Counselor - Transitions (Friday - Tuesday, 7 AM to 3 PM)

Transitions is a short-term, residential Transitional Support Services (TSS) program serving individuals of all genders living with alcohol and/or substance use disorders and is funded and licensed by the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS), Department of Public Health (DPH). The program is located in Boston, Massachusetts.

The model is designed to support individuals between detoxification and long-term residential or outpatient care. Transitions utilizes the 'No Wrong Door Policy' and accepts clients from detoxification, Clinical Stabilization Services (CSS), Recovery Homes, hospitals, homeless shelters, outpatient settings, etc. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and Transitions are committed to protecting, preserving, and promoting the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly the most vulnerable.

Clients work with case managers to design and achieve goals on their individualized treatment plans that support long-term recovery and overall wellness. Clients may explore external supports such as Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT), Community Support Providers (CSP), Recovery Coaches, therapy, etc. while developing aftercare plans to continue treatment. Daily, onsite group services are designed to help clients build skills, increase knowledge, reduce isolation, and develop healthier relationships to support recovery and prepare them for the next modality of care.

We seek colleagues who

• Utilize and accept harm reduction principles and practices at all levels of care
• Emphasize meeting individuals "where they are at" while providing services with a non-judgmental framework
• Maintain appropriate and safe boundaries with clients and the workplace
• Possess a sense of community at the workplace while maintaining excellent reliability and dependability
• Function in an effective, efficient, and amicable manner with persons of varying and diverse ages, economic, ethnic, racial, religious, etc. backgrounds to meet the needs of the clients and program
• Demonstrate an ability to work independently while responding to constructive feedback

Duties

• Performs rounds throughout the unit. Searches clients for contraband upon arrival in unit.
• Intervenes to de-escalate conflict situations, anticipating potential conflict situations and intervening prior to crisis.
• Conducts informal counseling sessions to assess needs and make appropriate referrals to internal and external programs. Develops positive professional relationships with guests to facilitate care.
• Maintains stable environment by ensuring resident compliance with program rules and individual service plans. Performs urinalysis screening if necessary.
• Assists in overseeing and facilitation of support group meetings, NA/AA meetings, life skills and other training for residents. Trains and assists guests with daily living tasks as needed.
• Monitors and serves meals, coordinates food and other supplies, and supervises clean up after meals. Monitors and distributes linen and clothing supplies for guests.
• Attends required meetings and training sessions.
• Provides phone coverage as necessary.
• Transports clients via program van.
• Performs various administrative tasks such as maintaining accurate records, recording log notes and data entry.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the role of public health in addressing racism, the social determinants of health, and inequities in health outcomes as well as strategies to advance racial justice and health equity.
• Associate of Science Degree, or High School Diploma / GED and one year of related experience.
• Experience working with drug addicted clients preferred.
• Experience working with HIV infected populations preferred.
• Experience working with diverse ethnic, racial and economic populations required.
• Prior experience with homeless is helpful.
• Able to follow directions and work harmoniously with staff and guests.
• Computer literacy preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills required.
• Bi-Lingual/Spanish speaking preferred.
• Valid, active Massachusetts (MA) driver's license and good driving record required. Applicants who do not possess a valid MA driver's license are eligible for hire but must obtain a valid, active MA driver's license within the first six (6) months of employment and thereafter maintain such license as conditions of employment.