Substance Use Therapist

Brief Description

The Substance Use Therapist provides comprehensive clinical assessment, treatment planning, individual, group, and family therapy services to clients receiving treatment in an ASAM Level 3.5 residential substance use disorder program. The therapist works as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team to help clients achieve and maintain recovery while addressing co-occurring behavioral health needs. Services are delivered using evidence-based practices and in accordance with ASAM criteria, Medicaid requirements, licensing standards, and organizational policies.

About the Role

Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, substance use assessments, risk assessments, and ASAM multidimensional evaluations. Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans based on client needs and ASAM criteria. Provide individual, group, and family therapy utilizing evidence-based interventions including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, Relapse Prevention, and Trauma-Informed Care. Facilitate psychoeducational and process groups addressing substance use recovery, coping skills, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, life skills, and recovery supports. Monitor client progress toward treatment goals and adjust interventions as clinically indicated. Coordinate care with physicians, nursing staff, peer recovery support specialists, behavioral health technicians, case managers, and community providers. Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, staffing, discharge planning, utilization review, and case consultation. Complete discharge planning beginning at admission, ensuring continuity of care and linkage to community resources and ongoing treatment. Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant clinical documentation within the electronic health record, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, group documentation, ASAM reviews, discharge summaries, and other required documentation. Maintain appropriate therapeutic boundaries while fostering a safe, respectful, recovery-oriented treatment environment. Respond appropriately to client crises, behavioral emergencies, and situations involving suicide risk, self-harm, relapse, or other safety concerns. Provide education and support to families and significant others when clinically appropriate. Participate in quality improvement activities, clinical supervision, staff meetings, and required training. Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, including HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Medicaid requirements, licensing regulations, CARF standards, and organizational policies.

Requirements

• Education: Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field.
• Licensure: Licensed or license-eligible in West Virginia (LGSW, LICSW, LPC, ALPS, or other approved behavioral health credential).
• Substance use disorder experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria and residential treatment programming.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health disorders, recovery principles, and stages of change.
• Ability to conduct clinical assessments and formulate appropriate diagnoses.
• Strong group facilitation and individual counseling skills.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Proficiency in electronic health records and standard computer applications.

Qualifications

Qualified individuals with bona fide disabilities, as the term “disability” is defined in the law, are entitled to reasonable accommodations in the application process and in their employment. Although Westbrook is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations, the responsibility for identifying whether accommodation is needed and what constitutes a reasonable accommodation is shared jointly by the employee and Westbrook.