Addiction Counselor

Addiction Counselor Position (part-time)

Recovery Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital

How to Apply:

Please go to https://www.massgeneral.org/careers/jobsearch.aspx, enter job number 3283373, and complete the online application. Please include a resume and a cover letter.

Position Overview

The Recovery Research Institute (RRI) within the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital is recruiting a half-time addiction counselor with a current Alcohol and Drug Counselor license (e.g., LADC) for a five-year National Institute of Health (NIH) funded study of youth substance use disorder treatment. The addiction counselor will co-lead manualized interventions consisting of group and individual therapy sessions. The therapies to be delivered contain elements of motivational enhancement therapy/cognitive-behavioral therapy (MET/CBT) and Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) therapies for which training will be provided. The position also involves working with a clinical research team to schedule appointments, and document and communicate relevant information about participant progress.

The ideal candidate will have masters-level clinical experience with adolescent and/or young adult substance use and addiction recovery, and familiarity with community-based 12-step mutual-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, or Narcotics Anonymous. Training in manualized therapy delivery will be provided along with research study procedures. Candidates without prior personal experience with 12-step fellowships will be required to attend some 12-step groups as part of their training to gain experience. The addiction counselor will be supervised by Drs. John F. Kelly and Brandon Bergman.

The Recovery Research Institute is a leading nonprofit research institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, dedicated to the advancement of addiction treatment and recovery. The RRI’s mission is to enhance the public health impact of addiction recovery science through the summary, synthesis, and dissemination of scientific findings and the conduct of novel research.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group therapy to adolescents and young adults with substance use disorder
• Complete study protocol training to ensure consistent delivery of study treatment(s)
• For those without prior 12-step experience attend ten 12-step meetings in the community as part of the training
• Independently track patient progress and document sessions in accordance with the study protocol
• Attend weekly supervision with PI and other clinical study staff to review protocol adherence and overall clinical approach
• Collaborate with patients, PI, and study staff to help maximize patient engagement (e.g., session attendance)
• Consult with PI and study clinicians to facilitate mandated reports when abuse is suspected (child, disabled adult, elder). Collaborate with staff from related MGH programs (HAVEN and Child Protection Team) as needed.
• Consult with RRI director/PI and other study staff to help support and manage participants in acute clinical distress

Skills/Abilities Required

• Ability to handle sensitive matters discreetly and maintain confidentiality
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively and complete tasks on time
• Highly motivated, independent, and capable of performing in a clinical research environment
• Strong sense of initiative and perseverance to carry through to completion of tasks
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication
• Adequate computer skills needed to carry out clinical/study responsibilities (see above)
• Knowledge in aspects of safety applicable to position; Knowledge of and compliance with institutional, JCAHO, HIPAA, and other regulatory bodies’ standards.
• Works effectively as part of a collaborative and interdisciplinary clinical research team

Licenses and Certifications

• Current license to practice psychotherapy in Massachusetts, including mental health counselor (LMHC), independent clinical social worker (LICSW), or equivalent
• Current Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) license

Education

• Masters degree or higher in behavioral health field, including mental health counseling, social work, or equivalent

Experience

• Experience with, and interest in, addiction treatment and recovery
• Experience delivering evidence-based treatments to adolescents and young adults with substance use disorder and/or other psychiatric disorders is preferred
• Familiarity with community-based 12-step mutual-help groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous) is preferred

Working Conditions

• Office environment

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.