Position History:  For more than 22 years, Mercer Council has partnered with the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) to provide substance use evaluations for incarcerated juveniles, adolescents, and young adults (ages 14–24). Using the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) evidence-based guidelines, we help ensure youth receive the correct level of care and appropriate treatment recommendations.

Expected Hours:  This is a full-time, 40-hour position requiring schedule flexibility. Evaluations must be completed promptly to support weekly Classification Board deadlines. While all incarcerated youth interviews are in-person, some community-based interviews may be conducted in person or virtually. Report writing may be done: On-site, at the office, at home (with strict confidentiality protocols)

Position Perks:  ● Access to free or reduced-cost trainings, CEUs, and scholarship-eligible learning opportunities through YJC and Mercer Council’s nonprofit status ● Flexible work options during report writing ● Opportunities for professional growth in a specialized, in-demand clinical field

Core Responsibilities: ● Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial substance use assessments with committed juveniles ages 14–24 in person ● Review collateral documentation from the YJC intranet to support assessment accuracy ● Apply ASAM Criteria to determine appropriate level of care and advise the YJC Classification Board ● Utilize the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) to assess readiness for change ● Apply DSM-5 diagnostic standards specifically related to Substance Use Disorders ● Administer and interpret PADDI-5 and other standardized assessment tools ● Prepare thorough, clinically supported reports summarizing substance use severity and recommended level of care ● Submit evaluations promptly to ensure availability for Wednesday Classification Board review

Essential Qualifications: ● Current, valid New Jersey licensure or Certification in one of the following: CADC or LCADC ● Ability to pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting ● Trained in Motivational Interviewing and/or substantial graduate-level coursework in Substance Use Disorders (if not already CADC/LCADC-certified) ● Commitment to legal and ethical standards, including confidentiality, proper documentation, and mandated reporting ● Ability to maintain timely, accurate clinical records

Preferred Qualifications: ● Additional licensure or credentials such as LAC, LPC, LCSW, LISW, LCMHC, LCPC, LMHC, or Clinical Psychologist ● Bilingual applicants strongly preferred (Spanish) ● Experience working with adolescents and young adults ● Crisis intervention experience ● Comfort working in highly structured, controlled environments (correctional settings)

Application Process: To apply or request more information, please submit: Resume, Mercer Council job application (on website), Short cover letter. Email all materials to: Mercer Jobs – jobs@mercercouncil.org