New Jersey Association on Correction·Paterson, New Jersey
Provide trauma-informed case management and counseling to justice-involved women to support successful community reintegration. Facilitate recovery-oriented sessions and coordinate community resources to address barriers to reentry and sobriety.
Support Specialist / Trauma-Informed Counselor Millicent Fenwick House (MFH) - Residential Community Reintegration Program (RCRP)
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. Essential
Trauma-Informed Case Management 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. Counseling and Recovery Support 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. Substance Use Disorder Support 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. Resident Advocacy and Support 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. Program Compliance and Documentation 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. Team Collaboration 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.
Required 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. Preferred 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. Core Competencies 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 Physical Requirements 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. Position Classification Full-Time Exempt Reports to: Program Director or Clinical Supervisor
$45,000 - $55,000 annually
Requires a Master's Degree in Social Work or a related behavioral health field and at least two years of experience in case management or counseling. Knowledge of trauma-informed care and substance use disorders is essential.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in New Jersey often draw steady demand from providers serving children, families, and community-based programs. These roles can be competitive because employers commonly look for a master’s degree, a valid clinical license, bilingual communication skills, and child welfare experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, and tailor your application to highlight licensure, language ability, and direct child welfare exposure.