Substance Use Counselor

Who we are:

At Better Life Partners, we provide what it takes to heal from addiction. Wherever. Whenever.

We work alongside community-based organizations to meet our members where they are, no matter what recovery looks like to them. By combining virtual and in-person counseling, community support, and access to life-saving medication, we help people move beyond addiction to find belonging, love, and purpose. 

If you’re looking to roll up your sleeves and meet hard challenges head-on, then we’re looking for you.

The role:

Our Vermont team is seeking experienced Substance Use Counselor to provide group counseling, psychoeducation, and related interventions for individuals struggling with addiction and who are seeking long-term recovery with medication assistance.

As a Counselor, you will interact regularly with members, referral sources, field staff, and members of the local community. You will be a critical resource for members and community partners, guiding them on the path to recovery. 

Reporting to Vermont’s State Director, you will work side by side with a high impact team of medical providers, counselors, and coordinators, helping members to thrive. Your work is essential and your constant feedback will be expected to help members reach the best outcome possible.

This is a hybrid role with the majority of time spent in telehealth or zoom meetings from your home office. Travel to local meetings, state events, or to meet business needs is expected as necessary. Unless otherwise agreed, candidates must reside in Vermont. 

• Employing Better Life Partners (BLP)  harm reduction model of care, meeting member’s where they are on their recovery journey, and taking a phased approach to counseling
• Facilitating group therapy sessions for BLP members, primarily through telehealth and zoom meetings
• Participate in assessments and intakes for new members
• Counseling one-on-one with members, when necessary
• Managing group dynamics and the ability to work with difficult individual behavior with strong, professional judgment and in a way that does not jeopardize group integrity
• Familiarizing with and utilizing Better Life Partners evidence-based curriculum guides and training
• Formulating and maintaining treatment plans for each member served
• Utilizing the EMR and providing detailed feedback and maintaining clinical progress notes on members
• Collaborating with community partners and Better Life Partners providers on case management and care coordination efforts
• Adhering to professional and ethical work standards, enforcing appropriate counselor/member boundaries
• Maintaining compliance with federal, state and local regulations for licensing and billing purposes
• Attending and engaging in regular training, company meetings, monthly counselor consultation, regular clinical supervision, and interdisciplinary meetings

• Vermont License/certification as ADC, LADC, LICSW, LCMHC
• Bachelor’s degree in mental health, social work, psychology, addictions, or related human service field; a graduate degree is preferred
• A license to practice in the state of Vermont, which is active and good standing
• Must be willing and able to be fully credentialed and insured. A license verification will be done during the interview process and is a contingency of hire.  
• A minimum of 2-3+ years of related experience working with substance use or related field

• Relevant experience in VT’s Hub and Spoke system and/or in an outpatient medical assisted treatment provider setting
• Understanding of the system of care and referral systems in VT
• Demonstrated experience leading groups therapy sessions, interacting, engaging, and connecting with individuals and groups over telehealth/zoom 
• Comfortable working with an EMR and/or EHR system, including updating clinical notes
• Willingness to travel locally within the communities we serve
• Must be able to have a flexible schedule, including the ability to work 1-2 evenings a week to meet our member’s needs
• Self-motivated to help as many people as possible 
• Team player with an “all hands on deck” positive attitude, organized/able to multitask
• Strong interpersonal skills and a professional demeanor required

• BLP operates in hybrid and remote work environments, which allows us to better meet our members and partners where they’re located. Candidates applying for this role must be willing and able to travel locally within the communities we serve and/or travel to onsite meetings as expected in coordination with their department and business needs.  

• Must have reliable internet service with a fast upload/download ability
• Ability to ensure any protected health or proprietary data/information is not visible (or audible)  to others in any work location
• Must have a quiet space to speak to members, team members, or external partners with minimal background noise and distractions

In addition to a competitive compensation package, we’re offering the chance to be the change you wish to see in your community. Help us work toward a future where everyone can have a healthy life filled with belonging, love, and purpose.

We’re a recovery-friendly workplace that values family life, diversity, equity, and inclusion.