SUD Counselor/ Assessor - Chester, PA
How this pay compares
This posting does not state an hourly rate. Open substance abuse counselor jobs in Pennsylvania post a median of $24.66 an hour, the middle half $24.17–$27.34, across 10 jobs that state their pay. Substance abuse counselors employed in Pennsylvania earn a median of $25.01 an hour (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).
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About the job
Job Title: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor/ Assessor
Position Type: Full-Time Location: Upper Darby, PA Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am-4:30pm
Position Summary
MVP Recovery is seeking a dependable and motivated SUD Counselor / Assessor to join our outpatient substance use disorder treatment program for our new office in Upper Darby, PA!
This full-time clinical position combines substance use disorder assessments with individual and group counseling. The Counselor / Assessor will conduct comprehensive assessments, utilize ASAM Criteria to determine the appropriate level of care, provide outpatient counseling services, and connect individuals with appropriate treatment and community resources based on their assessed needs.
The ideal candidate demonstrates strong clinical judgment, excellent communication and organizational skills, and a high level of initiative, accountability, and follow-through.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive substance use disorder assessments and clinical interviews.
- Utilize ASAM Criteria to determine and document appropriate level-of-care recommendations.
- Identify treatment needs and connect individuals with appropriate internal or external services and resources.
- Coordinate with internal staff, including Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS), and outside providers when referrals or additional levels of care are needed.
- Provide individual SUD counseling and facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational groups.
- Develop individualized treatment plans and monitor client progress toward treatment goals.
- Utilize evidence-informed approaches, including Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, relapse prevention, and trauma-informed practices.
- Recognize co-occurring behavioral health concerns and make appropriate referrals.
- Utilize effective verbal de-escalation and crisis-intervention skills when needed.
- Complete assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, referrals, and other required clinical documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
- Participate in clinical supervision, case consultation, staff meetings, and required training.
Qualifications
Candidates must meet applicable Pennsylvania DDAP requirements for the position, including a qualifying education and experience pathway such as:
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, behavioral health, or a related human services field; or
- Bachelor's degree in an applicable field with at least one year of clinical experience in drug and alcohol treatment
Preferred Experience & Skills
- ASAM training and experience determining appropriate levels of care.
- Experience conducting SUD assessments.
- Experience providing individual counseling and facilitating groups.
- Knowledge of substance use disorders, co-occurring conditions, recovery, and relapse prevention.
- Strong de-escalation and client-engagement skills.
- Strong clinical documentation skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, time-management, and multitasking abilities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience with electronic health records and clinical documentation systems.
- Experience in a Pennsylvania SUD treatment setting preferred.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who is reliable, compassionate, organized, and clinically confident, with a strong work ethic and the ability to effectively balance assessment and counseling responsibilities.
Initiative and follow-through are essential. The successful candidate takes ownership of responsibilities, completes documentation and follow-up in a timely manner, communicates effectively with clients and team members, and ensures individuals are appropriately connected to services based on their assessed needs.
MVP Recovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package, opportunities for professional development, supportive clinical supervision, and a collaborative work environment dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting recovery.
If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals seeking recovery and wellness, we encourage you to apply.
From MVP Recovery's job posting, checked 13 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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