ALTERNATIVE PATHS, INC.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Diversion Clinician FLSA Status: Exempt Non-exempt
Prepared/Revised Date: 1/2026
Department: Forensic
Education: Master’s Degree in social work or clinical counseling with licensure as an LSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC
Experience: 2-4 years treatment of addiction and mental health disorders. Must have knowledge/ experience working with the criminal justice population.
Qualifications: Must demonstrate strong skills in applying individual and group counseling theory and technique. Shall be able to assess chemical dependency disorders and be able to identify mental health issues which are indicative of dual diagnoses. Must be able to develop appropriate treatment plans based upon needs presented by the consumer. Shall have knowledge of community resources which consumers may need to be referred to at the time of discharge. Must have the ability to manage and track many tasks simultaneously as well as demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, collaboration, mediation, patience, and organization. Open to the individuality of others and able to establish professional rapport. Demonstrate strong oral and writing skills. Understanding the legal system is key to relating to the specific circumstances of the consumer as well as in relating to court personnel. Must be able to effectively manage his/her caseload of clients to produce positive outcomes. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
Immediate Supervisor: Director of Diversion Services
Subordinates: None
Position Summary: The Diversion Counselor may provide chemical dependency and/or mental health assessment, group and individual counseling services, case management, and crisis intervention to clients referred for services by the municipal and common pleas courts. The clinician shall work with court-involved individuals to reduce the risk of recidivism in the criminal justice system and to maintain a lifestyle which supports successful completion of community sanctions given by the court.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical:
1. Coordinate and perform screening and assessments on individuals referred to the Diversion Program from the courts.
2. Develop an individualized treatment plan with the individual incorporating resources such as community treatment and support resources. Treatment planning shall address relapse prevention, treatment compliance, and strategies to decrease the potential for criminal recidivism.
3. Provide intervention and educational services to clients and, with appropriate consent, to families or significant others.
4. Provide individual and group sessions.
5. Coordinate and/or provide crisis intervention services, as needed.
6. Provide intervention and/or educational services to clients as well as families or significant others, with proper consent.
7. Coordinate and monitor consumer compliance with community-based treatment resources to which the client may be referred.
8. Provide case management services, including linkage with resources necessary for successful community functioning, such as treatment, housing, social support, vocational services, and educational opportunities.
9. Assist consumers in developing skills to support independence, healthy living, improved relationships with others, and resistance to re-engagement in illegal activity.
10. Consult regularly with criminal justice professionals, including judges and probation officers, regarding individual participation and progress in the diversion program.
11. Actively participate as part of the multidisciplinary clinical team in providing chemical dependency and mental health treatment clients in the Diversion Programs.
12. Demonstrate model fidelity when implementing evidence-based practices.
13. Demonstrate willingness to cross-train among Diversion Department programming.
General:
1. Maintain accurate, timely, and professional documentation in accordance with agency policy and court requirements.
2.Maintain ethical standards, professional boundaries, and compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.
3. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, courts, and community partners.
4. Complete clinical documentation in a thorough and timely manner.
5. Maintain a high level of professionalism in working with fellow staff, clients and other professionals in the community.
The above-mentioned responsibilities are not intended to be all inclusive and do not exclude any other functions customarily performed by a Counselor which may from time to time be requested by the immediate supervisor or the CEO. Work schedules may vary according to the need of the agency.
Work Environment: General Office
Physical Demands: While performing the essential duties of this job, an employee is regularly required to move about; communicate, convey and engage in conversation/discussion; and operate standard office equipment; write /create documentation; detect, recognize, perceive, and observe.
Employee must be able to perform these essential functions with or without requested reasonable accommodation. I have read and agree to abide by the above job description. I understand the requirements, essential functions and duties to perform this job. My responsibilities have been clarified to my satisfaction by my immediate supervisor, and I understand that management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.
Alternative Paths, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Alternative Paths, Inc. does not discriminate based on ethnicity, race, gender or sexual orientation, and encourages all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
