Case Manager and Substance Abuse Counselor

Case Manager & Substance Abuse Counselor Children First Community Homes and Services, Inc. | Full-Time | In Person Position Summary The Case Manager & Substance Abuse Counselor is responsible for coordinating the placement and ongoing case management of youth served in Children First Community Homes and Services' At-Risk Group Home programs, while also providing direct substance abuse counseling and co-occurring disorder support services. This position manages intake processes, conducts substance abuse assessments, delivers individual and group counseling, builds relationships with community stakeholders, and ensures that each youth's educational, medical, clinical, substance abuse treatment, and life skills needs are met in accordance with agency standards, DCF licensing requirements, and applicable substance abuse regulations under Florida Statute 397 and

FAC 65D-30.

Because the youth served may present with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, this position must be equipped to provide integrated, trauma-informed, and culturally competent services that address both dimensions of a youth's treatment needs simultaneously. Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesIntake & Placement Coordination Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Intake and Placement Departments, external Case Managers, DCF representatives, and community partners to coordinate youth program entrance. Request and assist in gathering intake applications and comprehensive case information through the assessment and case planning process to support placement decisions. Conduct structured intake interviews with prospective youth to assess placement needs, strengths, behavioral history, and presenting concerns prior to admission. Complete all required intake documentation, screening tools, and initial assessments at the time of admission in accordance with agency, DCF, and accreditation body requirements. Facilitate and attend virtual orientations with new intakes. Conduct in-person intake meetings with clients at the group home, including after-hours as needed. Schedule medical and dental appointments within 24 business hours prior to or immediately following placement. Case Management & Service Planning Develop, implement, and update individualized Care Plans for each client. Prepare and maintain Service Plans at intake and on a quarterly basis. Document client progress using daily group home notes and distribute updates to relevant case managers and providers. Conduct Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessments and integrate findings into service planning. Visit all clients bi-weekly to monitor compliance, safety, and overall wellbeing. Coordinate and attend all staffings, MDT meetings, COP meetings, ESSA meetings, and other interdisciplinary meetings pertaining to each client. Attend court hearings virtually or in person as required, representing the agency and advocating for the needs and best interests of the youth served. Prepare court summaries, progress reports, and supporting documentation in advance of all scheduled hearings. Co-lead meetings and provide updates on agency programming and client progress to all relevant stakeholders. Educational Coordination Maintain working knowledge of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans. Schedule and coordinate IEP and 504 meetings with schools on behalf of youth. Collaborate with school board representatives to assess and address each youth's educational needs. Prepare quarterly educational progress reports and initiate educational planning meetings as needed. Substance Abuse Counseling & Co-Occurring Disorder Services Conduct comprehensive substance abuse assessments using standardized screening tools such as the CRAFFT, AUDIT, DAST, or GAIN-Q3 to identify the nature, severity, and impact of substance use on each youth's functioning and treatment needs. Develop individualized Substance Abuse Treatment Plans in coordination with the clinical team, incorporating identified goals, measurable objectives, and evidence-based interventions. Provide individual substance abuse counseling sessions addressing triggers, relapse prevention, coping strategies, refusal skills, and the relationship between substance use and behavioral health. Facilitate group counseling sessions focused on substance abuse education, recovery skills, peer support, and co-occurring disorder management. Utilize evidence-based treatment modalities appropriate for adolescents and young adults, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Seeking Safety, and Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA). Screen for and address co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders using an integrated, trauma-informed treatment approach. Collaborate with psychiatrists, therapists, medical providers, and case managers to ensure coordinated, whole-person care for youth with co-occurring disorders. Monitor each youth's progress toward substance abuse treatment goals and adjust treatment plans as clinically indicated. Maintain all substance abuse counseling documentation in compliance with Florida Statute 397, FAC 65D-30, HIPAA, and agency policy. Participate in substance abuse treatment reviews, clinical staffings, and multidisciplinary team meetings as they relate to each youth's substance use treatment needs. Provide psychoeducation to youth and supportive adults regarding the effects of substance use, co-occurring disorders, and the recovery process. Connect youth with community-based substance abuse resources, peer recovery support services, and aftercare treatment programs as part of the transition and discharge planning process. Clinical Support & Life Skills Programming Create and facilitate weekly Life Skills Training sessions and group programming aligned with individualized Service Plans. Prepare weekly clinical progress notes consistent with each client's diagnosis and behavioral presentation. Distribute clinical notes weekly to the Agency Director, Residential Group Home Manager, and other designated providers. Documentation & Records Management Gather case information from all group home locations and create and maintain comprehensive, organized client files on a weekly basis. Maintain client files in a structured format organized according to the specific requirements of each applicable licensing and accreditation body, including but not limited to DCF, AHCA, The Joint Commission, COA, and any other regulatory bodies overseeing agency operations. Ensure each client file contains all required documentation for each licensing or accreditation standard, with sections clearly labeled and up to date at all times. Conduct regular internal file audits to identify and resolve missing, outdated, or incomplete documentation before external reviews or audits occur. Track and follow up on outstanding documentation across all programs to ensure full compliance with DCF annual audit requirements and accreditation standards. Maintain confidentiality and security of all client records in accordance with HIPAA, Florida Statute 409.175, and agency policy. Discharge Planning & Aftercare Prepare thorough Discharge Summaries for each client upon exit from the program. Develop individualized Aftercare Plans that include: ◦ Community service coordination for the youth and their family or caregiver. ◦ Service referrals with barriers to access identified and addressed. ◦ A minimum of two (2) contacts per month for six (6) months post-discharge, with face-to-face contact preferred; telehealth may also be utilized. Perform other duties as assigned. Must maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed. Preferred QualificationsEducation & Experience Pathways Option 1 - Minimum Qualification Pathway Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, Addiction Studies, Criminal Justice, or a related field. Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) credential or currently working toward certification preferred. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Case Management, Substance Abuse Counseling, Child Welfare, Human Services, ABA, or Psychiatric Case Management. Option 2 - Preferred Qualification Pathway Master's Degree in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling, Psychology, Addiction Medicine, or a related field. Licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Certified Addictions Professional (CAP) preferred. Minimum of two (2) years of experience conducting substance abuse assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing direct substance abuse counseling services. Experience working with at-risk youth, foster care youth, juvenile justice-involved youth, or youth with co-occurring behavioral health and substance use disorders strongly preferred. Additional Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated knowledge of Florida Statute 397, FAC 65D-30, and DCF substance abuse licensing requirements. Experience using standardized substance abuse screening and assessment tools such as CRAFFT, GAIN-Q3, AUDIT, or DAST. Proficiency in evidence-based treatment modalities including Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Seeking Safety, and A-CRA. Demonstrated ability to make complex, high-stakes decisions and balance the needs of multiple stakeholders. Culturally competent and sensitive to the socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds of the youth and families served. Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate service delivery, and maintain compliance across multiple regulatory frameworks. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional clinical documentation, court reports, and treatment summaries. Additional Requirements Valid Florida Driver's License with an acceptable driving record. Reliable personal transportation. Ability to pass Level II Background Screening. Ability to complete all agency-required training requirements. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and on-call responsibilities as needed. Compensation & Benefits Salary Range $37,000 to $45,000 annually: Bachelor's Degree and relevant experience. $45,000 to $52,000 annually: Master's Degree and/or extensive clinical experience. Salary placement is based upon education, experience, certifications, and demonstrated qualifications. Benefits Medical insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Paid time off Medical Specialties Served Addiction Medicine Psychiatry Reports To Agency Director or Clinical Supervisor Mission Impact The Case Manager & Substance Abuse Counselor plays a vital role in ensuring that each youth in care receives coordinated, comprehensive, and compassionate services from the moment of placement through successful transition. By integrating substance abuse counseling with case management, this position addresses the full spectrum of each youth's needs and directly advances Children First Community Homes and Services' mission of creating stability, opportunity, and positive futures for youth in care.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$37,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

Addiction Medicine Psychiatry Experience:

Case management: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person