Support Specialist / Trauma-Informed Counselor
2 days ago
Paterson
Job Description Support Specialist / Trauma-Informed Counselor Millicent Fenwick House (MFH) - Residential Community Reintegration Program (RCRP) Position Summary The Support Specialist / Trauma-Informed Counselor provides direct support services to justice-involved women participating in the Residential Community Reintegration Program (RCRP) at Millicent Fenwick House. The position focuses on promoting successful community reintegration through trauma-informed care, case management, substance use recovery support, life skills development, crisis intervention, and individualized service planning. Working within a gender-responsive and recovery-oriented environment, the Support Specialist assists residents in addressing barriers to successful reentry, maintaining employment, achieving recovery goals, strengthening coping skills, and developing healthy support systems. The ideal candidate possesses a Master's Degree in Social Work or a related behavioral health field and demonstrates experience working with individuals impacted by substance use disorders, trauma, incarceration, mental health challenges, and community reentry. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Trauma-Informed Case Management • Provide comprehensive trauma-informed case management services to residents., • Conduct intake assessments and assist with development of individualized service plans., • Monitor resident progress toward treatment, recovery, employment, educational, and reintegration goals., • Assist residents in identifying barriers to successful community reintegration and developing strategies to overcome them., • Maintain accurate and timely case documentation in accordance with program, contractual, and regulatory requirements., • Coordinate referrals to community-based resources, healthcare providers, behavioral health services, housing providers, and employment supports.Counseling and Recovery Support, • Provide supportive counseling, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducational interventions., • Facilitate individual and group sessions focused on:, • Trauma recovery, • Substance use recovery, • Relapse prevention, • Emotional regulation, • Healthy relationships, • Life skills development, • Reentry adjustment, • Assist residents in developing coping strategies to address trauma triggers and recovery challenges., • Support residents in maintaining recovery plans and accessing recovery support networks.Substance Use Disorder Support, • Demonstrate knowledge of substance use disorders, addiction, recovery processes, and evidence-based treatment approaches., • Monitor residents' engagement in treatment and recovery activities., • Assist residents in recognizing relapse warning signs and implementing prevention strategies., • Collaborate with clinical providers and treatment partners to support continuity of care., • Promote a recovery-oriented environment that supports long-term sobriety and wellness.Resident Advocacy and Support, • Serve as an advocate for residents while maintaining professional boundaries and program expectations., • Assist residents with employment readiness, educational goals, community engagement, and independent living skills., • Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support as needed., • Support residents in navigating systems including parole, community supervision, healthcare, and social services., • Participate in resident staffing meetings and interdisciplinary case reviews.Program Compliance and Documentation, • Maintain case files and documentation consistent with NJAC, NJDOC, licensing, contractual, and agency requirements., • Complete progress notes, assessments, referrals, service plans, and discharge summaries within required timeframes., • Participate in quality assurance activities and program audits., • Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies, and professional ethical standards.Team Collaboration, • Collaborate with residential staff, program leadership, clinicians, parole representatives, community providers, and other stakeholders., • Participate in staff meetings, trainings, supervision, and professional development activities., • Contribute to a positive, respectful, and trauma-informed residential environment. Qualifications Required • Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW), Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, or a related behavioral health field., • Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing case management, counseling, or supportive services in a behavioral health, substance use, corrections, reentry, or residential setting., • Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and gender-responsive programming., • Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery support practices, and relapse prevention strategies., • Strong written and verbal communication skills., • Ability to establish professional relationships with justice-involved individuals from diverse backgrounds., • Valid driver's license and ability to travel as needed.Preferred, • CADC or LCADC, • Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or License-Eligible Social Worker,., • Experience working within residential treatment, corrections, parole, reentry, or substance use recovery programs., • Training in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, Seeking Safety, or other evidence-based trauma-informed practices., • Experience facilitating psychoeducational or recovery groups.Core Competencies, • Trauma-Informed Care, • Substance Use Recovery Support, • Case Management, • Crisis Intervention, • Motivational Interviewing, • Resident Engagement, • Documentation and Compliance, • Cultural Competency, • Professional Ethics, • Collaboration and TeamworkPhysical Requirements, • Ability to work within a residential setting., • Ability to navigate stairs and multiple floors within the facility., • Ability to respond to emergencies and crisis situations., • Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.Position Classification, • Full-Time, • Exempt, • Reports to: Program Director or Clinical Supervisor Salary Range $45,000 - $55,000 annually Powered by JazzHR GWb1pUoTCM