Substance Use Disorder Clinical Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

SUD Counseling Specialist - Position Description

Hyacinth Wellness seeks a dedicated and experienced SUD counselor to provide comprehensive SUD and mental health services, professional development educational workshops, and related supports to PGCPS high school students, staff, and families.

The counselor will report to the HHP program manager and collaborate with the school team to identify and address student needs during and after school.

This position requires expertise in trauma-informed care, addiction and mental health counseling, a knowledge and network of relevant resources, and a commitment to support the well-being of students dealing with co-occurring behavioral health challenges.

Higher Heightz - School-Based Behavioral Health Program

Hyacinth Wellness launched the "Higher Heightz" Program (HHP), the organization’s school-based behavioral health program serving PGCPS high schools under the Community Supports Partnership Grant.

HHP incorporates evidence-based practices and collaborates with school-based teams, mental health partners, and stakeholders to address the needs of the students, staff, and school community.

HHP adopts a three-tiered approach, offering universal screening and prevention for all students, education for staff and families, targeted support through group sessions and family engagement activities for at-risk students, and individualized treatment based on students’ level of risk.

Key Responsibilities :

Program Implementation

• Implement HHP at assigned site(s), ensuring that services are effective and achieving program goals.
• Collaborate with school staff and stakeholders to integrate SUD prevention, intervention, and treatment services and coordinate care.

Prevention, Early Intervention, and Treatment :

• Collaborate with the school team to implement a universal screening and referral process.
• Lead, plan, and co-facilitate school-wide initiatives providing education on substance use prevention and mental health awareness to students, staff, and families.
• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to address SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities such as the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model, Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) treatment model, and other interventions.
• Co-facilitate early intervention groups with HHP program specialist engaging students with creative alternatives to substance use and providing guidance to peer educators.
• Engage students, staff, and families in community meetings to raise awareness, support with accessing care, and keep parents informed and involved in treatment.
• Incorporate a trauma-informed approach to counseling, treatment planning, and progress monitoring.
• Implement restorative practices to support students reintegrating into school after challenges like overdoses or treatment.

Training and Professional Development :

• Provide professional development training for school staff on recognizing signs of substance use and co-occurring disorders.
• Collaborate with school wellness teams to enhance the capacity of the school-based provider network and to ensure coordinated care.
• Participate in professional development and continuing education to enhance clinical skills and knowledge.

Data Collection and Monitoring :

• Collect and maintain accurate records of student participation, progress, and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA and privacy regulations in data collection and sharing.
• Assist in preparing regular reports for program evaluation and compliance with grant requirements.

Expected Outcomes :

• Expand access to high-quality behavioral health and related services for students and families, especially the undocumented immigrant community.
• Improve student well-being and readiness to learn by addressing mental health and substance use challenges.
• Foster positive classroom environments through increased use of positive strategies and improved school climate.
• Reduce substance use, addictions, and overdoses among students by expanding access to high-quality behavioral health and related services.
• Enhance the capacity of the school-based workforce with trained professionals and specialists in school settings to meet the needs of students in PGCPS.

Qualifications :

• Master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field.
• Licensed Graduate Social Worker / Professional Counselor, or Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCAC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAC), or Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT).
• Experience working with youth providing SUD treatment and co-occurring disorders.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and evidence-based treatment models (SBIRT and A-CRA).
• Fluent in Spanish and / or committed to providing culturally responsive and evidence-based care.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with adolescents, families, and school staff.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and work collaboratively in a school-based setting.

Company Description

Hyacinth Wellness is a behavioral health organization operating out of Washington, DC, and PG County, providing compassionate and effective therapy for adolescents and adults with mental health and substance use disorders.

Our mission is to empower individuals to overcome mental health and substance use challenges, fostering fulfilling lives by guiding them on a journey of recovery, empowerment, and personal growth.

Higher Heightz - School-Based Behavioral Health Program

Hyacinth Wellness launched the "Higher Heightz" Program (HHP), the organization's school-based behavioral health program serving PGCPS high schools under the Community Supports Partnership Grant.

HHP incorporates evidence-based practices and collaborates with school-based teams, mental health partners, and stakeholders to address the needs of the students, staff, and school community.

HHP adopts a three-tiered approach, offering universal screening and prevention for all students, education for staff and families, targeted support through group sessions and family engagement activities for at-risk students, and individualized treatment based on students' level of risk.

Company Description

Hyacinth Wellness is a behavioral health organization operating out of Washington, DC, and PG County, providing compassionate and effective therapy for adolescents and adults with mental health and substance use disorders.

Our mission is to empower individuals to overcome mental health and substance use challenges, fostering fulfilling lives by guiding them on a journey of recovery, empowerment, and personal growth.

r n r nHigher Heightz - School-Based Behavioral Health Program r nHyacinth Wellness launched the "Higher Heightz" Program (HHP), the organization's school-based behavioral health program serving PGCPS high schools under the Community Supports Partnership Grant.

HHP incorporates evidence-based practices and collaborates with school-based teams, mental health partners, and stakeholders to address the needs of the students, staff, and school community.

HHP adopts a three-tiered approach, offering universal screening and prevention for all students, education for staff and families, targeted support through group sessions and family engagement activities for at-risk students, and individualized treatment based on students' level of risk.