JOB TITLE: Substance Treatment Counselor
PROGRAM: STEP Up! (Substance Treatment & Empowerment Program)
REPORTS TO: Clinical Supervisor & Treatment Programs Director
TYPE OF POSITION: Full Time Salaried (Exempt)
I. Under the clinical supervision of the Clinical Supervisor and general direction of the Treatment Programs Director, the Substance Treatment Counselor provides trauma-informed, evidence-based therapeutic services to adolescents and families impacted by substance use. Services may include screenings, assessments, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, family therapy, and care coordination in Level 1 Outpatient and Level 2.1 Intensive Outpatient Treatment settings. This position supports Hale ʻŌpio Kauaʻi’s mission and commitment to family-centered, youth-guided, and culturally responsive care.
II. QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Qualifications:
Current Hawaii Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) OR actively pursuing CSAC certification.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with adolescents in a counseling or treatment setting.
Knowledge of adolescent development, trauma-informed practices, and substance use disorders.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience delivering both individual and group counseling services.
Experience or familiarity with co-occurring mental health needs and/or behavioral health systems.
Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
Licensed (or actively working toward licensure) in Hawaiʻi as an LCSW, LMFT, or LMHC is a plus.
Certification in CPR, First Aid, and CPI (or ability to obtain upon hire).
Skills & Knowledge:
Familiarity with DSM-5, evidence-based treatment modalities, and clinical documentation standards.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and engagement skills with youth and families from diverse backgrounds.
Computer literacy, including experience with electronic documentation systems.
Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
III. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Provide structured and documented individual, group, and family counseling aligned with the youth’s treatment plan.
Conduct substance use screenings, assessments, and treatment planning.
Coordinate referrals to appropriate community and support services.
Maintain timely clinical documentation and case notes (within 24 hours).
Participate in team meetings, supervision, and professional development activities.
Engage youth and families in culturally relevant, strengths-based treatment approaches.
Support crisis intervention and risk assessment efforts as needed.
Maintain confidentiality and compliance with all applicable regulations and agency policies.
IV. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the success of the treatment program.
V. WORKING CONDITIONS:
Environment: Office, residential, school, and community-based settings; occasional outdoor environments.
Equipment Use: Office equipment, therapeutic materials, laptop/computer.
Work Hours: Requires schedule flexibility, including occasional evenings and weekends.
VI. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Regular sitting, standing, walking, talking, and use of a computer.
Occasional off-island travel for trainings or professional development.
VII. MENTAL DEMANDS:
Ability to manage multiple priorities, respond to crises, and maintain clinical boundaries and professional composure under stress.
VIII. COMMUNICATIONS DEMANDS:
Effective communication with youth, families, team members, and partners across various systems.
Sensitivity to the cultural, socioeconomic, and trauma-informed context of clients and families served.
IX. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Access to reliable transportation.
Valid Hawaiʻi Driver’s License with a safe driving record.
Auto liability insurance with minimum $100,000 bodily injury coverage.
Equal Employment Opportunity
If interested in applying, please submit a resume and cover via the Craigslist link. Mahalo!