SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR- POLK CITY, 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?

Discover a rewarding career where you can find both personal and professional fulfillment while aligning your values with your work. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by aiding individuals in overcoming addiction. We pride ourselves on being an organization that values you and strives to be an employer of choice, fostering a vibrant culture that promotes teamwork and professional growth. Your voice matters here; we actively listen to and value our employees' thoughts, allowing you to be part of organizational decisions. Join Gateway Foundation today and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Counselors are responsible for:

• Conducting individual and group counseling sessions on drug prevention and education. Working collaboratively with the treatment team to assess the individual needs and tailor programming as needed. May incorporate client discharge plans that integrate aftercare prevention techniques.
• Preparing dividualized treatment plan, in accordance with established standards and deadlines, consistent with assessment, and in conjunction with client and supervisor; to include developmentally appropriate goals, interventions, necessary support or referral services, and so forth.
• Updating and maintaining client records, which includes recording clinical hours, therapeutic treatments, activity or group participation, job readiness progress, and so forth; in accordance with all local, state and federal contractual requirements. Ensuring records are complete, accurate, and up to date.
• Serving as a member of the treatment team by monitoring and reporting client observations, incidents or unusual occurrences; contributing to decisions regarding treatment plans, discipline, conflict intervention or privileges. Assisting team in maintaining consistent setting for treatment, and planning and coordinating client interaction events.
• Performing a variety of related office and technical duties as necessary such as answering telephones, relaying messages, responding to inquiries regarding program services and policies, filing, photocopying and faxing documents, planning special events, assembling intake packets, participating in client activities to promote socialization, overseeing client telephone calls, etc.
• Participating in Performance Improvement activities as appropriate.

Job Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a Human Service field from an accredited college or university
• Some previous experience substance use treatment/counseling and/or mental health counseling is preferred.
• Must be able to obtain Florida Department of Corrections clearance to work in the correctional institution.
• Candidates who hold the Florida certifications for addiction counseling (Certified Addiction Professional [CAP], Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional [CCJAP], Certified Associate Counselor [CAC]) would also meet the criteria.
• Current Certified Addictions Professional (CAP) or Masters Certified Addictions Counselor (MCAP) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) preferred, but not required (Gateway also assists with covering the cost of obtaining and maintaining credentials for career advancement, including CEUs!).
• Basic knowledge of the principles of human growth and psychosocial development
• Basic knowledge of group and individual dynamics, conflict resolution and intervention techniques based on client maturation level
• Basic understanding of mental health disorders requiring referrals
• Basic communication skills to exchange information and interact with various internal and external audiences regarding client care
• Active listening skills and social perceptiveness
• Ability to read and interpret policies and instructions
• Ability to understand side effects and impact of medications on client
• Adaptability / flexibility: ability to shift priorities

 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 record, proofread and check documents and files for accuracy, to prepare and analyze data and figures, transcribe, read
• Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data
• Ability to respond to telephones, and to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises

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.