Support Specialist / Trauma-Informed Counselor
Millicent Fenwick House (MFH) - Residential Community Reintegration Program (RCRP)
Position Summary
The Support Specialist / Trauma-Informed Counselor provides direct support services to justice-involved women participating in the Residential Community Reintegration Program (RCRP) at Millicent Fenwick House. The position focuses on promoting successful community reintegration through trauma-informed care, case management, substance use recovery support, life skills development, crisis intervention, and individualized service planning.
Working within a gender-responsive and recovery-oriented environment, the Support Specialist assists residents in addressing barriers to successful reentry, maintaining employment, achieving recovery goals, strengthening coping skills, and developing healthy support systems.
The ideal candidate possesses a Master's Degree in Social Work or a related behavioral health field and demonstrates experience working with individuals impacted by substance use disorders, trauma, incarceration, mental health challenges, and community reentry.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Trauma-Informed Case Management-
Provide comprehensive trauma-informed case management services to residents.
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Conduct intake assessments and assist with development of individualized service plans.
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Monitor resident progress toward treatment, recovery, employment, educational, and reintegration goals.
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Assist residents in identifying barriers to successful community reintegration and developing strategies to overcome them.
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Maintain accurate and timely case documentation in accordance with program, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
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Coordinate referrals to community-based resources, healthcare providers, behavioral health services, housing providers, and employment supports.
Counseling and Recovery Support-
Provide supportive counseling, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducational interventions.
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Facilitate individual and group sessions focused on:
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Trauma recovery
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Substance use recovery
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Relapse prevention
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Emotional regulation
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Healthy relationships
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Life skills development
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Reentry adjustment
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Assist residents in developing coping strategies to address trauma triggers and recovery challenges.
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Support residents in maintaining recovery plans and accessing recovery support networks.
Substance Use Disorder Support-
Demonstrate knowledge of substance use disorders, addiction, recovery processes, and evidence-based treatment approaches.
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Monitor residents' engagement in treatment and recovery activities.
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Assist residents in recognizing relapse warning signs and implementing prevention strategies.
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Collaborate with clinical providers and treatment partners to support continuity of care.
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Promote a recovery-oriented environment that supports long-term sobriety and wellness.
Resident Advocacy and Support-
Serve as an advocate for residents while maintaining professional boundaries and program expectations.
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Assist residents with employment readiness, educational goals, community engagement, and independent living skills.
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Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support as needed.
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Support residents in navigating systems including parole, community supervision, healthcare, and social services.
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Participate in resident staffing meetings and interdisciplinary case reviews.
Program Compliance and Documentation-
Maintain case files and documentation consistent with NJAC, NJDOC, licensing, contractual, and agency requirements.
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Complete progress notes, assessments, referrals, service plans, and discharge summaries within required timeframes.
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Participate in quality assurance activities and program audits.
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Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies, and professional ethical standards.
Team Collaboration-
Collaborate with residential staff, program leadership, clinicians, parole representatives, community providers, and other stakeholders.
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Participate in staff meetings, trainings, supervision, and professional development activities.
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Contribute to a positive, respectful, and trauma-informed residential environment.
Qualifications
Required-
Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW), Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, or a related behavioral health field.
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Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing case management, counseling, or supportive services in a behavioral health, substance use, corrections, reentry, or residential setting.
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Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and gender-responsive programming.
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Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery support practices, and relapse prevention strategies.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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Ability to establish professional relationships with justice-involved individuals from diverse backgrounds.
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Valid driver's license and ability to travel as needed.
Preferred-
CADC or LCADC
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Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or License-Eligible Social Worker,.
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Experience working within residential treatment, corrections, parole, reentry, or substance use recovery programs.
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Training in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, Seeking Safety, or other evidence-based trauma-informed practices.
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Experience facilitating psychoeducational or recovery groups.
Core Competencies-
Trauma-Informed Care
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Substance Use Recovery Support
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Case Management
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Crisis Intervention
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Motivational Interviewing
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Resident Engagement
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Documentation and Compliance
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Cultural Competency
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Professional Ethics
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Collaboration and Teamwork
Physical Requirements-
Ability to work within a residential setting.
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Ability to navigate stairs and multiple floors within the facility.
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Ability to respond to emergencies and crisis situations.
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Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
Position Classification-
Full-Time
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Exempt
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Reports to: Program Director or Clinical Supervisor
Salary Range
$45,000 - $55,000 annually
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