Masters Level Substance Use Counselor

American Addiction Centers•Etta, MS

About The Position

The Masters Level Substance Use Counselor provides individual, group, and family counseling to adults receiving outpatient and inpatient care for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The role conducts clinical assessments for new and ongoing patients, develops treatment plans, applies evidence-based practices and therapeutic interventions, and coordinates care with treatment teams and other departments. The counselor also communicates with the utilization review department about patient care and supports patients’ recovery needs. The position requires maintaining a full caseload, facilitating therapeutic groups, providing crisis intervention, and ensuring timely, compliant clinical documentation. The counselor follows applicable state laws, licensing and ethical standards, accreditation requirements, company policies, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2. The role includes participation in clinical supervision, training, and staff meetings, and requires maintaining professional licensure and certification without lapse.

Requirements

Master’s degree in behavioral sciences, such as social work, counseling, or psychology.
Experience working with substance abuse, addictions, mental health, cognitive behavioral treatment, and motivational interviewing.
Knowledge of electronic health record software and documentation.
Knowledge of ASAM criteria.
Ability to read, write, and interpret written information, type documentation, present information to groups, and participate in meetings.
Working knowledge of Microsoft and Google.
Must be able to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and flexible hours.
Ability to lift 15 pounds at a time.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of experience in a behavioral healthcare field is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide substance use counseling in accordance with state laws, licensing-board requirements, and professional ethical guidelines.
Maintain a full patient caseload.
Conduct interventions and assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide individual and group counseling.
Initiate and provide family counseling services.
Facilitate therapeutic groups as assigned.
Provide clinical services and assist with patients as assigned by the clinical director.
Participate in daily treatment-team meetings and program staff meetings.
Complete documentation promptly in accordance with AAC documentation policies and applicable contract, licensure, accreditation, and service standards.
Communicate with other departments to support patient care, including communicating with the utilization review department about patient care.
Provide clinical services to adult outpatient and inpatient populations.
Follow State Department standards, facility accreditation requirements, and AAC policies and procedures.
Identify and address potentially harmful situations and report patient or safety concerns to the Clinical Manager and/or CEO.
Maintain professional boundaries, uphold the company code of ethics, and respect patient rights and individual recovery needs.
Communicate professionally with staff, patients, and families in writing and verbally.
Participate in required clinical supervision, training, and staff meetings.
Work with the interdisciplinary team and other departments to ensure quality of care.
Demonstrate dependability and adaptability with patients and staff.
Maintain the confidentiality of patient and company information and comply with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
Maintain required professional licenses, certifications, and continuing education credits without lapse, holds, suspensions, or investigation.
Help monitor and manage the patient community as a therapeutic milieu.
Intervene in crisis situations to de-escalate and resolve crises.