Counselor

Position Summary 

The Inpatient Counselor provides clinical services to adult clients admitted to Northeast Treatment Centers’ Kirkwood Recovery residential treatment program at ASAM Levels 3.7 (Medically Monitored Intensive Inpatient Services) and 3.5 (Clinically Managed High-Intensity Residential Services). This position ensures that treatment is delivered in compliance with Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) regulations, ASAM criteria, and agency policies and procedures. The counselor is responsible for providing assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, documentation, and coordination of care to support recovery, stabilization, and reintegration. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Conduct biopsychosocial/ASAM assessments in accordance with ASAM 3.7 and 3.5 placement criteria and DE regulatory requirements. 

• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and the interdisciplinary team. 

• Provide individual, group, and family counseling using evidence-based practices appropriate to the level of care. 

• Coordinate with medical, psychiatric, and nursing staff to address co-occurring mental health and medical needs in a residential setting. 

• Deliver psychoeducation on substance use disorders, relapse prevention, coping skills, trauma, and recovery supports. 

• Facilitate discharge and continuing care planning to ensure smooth transitions to lower levels of care or community supports. 

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation in the electronic health record per DSAMH and NET standards. 

• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, clinical supervision, and case reviews. 

• Support a safe therapeutic environment, including crisis intervention and adherence to program rules. 

• Ensure compliance with DSAMH licensing regulations, ASAM standards, CARF requirements, and confidentiality laws (42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA). 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred, enrolled in a course of study while completing a practicum or internship OR working toward full certification in addictions counseling or co-occurring counseling by the Delaware Certification Board or a nationally recognized certification organization. 

• CADC, CADC-Intern, LMSW, LCSW, LPCMH, or related DE licensure/certification required (or eligibility within 2 years under DSAMH regulations). 

• Minimum 2 years clinical experience in substance use disorder or co-occurring disorder treatment, preferably in a residential or inpatient setting. 

• Knowledge of ASAM criteria, DE Title 16 regulations, and evidence-based treatment practices. 

• Strong skills in motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and trauma-informed care. 

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. 

• Excellent organizational, documentation, and communication skills. 

Work Environment 

• Full-time, on-site at Kirkwood Recovery residential facility. 

• Requires flexibility in scheduling, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on client/program needs. 

Reports To 

Clinical Supervisor / Program Director