Support Specialist / Trauma-Informed Counselor

Support Specialist / Trauma-Informed Counselor
Millicent Fenwick House (MFH) - Residential Community Reintegration Program (RCRP)
Position Summary
The Support Specialist / Trauma-Informed Counselor provides direct support services to justice-involved women participating in the Residential Community Reintegration Program (RCRP) at Millicent Fenwick House. The position focuses on promoting successful community reintegration through trauma-informed care, case management, substance use recovery support, life skills development, crisis intervention, and individualized service planning.
Working within a gender-responsive and recovery-oriented environment, the Support Specialist assists residents in addressing barriers to successful reentry, maintaining employment, achieving recovery goals, strengthening coping skills, and developing healthy support systems.
The ideal candidate possesses a Master's Degree in Social Work or a related behavioral health field and demonstrates experience working with individuals impacted by substance use disorders, trauma, incarceration, mental health challenges, and community reentry.

• Provide comprehensive trauma-informed case management services to residents.
• Conduct intake assessments and assist with development of individualized service plans.
• Monitor resident progress toward treatment, recovery, employment, educational, and reintegration goals.
• Assist residents in identifying barriers to successful community reintegration and developing strategies to overcome them.
• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation in accordance with program, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate referrals to community-based resources, healthcare providers, behavioral health services, housing providers, and employment supports.

• Provide supportive counseling, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducational interventions.
• Facilitate individual and group sessions focused on:
  • Trauma recovery
  • Substance use recovery
  • Relapse prevention
  • Emotional regulation
  • Healthy relationships
  • Life skills development
  • Reentry adjustment
• Assist residents in developing coping strategies to address trauma triggers and recovery challenges.
• Support residents in maintaining recovery plans and accessing recovery support networks.

• Demonstrate knowledge of substance use disorders, addiction, recovery processes, and evidence-based treatment approaches.
• Monitor residents' engagement in treatment and recovery activities.
• Assist residents in recognizing relapse warning signs and implementing prevention strategies.
• Collaborate with clinical providers and treatment partners to support continuity of care.
• Promote a recovery-oriented environment that supports long-term sobriety and wellness.

• Serve as an advocate for residents while maintaining professional boundaries and program expectations.
• Assist residents with employment readiness, educational goals, community engagement, and independent living skills.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support as needed.
• Support residents in navigating systems including parole, community supervision, healthcare, and social services.
• Participate in resident staffing meetings and interdisciplinary case reviews.

• Maintain case files and documentation consistent with NJAC, NJDOC, licensing, contractual, and agency requirements.
• Complete progress notes, assessments, referrals, service plans, and discharge summaries within required timeframes.
• Participate in quality assurance activities and program audits.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies, and professional ethical standards.

• Collaborate with residential staff, program leadership, clinicians, parole representatives, community providers, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, supervision, and professional development activities.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful, and trauma-informed residential environment.

• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW), Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, or a related behavioral health field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing case management, counseling, or supportive services in a behavioral health, substance use, corrections, reentry, or residential setting.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and gender-responsive programming.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery support practices, and relapse prevention strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish professional relationships with justice-involved individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as needed.

• CADC or LCADC
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or License-Eligible Social Worker,.
• Experience working within residential treatment, corrections, parole, reentry, or substance use recovery programs.
• Training in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, Seeking Safety, or other evidence-based trauma-informed practices.
• Experience facilitating psychoeducational or recovery groups.

• Trauma-Informed Care
• Substance Use Recovery Support
• Case Management
• Crisis Intervention
• Motivational Interviewing
• Resident Engagement
• Documentation and Compliance
• Cultural Competency
• Professional Ethics
• Collaboration and Teamwork

• Ability to work within a residential setting.
• Ability to navigate stairs and multiple floors within the facility.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and crisis situations.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

• Full-Time
• Exempt
• Reports to: Program Director or Clinical Supervisor

Salary Range
$45,000 - $55,000 annually