Full-time Primary Counselor

St. Joseph's Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers

Location: Veterans Program - Saranac Lake, NY 

Position: Full-time Primary Counselor

Shifts/schedule Available: 

• Tuesday-Saturday, 2:30pm-11:00pm 

Sign-on Bonus: A hiring bonus of $3,000.00 will be attached to an offer for this job opening. Further information can be provided by St. Joseph's Human Resources team during the interview process. 

Pay Range Levels: 

• Counselor without a credential: $45,000.00/year


• CASAC-T / CASAC-P: $47,008/year to $49,004/year


• CASAC to CASAC - Masters: $58,500/year to $72,000/year


• MHC / MSW: $67,000/year to $68,000/year


• LMSW / LMHC: $75,000/year to $100,000/year

Position Summary: Under the direct supervision of a Qualified Health Professional, functions as a primary counselor responsible for the effective case management of an appropriate caseload.

Education and Training: Minimum requirement of an associate degree in Human Services or related field. Bachelor’s or master's degree preferred. CASAC Trainee (Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) certification preferred as per NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) regulations. Committed to obtaining QHP status according to area of discipline and per OASAS regulations. First Aid and CPR certification required.

Experience and Work Knowledge: Knowledge of modern principles and practices of chemical dependency programs and treatment services, preferably trained in evidence-based practices relevant to military culture, particularly trauma-informed modalities (CPT, PE, etc.).

Physical Demands: No extraordinary physical demands required.

Special Considerations: Work within a trauma-informed environment. Adhere to Sanctuary commitments. Commitment to Social Responsibility, Emotional Intelligence, Social Learning, Open Communication, Democracy, Nonviolence and Growth and Change performing the job duties.

Essential Duties:

• Develop and maintain therapeutic relationship with residents.


• Actively participate in clinical supervision.


• Function as a supportive multi-disciplinary team member.


• Support resident retention initiatives.


• Facilitate didactic lectures related to chemical dependency and associated subjects.


• Facilitate and document group therapy sessions.


• Complete thorough admission procedure for residents.


• Complete accurate and thorough clinical summaries and diagnostic impressions.


• Develop Resident-Centered Master Treatment plans utilizing Strengths, Needs, Abilities, Preferences (SNAP) approach.


• Discuss viable and appropriate aftercare planning with residents throughout treatment.


• Secure appropriate recovery environment for residents upon discharge from program.


• Provide weekly individual sessions for residents.


• Document weekly treatment plan review and progress notes per compliance regulations, clearly identifying treatment received and progress demonstrated.


• Create Discharge Summaries that accurately reflect resident progress and rationale for discharge.


• Develop Aftercare Plans that accurately reflect resident progress.


• Complete accurate and timely documentation of case management and counseling responsibilities.


• Adhere to all documentation and treatment guidelines.


• Communicate in an objective manner with colleagues regarding resident concerns, either in verbal or written form.


• Demonstrate consistent improvement in counseling skills and techniques.


• Demonstrate consistent familiarity of and sensitivity to military culture.


• Display professional image, appearance, and behavior reflective of SJATRC Mission, policies, and procedures.


• Assure compliance with all necessary regulations.


• Actively participate in meetings, committees, and quality assurance activities.


• Maintain continued professional education.


• Maintain NYS Licenses and/or credentials as appropriate.


• Perform other duties as assigned by Program Director.


• Conduct observational rounds of facility thought-out shift.


• Provide conflict resolution support for and between residents.


• Provide support and counseling to residents other than assigned caseload as needed.


• Respond to emergency situations in accordance with SJATRC policies and procedures.


• Communicate pertinent clinical information to other staff through documentation.


• Assess and monitor residents experience signs and symptoms of withdrawal using appropriate withdrawal scales.