Substance Abuse Specialist

Company: Suncoast Center
Location: Saint Petersburg
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Suncoast Center, a leader in quality behavioral health services, is seeking a substance abuse specialist to join our Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) mental health team. This role is essential in providing psychotherapy and case management to individuals with co-occurring disorders. The position requires strong organizational skills, professionalism, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, client-centered environment. Suncoast Center has devoted over 75 years to ensuring the community has access to mental health services and support to individuals in need. Job Duties: Provides counseling using solution-based strategies and co-occurring strategies of intervention that are recovery oriented and that are consistent with best practice principles. Uses respectful and competency-based words and actions with clients and families while ensuring that client oriented treatment plan goals are incorporated into interventions. As continuing case coordinator for a group of assigned clients, ensures that all continuing documentation is completed in the required time frame; including status letters to the court, FASAMS, FARS treatment plan addendums and reviews and obtaining needed releases of information for client hospitalizations, doctor’s visits, etc. As case coordinator and in collaboration with the team, assists clients in developing realistic, effective and measurable treatment plan goals and objectives. Establishes and prioritizes behaviorally descriptive, realistic desired changes with clients, and develops a realistic plan for their accomplishment with appropriate time frames. Provides specific FACT services depending on staff responsibilities designated by team leader including ensuring clients have a safe and affordable place to live, necessary medical and dental services, financial support (employment and/or entitlements), ability to learn activities of daily living, vocational assistance, activities for leisure time, substance abuse treatment and other services client may request and have on individualized treatment plan. As case coordinator for a group of assigned clients, ensures that all initial and ongoing documentation is completed in the required time frame. Ensures that all assessments, treatment plans and progress notes are completed with accuracy, attention to detail and demonstrate excellent clinical skills and judgment and involve the client and his/her family input, if appropriate. Completes all other documentation correctly and in the required time frame including progress notes with objectives to treatment plan clearly stated and other documentation as requested by the team leader or needed to ensure all client records are complete. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, cooperates and participates fully with the FACT Team on-call response system. Provides on-call crisis intervention covering nighttime and weekend hours as requested. Demonstrates flexibility in support of the overall mission of the FACT Team Program in the delivery of the on-call services. Participates in daily staff organizational meetings and treatment planning review meetings. Discusses cases appropriately at staffing. When not able to be present at a daily meeting, calls in with or provides a written summary of client contacts over the previous 24-hour period. Coordinates with client’s family members, other FACT staff and community supports to ensure client needs are met and all involved with client’s treatment work together. Meets with team leader for supervision as necessary; discuss cases appropriately and maintains excellence in clinical practice. Accomplishes individual goals Minimum Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree required in social work, clinical psychology or related human services field. Bachelor’s level substance abuse specialists must be certified as a Certified Addiction Professional in accordance with Chapter 397, F.S. at the time of employment, or within one year of employment. Licensure: Not Required. Prefer license eligible. Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5pm. Must be available for rotation schedule shift of 10:30am-7:00pm. Experience: At least two years’ experience with individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders. Excellent clinical skills with a recovery orientation. Additional Requirements: Must be able to complete a level II background screening and pre-employment drug test in compliance with Florida Law. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must be able to provide official transcripts. Working Conditions: Required to drive own car and/or company vehicle. Must meet established insurance requirements. FACT office, as well as in the community where most contacts occur. Exposure to extreme heat and humidity during the summer months. On-call covering nighttime and weekend hours as requested Computer Literate Suncoast Center, Inc. is a drug-free workplace and follows federal guidelines/regulations related to marijuana use EOE/ADA/VETERANS/DFWP All positions require a screening through the Clearinghouse. This site was implemented under the directive of House Bill 531 (2025). https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Keywords: Suncoast Center, Egypt Lake-Leto , Substance Abuse Specialist, Healthcare , Saint Petersburg, Florida