Community Engagement SUD Counselor Unity Inspired Lincoln, NE Job Details Full-time | Contract $49,042.74 - $59,062.23 a year 13 hours ago Benefits 401(k) Paid time off Flexible schedule Qualifications Youth programs teaching experience Writing skills CPR Driver's License Substance abuse counseling Bachelor's degree Driving Organizational skills Experience working with individuals with substance use disorders Experience working with individuals from underserved communities Substance abuse services in social work Full Job Description Position Summary The Community Engagement Addiction Counselor bridges the gap between formal clinical treatment and the community. This dual-role position requires an empathetic clinician who is equally comfortable providing evidence-based substance use disorder (SUD) counseling and hitting the pavement to conduct community outreach, build relationships with local partners, and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction treatment. The ideal candidate meets clients where they are—both literally and metaphorically. Core Responsibilities1. Clinical Practice & Case Management Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to evaluate the existence and severity of substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized, person-centered treatment plans. Provide high-quality individual and group counseling utilizing evidence-based modalities like Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Coordinate care with external medical professionals, social services, housing programs, and legal systems to ensure holistic client support. Facilitates clinical groups with Justice involved individuals in both an office setting and/or correctional facility Works cohesively with Problem Solving Courts and all Treatment Providers to provide a high level of support 2. Community Outreach & Engagement Design and execute active outreach strategies to engage vulnerable, unhoused, or hard-to-reach populations struggling with substance use. Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and local community stakeholders (e.g., syringe service programs, shelters, emergency rooms, community centers, and faith-based groups). Deliver educational presentations, workshops, and harm reduction training (including Naloxone/Narcan distribution and education) to community groups and families. Represent the agency at local task forces, neighborhood coalition meetings, and health fairs. 3. Compliance & Documentation Maintain accurate, timely, and strictly confidential electronic health records (EHR) in compliance with

HIPAA, 42 CFR

Part 2, and state licensing standards. Complete progress notes, discharge summaries, and incident reports within established agency timelines (typically within 24-48 hours of service). Track outreach metrics, community attendance data, and engagement outcomes for grant reporting purposes.

Role RequirementsEducation & Experience Minimum:

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a closely related field.

Experience:

Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working directly with individuals with substance use disorders, with a documented history of community organizing, street outreach, or public health advocacy. Certifications & Licenses Active state certification or licensure in substance abuse counseling is required (e.g., LADC, PLADC or equivalent depending on the state). Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and clean driving record (significant local travel required). CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).

Core Competencies Harm Reduction Philosophy:

Deep understanding of and commitment to harm reduction principles alongside traditional abstinence-based recovery frameworks.

Cultural Humility:

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build genuine trust with diverse socioeconomic, racial, and marginalized populations.

Crisis De-escalation:

Strong skills in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed care.

Autonomy:

High level of self-motivation and the ability to work independently in non-traditional community settings.

Physical Demands & Work Environment Environment:

Split between a standard office/clinical setting and various community environments (shelters, streets, community centers, transitional living). Exposure to weather conditions should be expected during outreach shifts.

Schedule:

Generally Monday through Friday, but requires flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends to match community events or high-need outreach hours.

Pay:

$49,042.74 - $59,062.23 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Flexible schedule Paid time off People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person