Counselor Jobs in Connecticut

Counselor I

Full-Time | On-site

About the Role

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Counselor I to join our team. In this role, you will provide critical support services to patients in a recovery-focused environment. Responsibilities include service coordination, patient advocacy, recovery support, case management, and ensuring patients have access to the resources necessary for their health and long‑term recovery. This position reports to the Program Director and/or Clinical Team Leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide case management support and present updates during staff meetings.
• Represent the organization at community events and support outreach initiatives.
• Monitor patient urine collections when required.
• Maintain professional, ethical interactions with patients, staff, and community partners.
• Accurately record and maintain patient data in internal record systems and state-mandated databases (including DDaP).
• Enter all patient contact notes within 24 hours, per agency policy.
• Build strong working alliances with patients and tailor interventions to meet individual needs.
• De-escalate and resolve non-clinical patient concerns using supportive, professional approaches.
• Provide psychoeducational and case management services as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership.

Core Competencies

• Communication: Effective, respectful communication with patients, coworkers, supervisors, and outside agencies.
• Confidentiality: Protect patient privacy in all interactions and documentation.
• Continuing Education: Participate in approved training and professional development.
• Cultural Competency: Demonstrate sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Self-Management: Maintain organization, time management, and a focus on performance goals.
• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with team members across all levels.
• Initiative: Recommend and support improvements to patient care and program operations.
• Mission & Values: Demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to the organization’s mission.

Primary Service Areas Assessment & Screening

• Establish rapport with patients.
• Conduct screening procedures and document observations.
• Gather demographic and eligibility information.
• Use non-clinical assessment data to support care decisions.

Treatment Planning

• Collaborate with patients to identify strengths, needs, goals, and recovery resources.
• Contribute to individualized treatment plans and participate in ongoing plan reviews.

Referral Coordination

• Identify needs beyond program scope and facilitate referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Explain referral reasoning to patients and evaluate referral effectiveness.

Service Coordination

• Maintain knowledge of community resources.
• Advocate for patients and support continuity of care across services.
• Communicate effectively with families, support systems, and multidisciplinary teams.

Counseling Support (Non-Clinical Scope)

• Provide supportive counseling, motivational interviewing, and recovery support.
• Monitor patient safety concerns and relapse risk.
• Assist families in understanding substance use and recovery needs.
• Document all non-clinical counseling activities.

Education (Client, Family, Community)

• Provide culturally responsive education on health, recovery, substance use, and life skills.
• Offer information on prevention, treatment, and the continuum of care.

Documentation

• Protect confidentiality in all records and communications.
• Obtain proper consent for information release.
• Document progress notes using DAP format.
• Maintain accurate records of referrals, case management, recovery support, and discharge information.

Professional & Ethical Responsibilities

• Uphold professional ethics, organizational policies, and regulatory standards.
• Continue professional development through education, supervision, and self-evaluation.
• Refer patients to licensed practitioners when appropriate.
• Advocate for individuals affected by substance use and support quality service delivery.

Pay: $23.07 - $30.76 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you currently enrolled in a Master's Degree Behavioral Health Program?

License/Certification:

• CADC (Preferred)

Work Location: In person