SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR III - LAKELAND, FL

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why join us?

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth, while embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion for every individual in every community. When you join us, you'll discover personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

We are honored to offer behavioral healthcare services in Corrections

Perks of working in correctional healthcare:

• Opportunity to make a positive impact on a marginalized population
• Exposure to diverse patient demographics
• Focus on driving change, tracking progress, and improving care
• Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting

Location: 5151 S. Lakeland Dr, Lakeland FL 33813

Substance Abuse Counselors Level III are responsible for:

• Maintaining a caseload which includes completing comprehensive assessments, preparing individualized developmentally appropriate treatment plans, and providing indiidual and group counseling and educational services in support of treatment plans.
• Maintaining regular contact with insurance providers to report client treatment progress and obtain required certifications for continued stays. Depending on Center or site assigned, part-time positions may not maintain a caseload.
• Developing and implementing complex treatment and discharge plans for clients with dual diagnoses, social or mental health issues; and conducting intensive or comprehensive interventions as necessary, such as family or domestic violence counseling.
• Reporting caseload activities and progress to supervisor as required. Maintaining records and charts in accordance with organizational, regulatory, accreditation, and contractual standards.
• Designing, implementing and integrating intensive service program to address particular social or psychological problems affecting portion of client population, e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault, grief, and so forth.
• Serving as professional resource, and providing clinical supervision to other counselors as needed. Auditing client records prepared by others to ensure compliance with required documentation and service delivery. Providing assessments of special needs clients, and advice and guidance necessary to resolve complex case problems. Demonstrating and/or instructing on appropriate procedures, modalities and techniques.
• As requested and appropriate, developing and presenting introductory and continuing education programs on subjects related to assigned specialty for other Counselors or Technicians. Training and overseeing assigned Interns.
• Collaborating with supervisor or other psychiatric, social work, or medical professionals on specific case-related issues to maintain continuity of care, and to aid in achieving therapeutic and restorative goals for clients.
• Creating positive working relationships with local social service agencies and community organizations. Researching and evaluating services provided by each to utilize them as sources in client referrals.
• Serving on variety of department or site committees necessary to plan and evaluate treatment programs and client services. Contributing to continuous improvement of treatment protocols, procedures and results.
• May assume responsibility for supervision of Counselors in absence of supervisor.
• Participating in performance improvement activities as appropriate.
• Completing comprehensive assessments of clients’ substance abuse history and treatment requirements, and developing individualized treatment plan.
• Providing individual and group counseling and may facilitate didactic groups.
• Documenting treatment and discharge plans, and clients’ progress and responses to treatment; and maintaining related records and charts.
• Performing case management and contributing to client care monitoring.

Job Requirements:

• Masters degree in Human Services field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience within mental health or SUD counseling.
• Current licensure or certification as an alcohol, drug, or substance abuse counselor preferred (CAP, MCAP, LCSW, LMFT or LMHC).
• Must be able to obtain Florida Department of Corrections clearance.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk and move about the facilities for up to two hours at a time, to monitor and interact with clients
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data
• Ability to record, proofread and check documents and files for accuracy
• Ability to respond to telephones, and to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises

Compensation (based on experience and credentials):

• Starting pay is $56,867.00 and goes up based on experience.
• Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

Health and Wellness:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
• Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and Time Off:

• 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.