Position Summary
The Substance Use Treatment Specialist provides substance use assessments, counseling, education, case management, and recovery support services to participants within reStart Inc.'s continuum of care. This position promotes recovery, participant safety, housing stability, and long-term well-being through evidence-informed, trauma-responsive, strengths-based, and person-centered approaches.
Reporting to the Clinical Program Manager, the Specialist develops individualized recovery goals, facilitates individual and group services, supports crisis intervention, and coordinates referrals to appropriate treatment and community resources. The position collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and external providers to strengthen continuity of care and reduce barriers to treatment and recovery.
The Specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate and timely service documentation, meeting established direct-service expectations, and complying with applicable professional, ethical, confidentiality, licensing, and funding requirements.
The Director collaborates across departments to promote sound financial practices, responsible resource management, operational efficiency, and sustainable mission delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Substance Use Assessment, Counseling & Recovery Support
Conduct substance use intake screenings and assessments, evaluate participant needs, and collaboratively develop individualized recovery and service plans.
Provide individual counseling, group counseling, substance use education, case management, and recovery support services within the scope of applicable credentials and professional qualifications.
Facilitate educational and therapeutic groups addressing substance use, recovery strategies, relapse prevention, coping skills, and related participant needs.
Conduct regular goal-setting and progress reviews, adjusting service plans based on participant needs, progress, and identified barriers.
Administer or coordinate substance use screenings and drug testing when clinically appropriate, authorized, and consistent with organizational procedures.
Utilize trauma-responsive engagement, de-escalation, and crisis intervention techniques to support participant and workplace safety.
Deliver services that respect participant dignity, autonomy, cultural experiences, individual strengths, and recovery goals.
Case Management, Coordination & Continuity of Care
Coordinate individualized case management and referrals to substance use treatment, behavioral health services, housing resources, healthcare, and other community supports.Collaborate with internal program teams and external treatment providers to strengthen continuity of care and support participant progress.Develop and maintain professional partnerships with community treatment providers and recovery support organizations.Participate in interdisciplinary case consultations, service planning, staff meetings, and relevant professional development activities.Support participant transitions between levels of care and services through appropriate referrals, follow-up, and coordination.
Service Documentation, Performance & Compliance
Provide and document a minimum of 17 direct-service hours per week, including applicable counseling, education, case management, and crisis intervention services, consistent with program requirements.Complete required service documentation and data entry within 48 hours of service delivery, unless a shorter deadline is established by applicable requirements.Maintain accurate, complete, confidential, and professionally appropriate participant records within designated case management and reporting systems.Comply with applicable confidentiality requirements, professional ethics, organizational policies, licensing standards, and grant or funding conditions.Maintain awareness of relevant program requirements and contribute to statistical, service utilization, and participant outcome reporting.Protect confidential participant and organizational information and disclose it only as authorized or legally required.
Program Quality, Partnerships & Professional Development
Contribute to program planning, service improvements, educational materials, and the development of effective recovery support practices.Support the Clinical Program Manager in monitoring service quality, participant outcomes, documentation accuracy, and program objectives.Participate in required training, supervision, professional development, and applicable community or funder meetings, including COMBAT-related activities when assigned.Maintain applicable professional credentials, continuing education, and competency requirements.Demonstrate professional communication, sound judgment, ethical boundaries, teamwork, and accountability when engaging participants, colleagues, funders, and community partners.Perform other related duties as assigned in support of program objectives and reStart's mission.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Education & Credentials
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, or a related field required; master's degree preferred.Current applicable substance use treatment credential or eligibility to obtain the required credential through the Missouri Credentialing Board, consistent with assigned duties and program requirements.Must maintain all credentials, supervision arrangements, and professional qualifications necessary to perform assigned services.
Required Experience
Minimum two (2) years of relevant experience in substance use services, behavioral health, case management, homelessness services, domestic violence services, or related human services.Demonstrated understanding of substance use disorders, recovery-oriented practices, trauma-informed care, and participant-centered service delivery.Experience conducting assessments, developing individualized service plans, providing case management, and coordinating community resources.Ability to respond professionally to crisis situations and apply appropriate de-escalation techniques.Strong interpersonal communication, documentation, organizational, and collaborative problem-solving skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Office, electronic case management systems, and database documentation.Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, ethical conduct, and sound judgment.Valid driver's license when driving is an essential function of the position.Successful completion of applicable pre-employment screening requirements, consistent with law and organizational policy.
Preferred Experience
Experience providing substance use counseling, recovery support, or behavioral health services to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.Familiarity with Missouri substance use treatment resources, recovery support networks, and community partnerships.Experience with grant-funded programs, service outcome reporting, and interdisciplinary care coordination.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Substance Use Assessment & Recovery Support Trauma-Informed Care Individual & Group Counseling Case Management Crisis Intervention & De-escalation Participant-Centered Service Delivery Clinical Documentation Professional Ethics & Confidentiality Community Resource Coordination Cultural Responsiveness Interdisciplinary Collaboration Accountability Continuous Improvement
MEASURES OF SUCCESS
Success in this role will be demonstrated through:
Consistent delivery and documentation of required direct-service hours.Timely, accurate, and compliant participant documentation.Meaningful participant engagement, individualized recovery planning, and progress toward established goals.Effective coordination of treatment referrals and supportive services.Appropriate professional boundaries, crisis response, confidentiality, and ethical practice.Compliance with applicable credentialing, training, funding, and program requirements.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS
Works in clinical, shelter, housing, office, and community-based environments as assigned.May interact with participants experiencing behavioral health challenges, substance use concerns, trauma, housing instability, or crisis situations.Must maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, situational awareness, and appropriate safety practices.May require local travel, schedule flexibility, and participation in program-related meetings or training.Must perform assigned duties consistent with professional credentials, organizational policies, and applicable safety requirements.
reStart Inc. CORE VALUES & ATTRIBUTES
All reStart Inc. team members are expected to demonstrate:
Mission Commitment: Commitment to reStart's mission of empowering people, ending homelessness, and inspiring hope.Integrity: Honesty, accountability, confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical decision-making.Collaboration: Builds productive relationships across teams, participants, leadership, and community partners.Compassion: Engages others with empathy, respect, dignity, care, and professionalism.Solution-Focused Mindset: Approaches challenges with initiative, adaptability, sound judgment, and practical solutions.Excellence: Demonstrates high standards for service quality, responsiveness, accountability, and continuous improvement.
