Wheeler logo
Wheeler
Waterbury, Connecticut

Mental Health Counselor- MDFT OUD

CounselorIncludes callFull-Time

Listed compensation

$48k

The week · per this posting

Ask the employer about the work setting, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 40m ago · Verified live

Job Description

Wheeler's vision is that all people will have the opportunity to grow, change and live healthier, productive lives. Our mission is to provide equitable access to innovative care that improves health, recovery and growth at all stages of life.

Position Summary

The Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy Mental Health Counselor provides model adherent intensive in home clinical care coordination to adolescents with substance abuse and delinquent behaviors and their families.

This position maintains a positive and optimistic attitude and works collaboratively with internal and external providers to procure family needs and services.

The MDFT Mental Health Counselor completes documentation in an accurate, timely, and compliant manner consistent with regulatory guidelines to contribute to the financial viability of the program.

Salary

$48,000

$2,000 sign on! Half paid upon hire and half at one year of service.

Education and Experience/Qualifications

  • BA/BS degree is required plus a minimum of 3 years experience in the human services field is preferred.
  • Valid Drivers License is required. Safely operates vehicle in the community, based on program needs

LOCATION: Waterbury, CT

SCHEDULE: Full time

Employee Benefits

At Wheeler, we're committed to not only supporting your career growth but also ensuring your well-being and security. Here's how we invest in you:

Nurture Your Health

  • Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo
  • Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna
  • Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health

Secure Your Future

  • Enjoy peace of mind with company-paid life and AD&D insurance
  • 403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company

Fuel Your Career Growth

  • Pursue your educational goals with our Education Reimbursement Program
  • Access training and development opportunities
  • Qualify for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment programs
  • Receive a productivity incentive to recognize your hard work and dedication

Maintain Work-Life Harmony

Recharge with Generous Paid Time Off, Including

  • 15 vacation days per year to explore and recharge
  • 8 sick days per year for your well-being
  • 2 personal days per year for your personal needs
  • 2 floating holidays per year to celebrate what matters to you
  • 9 paid company holidays to spend with loved ones
  • Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provides coordination for referrals as well as establishes and maintains referral agreements and linkages with community referral sources or ancillary service provider.

Provides group and/or individual counseling to clients with appropriate supervision and coordinates treatment phases both internally and with contracted or external service providers.

Provides direct case management services and develops case management plans specific to each assigned client and family, including interventions necessary to increase the probability of treatment completion, and to improve life functioning.

Maintains records of case management activities for reporting and tracking purposes and completes all documentation for client medical records in accordance with documentation timelines and in compliance with Medicaid, licensing and other accreditations (e. g., treatment plans, treatment plan reviews, and progress notes).

Attends team meetings, staff meetings, or rounds to assist in coordinating case management and review of treatment plans.

Supports daily program specific operational functions as required. May transport clients to appointments or linkages as appropriate. May provide translation to support clinical care as appropriate.

Provides service in the office and/or community settings outside of the office (e. g., homes, schools, hospitals, institutions, other community locations) as defined by the program. May transport clients to appointments or linkages as appropriate.

Administers standardized screening tools and collects data as defined by program.

Provides/supports safety planning and crisis intervention with appropriate supervision and as defined by program. This may include after hours on-call responsibilities.

Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.

Wheeler Clinic is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Key Responsibilities

The counselor provides intensive in-home clinical care coordination and counseling for adolescents with substance abuse issues and their families. They are responsible for managing cases, maintaining accurate medical documentation, and collaborating with community providers to ensure comprehensive treatment.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree is required for this position. Candidates should have at least three years of experience in the human services field and possess a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor degree
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Substance abuse counselingTreatment planningCommunity outreachReferral managementData collectionCultural competency

Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 54% are remote, 14% have no call, 64% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Connecticut is 103.6 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$48k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $46k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Connecticut clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Counselor Jobs

39 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution39 jobs · 28 employers

12
<$80k
14
$80k-100k
4
$100k-120k
8
$120k-140k
1
$140k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks37 jobs · 28 employers

401k / retirement match
86% this job
CME allowance
46%
Sign-on bonus
32% this job
Loan repayment
22% this job
PSLF eligible
14%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Outpatient Therapist (Licensed Psychologist or LICSW)

Allina Health · Edina, Minnesota

$125k-$140k
#2

Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC)

LifeStance Health · Encinitas, California

$118k-$135k
#3

Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC)

$117k-$134k
#4

Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician - LCSW, LPC or LMFT

$73k-$130k
+ 37 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

1.5/ 10
Listing-based score
  • Includes call

Living in Waterbury

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$310k≈ 6.5× annual pay
Typical market rent
$1,540/mo≈ 39% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
28 min
State income tax
Up to 7%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Wheeler logo

About Wheeler

Construction
11-50 employees

Benefits & Perks

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
AD&D Insurance
403(b) Plan
Education Reimbursement
NHSC Loan Repayment