Substance Use Counselor – Baton Rouge, LA

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• Meets qualifications of a Mental Health Professional (MHP) in Louisiana, including credentials such as LMSW, PLPC, PLMFT, CAC, RAC, or CIT
• education requirements vary depending on the credential held
• Minimum of one year of experience providing therapy services. Preferred experience in substance use treatment and working with individuals with dual diagnoses

Merakey is seeking a compassionate and skilled Substance Use Counselor to provide therapy services to individuals in substance use recovery. This role involves delivering both individual and group therapy, supporting client engagement, and collaborating with the treatment team to ensure comprehensive care.

Applicants must hold one of the following credentials: LMSW, PLPC, PLMFT, CAC, RAC, or CIT.

The starting rate is dependent upon the credential held, with a range of $22-$30 per hour.

This is a Fee-for-Service position, meaning you’ll be compensated per service provided-offering flexibility to create a schedule that fits your lifestyle. This role is ideal for professionals seeking autonomy, flexibility, and the opportunity to manage their own caseload.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide Individual and Group Therapy: Facilitate structured and open-topic group sessions and conduct individualized therapy tailored to each client’s stage of recovery and clinical needs.
• Conduct Clinical Assessments: Evaluate clients to determine appropriate services, considering both clinical necessity and readiness for change.
• Manage a Caseload: Maintain an active caseload, tracking treatment progress, engagement levels, and evolving needs while ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
• Conduct Assessments and Develop Treatment Plans: Complete clinical and SUD-specific assessments using tools such as ASAM criteria, create individualized treatment plans, and facilitate therapeutic group sessions aligned with each client’s diagnosis, goals, and stage of recovery.
• Engage and Motivate Clients: Use motivational interviewing and other clinical techniques to encourage participation, especially among resistant or disengaged individuals.
• Collaborate with the Treatment Team: Work closely with case managers and other team members to coordinate care, share updates, and ensure clients are connected to necessary community resources.

Benefits

Merakey offers generous benefits that promote well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.
• Retirement plan — both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
• DailyPay — access your pay when you need it!
• On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
• Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
• Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
• Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

Learn more about our full benefits package – https://www.merakey.org/careers/benefits

About Merakey

Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!