Drug & Alcohol Counselor (63442)

UNION COMMUNITY CARE•Lancaster, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Drug & Alcohol Counselor provides counseling and clinical support to clients in residential or outpatient treatment settings. The role collaborates with interdisciplinary treatment teams and internal and external service providers to coordinate high-quality care, monitors client progress, participates in case reviews, and supports continuity throughout treatment. The position maintains accurate and timely clinical records and delivers services in compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs regulations, applicable Pennsylvania Code requirements, ASAM Criteria, agency policies, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2. This is an essential, on-site role. Counselors must report for scheduled shifts, including holidays, and may be expected to work during public health crises, pandemics, or severe weather unless management directs otherwise. Counselors may also be asked to provide coverage at other Union Community Care Drug & Alcohol facilities. The position requires participation in mandatory all-staff and team meetings and trainings.

Requirements

Meet at least one qualification pathway under PA Code 704.7: a master's degree or higher in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field that includes a practicum in a drug and alcohol setting; or
A bachelor's degree in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field, plus one year (at least 1,820 hours) of clinical experience in a drug and alcohol setting; or
An associate degree in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, nursing with a human-services clinical specialty, or a related field, plus two years (at least 3,640 hours) of clinical experience in a health or human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting; or
Current Pennsylvania registered nurse licensure and a degree from an accredited school of nursing, plus one year (at least 1,820 hours) of counseling experience in a health or human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting; or
Full addiction counselor certification from a statewide certification body that is a member of a national certification body, or certification from another state government's substance abuse counseling certification board.
PA Child Abuse Clearance, PA Criminal Background clearance, FBI clearances, and CPR/First Aid.
Knowledge of and experience using ASAM Criteria, 3rd Edition.
Strong computer, filing, and recordkeeping skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Excellent customer relations and ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups.
Good organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Maintain a daily caseload of approximately 5–8 clients in a residential setting or no more than 35 clients in an outpatient setting, in accordance with PA Code 704.12, and provide ongoing clinical support.
Obtain prior authorizations from client funding sources to support timely access to approved treatment services.
Provide individual counseling using evidence-based practices, including relapse prevention, recovery planning, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and harm-reduction education when clinically appropriate.
Plan, facilitate, and document psychoeducational and therapeutic group counseling sessions, encouraging client engagement and addressing substance use disorders, relapse prevention, coping strategies, recovery management, life skills, emotional regulation, and wellness.
Provide family counseling and education when clinically indicated and with appropriate client consent; facilitate communication and educate families about addiction, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery resources.
Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive clinical records, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other required documentation.
Ensure clinical documentation reflects services provided and client progress toward treatment goals and complies with regulatory, agency, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2 requirements.
Coordinate care with healthcare providers, community agencies, referral sources, probation and parole officers, and other treatment professionals as appropriate.
Advocate for client needs and support continuity of care throughout treatment and recovery services.
Assess and respond appropriately to client crises, including relapse episodes, behavioral health emergencies, and safety concerns.
Participate in staff meetings, clinical supervision, case reviews, training programs, and agency-sponsored professional development.
Follow ethical and professional standards for counseling and substance use disorder treatment.
Safeguard client confidentiality and protected health information in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
Maintain applicable professional licenses, certifications, and credentials.
Perform other work-related duties as assigned.