individual and group counseling sessions.
• Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient's recovery.
• Co‑facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
• Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
• Prepare individual treatment plans for each assigned patient.
• Conduct initial assessments as well as follow‑up assessments.
• Evaluate patient needs and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities are needed.
• May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.
• Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.
• Provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care as needed.
• Act as a liaison between referral sources and patients, as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, mental health, or human services/behavioral health‑related field from an approved educational institution.
• Professional license or DMH credential as a Mental Health Therapist (PCAT, CAT, LCAT).
• Prior experience & knowledge of MAT (medication‑assisted treatment) for opioid use disorder (OUD); holding no negative stigmas or perceptions.
• Knowledge of Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) standards and documentation requirements.
• Basic understanding of ASAM criteria and clinical placement guidelines for levels of care.

Skills

• Strong understanding of substance use disorders, harm reduction principles, and relapse prevention strategies.
• Ability to build rapport quickly and maintain therapeutic relationships with a diverse adult population.
• Skilled in conducting individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use, trauma, and co‑occurring disorders.
• Familiarity with treatment planning, progress notes, and electronic health record (EHR) documentation standards.
• Ability to maintain appropriate clinical boundaries and adhere to confidentiality and ethical guidelines.
• Strong crisis management, de‑escalation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Commitment to culturally competent, person‑centered care in a fast‑paced outpatient setting.

Benefits

• Semi‑Annual Bonus Program
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Competitive 401(k) plan
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Employer‑paid clinical supervision (free to employees)
• Free and unlimited access to 500+ accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering continued support to employee lifestyle and well‑being
• Opportunity for growth that is second to none in the industry
• Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA (depending on clinic site eligibility)

Schedule

Full‑time hours: Monday‑Friday 5