Mental Health Counselor- LSW

The South Jersey AIDS Alliance is a caring, compassionate organization dedicated to the fight against HIV / AIDS, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce barriers to care for individuals and families in our community. We provide client-centered services that promote dignity, equity, and well-being, and we are looking for a Mental Health Counselor to join our team!

• About the Role

The Mental Health Counselor provides trauma-informed counseling, supportive interventions, and health promotion services that reduce harm, strengthen emotional well-being, and improve access to ongoing care. The Mental Health Counselor works collaboratively with clients, team members, and community partners to address barriers, build trust, and empower individuals in pursuing self-defined goals.

• Please note, SJAA is unable to provide clinical hours or clinical supervision for this role. _
• Target Start Date for this position is : January 12, 2026_
• What Youll Do
• Foster a positive, respectful, and mission-driven work environment.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with clients, colleagues, and community providers to improve care coordination.
• Conduct mental health screenings and assessments to determine client needs and risk levels.
• Provide psycho-social counseling, supportive counseling, and behavioral health interventions tailored to individual client goals.
• Facilitate individual and / or group counseling sessions in alignment with program requirements.
• Use motivational interviewing and harm reduction principles to support behavioral change and engagement in care.
• Promote informed health decision-making through ongoing health education and wellness support.
• Make referrals to therapy, long-term counseling, social services, medical care, or other supports as needed; ensure timely follow-up.
• Ensure sessions are conducted privately and in appropriate, accessible settings.
• Monitor client progress and evaluate outcomes against program objectives.
• Collect and maintain all required documentation in accordance with agency and funding requirements.
• Respond appropriately to urgent or crisis situations.
• Conduct routine follow-ups and solicit client feedback to support continuous quality improvement.
• Prepare and submit timely monthly program reports.
• Maintain flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel across locations based on program needs.
• Assist with coverage and support for other agency sites as needed.
• Attend required meetings and trainings.
• What Were Looking For
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW or LCSW), or comparable professional licensure required.
• Valid New Jersey Drivers License required.
• 1-3 years of professional experience (post-internship) providing mental health counseling, harm reduction services, behavioral interventions, or supportive counseling; experience working with individuals affected by substance use, trauma, or HIV is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to provide non-judgmental, person-centered support to individuals with diverse lived experiences.
• Working knowledge of HIV / AIDS, substance use, overdose prevention, sexual health, and related public health issues strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with local healthcare systems, community organizations, social services, and public benefits a plus.
• Strong documentation skills, including timely and accurate progress notes.
• Excellent interpersonal, listening, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, ethical standards, and confidentiality at all times.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working in sometimes fast-moving or emotionally intense environments.
• Why Youll Love Working Here
• Youll be part of a passionate team working to make a lasting difference in the lives of people affected by HIV / AIDS
• Collaborative, supportive team environment
• Competitive pay and benefits package, which includes :

o Vacation, sick, and personal time

o A paid winter break for all employees

o Medical and dental benefits

o 401K with an employer match

• Physical Demands & Working Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions unless such accommodation creates undue hardship.

• Work in a general office environment, including performing tasks on a computer; communicating verbally to exchange information, provide instructions, or convey ideas; reading and analyzing written materials; maintaining a stationary position at a workstation; exercising visual acuity to prepare and review information, operate a computer terminal, and utilize general office equipment.
• Occasional lifting or exerting force of up to 10 pounds
• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods as needed
• Walking / moving about work setting to accomplish tasks
• Perform duties in community and outdoor settings as required for street outreach activities, which may include extended periods of walking or standing, direct engagement with individuals in public spaces, and exposure to a variety of environmental and weather conditions.

The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Subject to climate-controlled office environments and requires flexibility to adapt to different environments as needed; employee may be substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions while doing street outreach.

• Potential exposure to individuals experiencing medical or behavioral health crises consistent with healthcare settings
• Must follow all agency infection control and safety procedures.
• Occasional travel will be required, regular travel required during the first 3-6 months for training.
• Employees are expected to participate in and assist with at least two South Jersey AIDS Alliance fundraising events each year, including the NJ AIDS Walk.

Job Type : Full-time

Pay : $67,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits :
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Experience :

• post-internship counseling : 1 year (Required)

License / Certification :

• LSW or LCSW (Required)

Work Location : In person

by Jobble