Position Overview
The Mental Health Counselor provides mental health-specific counseling services to adults receiving inpatient detoxification and residential treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. This role works collaboratively with primary substance use counselors, psychiatric providers, nursing, case management, and clinical leadership to support integrated, client-centered care.
The Mental Health Counselor focuses on addressing mental health symptoms, emotional stabilization, coping skills, trauma-informed interventions, and recovery support while contributing to the overall treatment and discharge planning process.
Primary Responsibilities
· Provide individual mental health counseling services to clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs.
· Address symptoms related to anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, mood instability, emotional dysregulation, adjustment concerns, and related behavioral health conditions within scope of practice.
· Facilitate mental health-focused and co-occurring disorder groups related to coping skills, emotional regulation, trauma-informed recovery, communication, mood management, and relapse prevention.
· Provide family counseling or support sessions when clinically appropriate.
· Utilize evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT-informed interventions, psychoeducation, and recovery-oriented care.
· Assist with mental health assessments, screenings, risk evaluations, and diagnostic support as assigned.
· Contribute to individualized treatment planning by developing mental health-specific goals, interventions, and progress updates.
· Collaborate with primary counselors, psychiatric providers, nursing, and case-management staff to support integrated treatment and continuity of care.
· Identify and respond to crisis situations including suicidal ideation, emotional escalation, trauma responses, self-harm risk, or acute mental health concerns.
· Coordinate referrals to psychiatric providers, higher levels of care, or external mental health services when clinically indicated.
· Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant clinical documentation in the electronic health record (EHR), ensuring mental health services are clearly distinguished from SUD counseling services.
· Participate in treatment team meetings, supervision, trainings, and clinical consultation.
Qualifications
· Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Psychology, or related behavioral health field required.
· Active New Jersey mental health license or credential required (LAC, LPC, LSW, LCSW, LAMFT, or LMFT).
· CPR and First Aid certification required (or obtained within 90 days of hire).
· Minimum one (1) year of experience providing mental health counseling or behavioral health services preferred.
· Experience working with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders preferred.
· Detoxification, residential, inpatient, or substance use treatment experience preferred.
· Experience facilitating groups and/or family counseling preferred.
· KIPU or behavioral health EHR experience preferred.
· Candidates in recovery must maintain a minimum of two (2) years of continuous sobriety.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
· Strong knowledge of mental health counseling, co-occurring disorders, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented treatment.
· Ability to provide clinically appropriate mental health interventions within scope of practice.
· Strong crisis intervention, communication, clinical documentation, and de-escalation skills.
· Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary treatment environment.
· Ability to engage clients, support emotional stabilization, and promote treatment participation.
· Strong organizational, time-management, and professional boundary skills.
· Proficiency with electronic health records (EHRs) and standard computer systems.
Working Conditions
· Full-time, in-person position.
· Flexibility for evenings or weekends may be required based on program needs.
· Clinical environment with exposure to high-stress situations.
· Occasional travel may be required for client support or community-related services.
Why Join Us
Join a compassionate and collaborative clinical team dedicated to providing integrated, trauma-informed care for individuals recovering from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. We value clinical excellence, teamwork, professionalism, and a commitment to helping clients achieve long-term recovery and emotional wellness.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Education:
License/Certification:
- LAC, LPC, LSW, LCSW, LAMFT, or LMFT (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Newark, NJ 07114 (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
