Addiction Counselor

Emory•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Addiction Counselor provides advanced clinical services as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team, primarily delivering intensive outpatient group and individual therapy to people with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health problems. The role integrates mental health treatment with addiction recovery within an abstinence-oriented treatment model. The counselor performs diagnostic assessments, individual and group psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and develops initial individualized treatment plans and updates ongoing care plans. Services are provided according to Addiction Alliance of Georgia standards of care, policies, and procedures. The role also includes supporting patients, families, and referral sources in understanding sober support systems, community support groups, and continuing-care recommendations. Additional work includes participating in program development; delivering educational lectures and trainings; representing Addiction Alliance of Georgia services; supervising students and interns; communicating and documenting patient information in accordance with organizational policies, confidentiality laws, and mandated reporting requirements; and using the electronic medical record. The counselor builds relationships with referral sources and participates in multidisciplinary meetings and conferences as needed. The role also requires maintaining a safe, secure, and confidential environment and following applicable safety and emergency procedures.

Requirements

Completed master's-level degree program in counseling, social work, or equivalent.
Two years of experience providing counseling in a mental health or addiction treatment environment.
Independent clinical licensure (LPC, LCSW, or LMSW) with certification to provide care in Georgia.
Ability to provide therapy services to adults is listed as a preferred qualification.
Physical ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds; standing and walking occasionally to frequently; sitting occasionally; and performing close eye work such as computer use, typing, reading, and writing.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing therapy services to adults.
CACII, CADCII, CAADC, CPCS, CMAC, or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

Provide intensive outpatient group therapy and individual therapy to people with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health problems.
Perform diagnostic assessments, individual and group psychotherapy, and crisis intervention.
Develop initial individualized treatment plans and update ongoing care plans.
Provide substance use disorder and mental health services according to Addiction Alliance of Georgia standards, policies, and procedures.
Recognize symptoms of addiction and mental health conditions according to DSM-5 criteria, and apply motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, twelve-step facilitation, dialectical behavioral therapy, and recovery management principles.
Facilitate family sessions and assist patients, families, and referral sources in understanding sober support systems, community support groups, and continuing-care recommendations.
Participate in program development and conduct educational or informational lectures and trainings.
Represent Addiction Alliance of Georgia services to audiences to promote consistent understanding of services, processes, and participation.
Provide clinical supervision to students and interns to support clinical competency and ethical practice.
Communicate patient information in accordance with organizational policies, federal confidentiality and privacy requirements, and mandated reporting requirements.
Provide clear, accurate, and complete verbal and medical-record documentation to the multidisciplinary team.
Use the electronic medical record to support efficient care and communication with patients or their families.
Build professional relationships with referral sources and communicate consistently and promptly about referrals, intake, assessment, and care planning.
Initiate or attend multidisciplinary team meetings, case reviews, conflict resolutions, family conferences, and consultations as needed.
Maintain a safe and secure environment for patients, staff, guests, and visitors.
Maintain patient privacy, security, and confidentiality in accordance with federal and state regulations and organizational policies.
Follow fire, weather, emergency, environmental-hazard, and workplace safety procedures; report injuries, theft, vandalism, security concerns, and potential hazards.