Bergen County Seal

Substance Abuse Counselor 1 (CADC/LCADC) Division of Mental Health & Addiction Services, Department of Health Services

Organizational Overview:

The Bergen County Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services works to ensure that Bergen County residents of all ages who are experiencing mental health and/or substance use disorders have access to appropriate services and supports. The Division promotes education, awareness, prevention, treatment, and recovery and connects residents with mental health and addiction resources available throughout Bergen County. 

Job Description:           

This employment opportunity is to serve as a Substance Abuse Counselor 1 in a full-time role within the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, at Spring House residential program for women. Under direction, does field and office work to provide intake, outreach, assessment, case management, counseling, class facilitation and/or aftercare services for individuals with substance use disorders; does other related duties as required. The position supports individuals seeking recovery and or substance used education by connecting them to treatment services, community resources, and ongoing recovery supports; does other related work as required.

Job Responsibilities:          

  • Conducts intake assessments/screens and participates in initial interviews with individuals seeking substance use disorder treatment services.
  • Assists in the development of preliminary treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery plans.
  • Maintains an assigned caseload of clients and provides group and individual counseling services.
  • Participates in case, diagnostic, and progress conferences with treatment team members.
  • Investigates and verifies pertinent facts and information necessary for effective treatment planning/program participation.
  • Facilitate toxicology screens for patients.
  • Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with community providers, recovery support services, and stakeholder agencies.
  • Plans and facilitates group counseling sessions and educational discussions on substance use, recovery, relapse prevention, and wellness topics.
  • Provides personal counseling and guidance to individuals experiencing social, behavioral, and recovery-related challenges.
  • Assist clients in accessing community resources and recovery support services.
  • Attends and takes part in training and meetings as assigned.
  • Participates in life safety, emergency planning, and program compliance activities as required.
  • Prepares reports and maintains accurate documentation in accordance with program policies and procedures.

Schedule:

  • Full time (40 hours/week).
  • Applicants must be able to work weekdays, weekends and evenings.
  • Overtime as needed.

Education and Experience Requirements: 

  • High School Diploma.
  • Possession of an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in counseling or related field preferred.
  • Valid New Jersey Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) required.
  • Minimum of one (1) year experience in counseling, social work, or substance use disorder treatment services.

Other Requirements:

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams, Word, Outlook and Excel programs.
  • Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
  • Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey which is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

What we offer:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Enrollment into the state pension system
  • Life, Short-term Disability & Long-term Disability coverage
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance and Employee Wellness Programs

Salary: $43,000 / per annum

Please send resume and employment application to resume@bergencountynj.gov – put in subject line job applying for, thank you.

The County of Bergen is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of The County of Bergen not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

The County of Bergen complies with the New Jersey First Act. An employee’s primary residence must be within the State of New Jersey, or the employee will have 365 days (1 Year) from their date of hire to satisfy the requirement of principal residency.