Certified Addiction Counselor (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Middletown, CT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a Certified Addiction Counselor to join the team at Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH). CVH provides specialized inpatient treatment for individuals with complex mental health and substance use needs. The ASD Merritt 2AB Unit is a residential rehabilitation program serving approximately 30 patients with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, offering a supportive, structured environment focused on recovery, skill development, and community reintegration. Addiction Counselors play a crucial role in building therapeutic relationships, guiding patients through treatment, and connecting them with necessary post-discharge resources and supports.

Requirements

Certification from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Three (3) years of experience involving risk reduction education and counseling to assist alcohol and drug dependent individuals.
Incumbents in this class must retain the certification and/or licensure outlined above.
Individuals recovering from addiction to alcohol or drugs are required to have two (2) years of substance free time to be considered for a position in a substance abuse program.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with a multidisciplinary team in a hospital setting or behavioral health residential setting providing care and treatment to clients with substance use and mental health disorders.
Experience with Evidence-Based Practice, focusing on standardized measurable outcomes, and the application of research-supported approaches.
Experience utilizing community resources and supports to connect individuals with appropriate services.
Experience in case management.
CT DPH licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Active driver’s license for transporting clients.
Incumbents in this class may be required to speak a foreign language or be fluent in American Sign Language.
Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid driver's license.
Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Responsibilities

Provide meaningful, hands-on support to patients throughout their treatment and recovery journey.
Lead group sessions.
Meet individually with patients.
Provide case management.
Help patients connect with community resources.
Assist with discharge planning.
Support daily unit activities.
Provide transportation to appointments when needed.
Use counseling skills to build trust, encourage recovery, and help individuals take meaningful steps toward a healthier and more independent future.
Provide counseling services to alcohol and drug dependent clients.
Screen clients to determine eligibility for programs.
Assess strengths, weaknesses, and treatment needs.
Orient clients to the treatment program.
Participate in treatment planning and individual and/or group counseling.
Responsible for case management activities.
Provide crisis intervention services in response to emotional and/or physical distress.
Make referrals to outside or other programs for medical and/or psychological intervention.
Maintain confidential reports and records of client data.
Represent program at community events and seminars.
Educate clients on substance abuse issues and availability of resources.
Consult with service providers to assure comprehensive integrated care.
May escort clients.
May provide coverage duties.
May collect urine for drug screening.