Position Summary
The Therapist/Counselor provides clinical assessment, treatment planning, individual counseling, group therapy, crisis intervention, and discharge planning services for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions residing in a DHS 75.54 licensed residential treatment facility. The counselor works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary treatment team to promote recovery, improve functioning, and support successful community reintegration.
Primary Responsibilities
Clinical Assessment
· Conduct biopsychosocial assessments upon admission.
· Complete ASAM assessments and determine treatment needs.
· Assess substance use, mental health symptoms, trauma history, strengths, risks, and recovery supports.
· Identify barriers to treatment and recovery.
Treatment Planning
· Develop individualized treatment plans within required timeframes.
· Establish measurable goals, objectives, and interventions.
· Review and update treatment plans based on client progress.
· Incorporate client strengths, preferences, and cultural considerations.
Individual Counseling
· Provide scheduled individual counseling sessions.
· Utilize evidence-based interventions including:
o Motivational Interviewing (MI)
o Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
o Relapse Prevention
o Trauma-Informed Care
o Solution-Focused Interventions
· Assist clients in developing coping skills and recovery strategies.
Group Therapy
· Facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational groups.
· Address topics including:
o Recovery and relapse prevention
o Emotional regulation
o Trauma and resilience
o Anger management
o Healthy relationships
o Life skills
o Co-occurring disorders
· Encourage active participation and peer support.
Crisis Intervention
· Assess and respond to psychiatric, emotional, behavioral, and substance use crises.
· Conduct suicide and self-harm risk assessments.
· Develop safety plans as needed.
· Coordinate emergency services when appropriate.
Case Management and Coordination
· Coordinate care with community providers, probation agents, courts, physicians, social workers, and family members as authorized.
· Assist clients in obtaining housing, employment, medical care, and recovery supports.
· Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings.
Discharge Planning
· Develop discharge and continuing care plans.
· Coordinate referrals to outpatient treatment, recovery support services, medication-assisted treatment, peer support, and community resources.
· Ensure continuity of care following discharge.
Documentation Responsibilities
· Complete assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
· Document services in accordance with DHS 75.54 requirements.
· Maintain timely and accurate clinical records.
· Ensure compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
Additional Duties
· Participate in clinical staffing meetings.
· Provide clinical recommendations regarding level of care and length of stay.
· Support facility quality improvement initiatives.
· Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
· Maintain professional licensure and certifications.
Required Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field.
· Wisconsin SAC, CSAC, LPC-IT, LPC, APSW, LCSW, or equivalent credential as required by DHS 75.
· Knowledge of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.
· Experience working in residential or behavioral health settings preferred.
Key Performance Indicators
· Completion of assessments within required timelines.
· Timely treatment plan development and reviews.
· Documentation compliance.
· Client engagement and retention.
· Successful discharge planning and continuity of care.
· Adherence to DHS 75.54 regulations and agency policies.
Typical Weekly Expectations
· Individual counseling sessions.
· Facilitation of 2–5 groups per week.
· Treatment plan development and reviews.
· Clinical documentation.
· Treatment team staffing meetings.
· Discharge planning and community coordination.
· Crisis intervention and client support as needed.
This role serves as the primary clinical provider responsible for guiding residents through the therapeutic process, supporting recovery from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, and preparing clients for successful transition back into the community.
- Engage in telehealth therapy sessions utilizing secure platforms to expand access to mental health services across diverse settings.
Experience
- Proven experience in psychotherapy modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, trauma-focused therapy, or behavioral health interventions.
- Demonstrated success working with children, adolescents, or geriatric populations in outpatient or inpatient settings.
- Hands-on experience with crisis management and crisis intervention strategies in clinical environments.
- Familiarity with ICD coding (ICD-9/ICD-10), CPT coding for billing purposes, and medical terminology related to mental health diagnoses.
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including special education settings or behavioral support programs.
- Knowledge of telehealth platforms and delivering clinical services remotely while maintaining compliance with HIPAA standards.
- Strong background in clinical documentation standards, treatment planning, patient assessment, and case management practices.
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams while adhering to clinical ethical guidelines and confidentiality requirements.
This energetic role invites passionate professionals eager to empower clients through innovative therapeutic techniques while fostering a collaborative team environment dedicated to excellence in mental health care.
Pay: $70,074.05 - $80,070.47 per year
Work Location: In person
