Substance Abuse Counselor - (HEA00000071)

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

The mission of the SMU Health Service is to provide quality, caring, cost effective and convenient ambulatory healthcare and health education services in association with other university departments that promote healthy lifestyles and enhance academic productivity leading to satisfying and rewarding college experiences. 

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated substance abuse counselor to help provide guidance and support for our students. In this role, you are responsible for conducting intake assessments, individual counseling, group therapy, and case coordination services. In addition you are required to develop all Substance Use Disorder (SUD) programming and treatment. You are also called upon to provide consultation and help with coordination of peer recovery services on campus. 

To ensure success, the substance abuse counselor should be familiar with the latest treatment methods and collaborate with other mental health care specialists. Successful candidates will have excellent clinical knowledge and experience working with people in recovery.   

Essential Functions: 

• Provides assessment, individual counseling, group therapy, screening, information and education to persons requesting help. Evaluates clients' physical and mental behaviors, develops appropriate treatment and recovery plans, documents all services in the electronic health record, monitors clients over time to access treatment progress and case manages and refers to facilities and programs.
  

• Develops and implements early intervention and outreach program. Helps to develop a sober community program on campus.

• Collaborates regularly with counselors, psychiatrists, medical providers, and social workers. Assists primary caregivers to manage addiction-related behavior. Works collaboratively with the Office of Wellbeing, Dean of Students Office, and The Conduct Office.  

• Supports other counseling clinical services and programs.

• Occasional evening/weekend hours may be required for Outreach and Educational Programming. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Master's degree is required. Must be a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. 

A minimum of two years of experience is required. 

Experience with co-occurring health and mental health problems is required. Previous experience with the treatment of substance abuse disorders is preferred. Direct experience working with historically underrepresented populations is strongly preferred. Provision of substance abuse counseling in a collegiate setting is also preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.  

Candidate must have in-depth knowledge of drug and alcohol testing to monitor treatment plans and medical instructions.

Candidate ability to apply the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services’ (SAMHSA) best practice indicators is a plus. 

Candidate familiarity with electronic medical records is preferred. 

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.