Substance Abuse Counselor

Pinnacle Treatment Centers • Mount Pocono, PA

19d

About The Position

Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a provider of comprehensive addiction treatment services using compassionate, evidence-based care. The Counselor supports patients through recovery from substance use disorders, providing counseling, assessments, treatment planning, documentation, referrals, and program orientation. The role involves working in accordance with applicable federal and state standards and agency policies, and collaborating with the care team to support patient well-being and progress.

The position includes several counselor tiers with different education and credential requirements. Counselors in training who are not CADC-certified must enroll in courses leading to CADC certification, complete in-service training, and obtain the credential within three years of hire, with semiannual reviews of progress. Free clinical supervision may be available depending on licensure and availability.

Requirements

• Counselor I: Associate degree and CAAC (Certified Associate Addiction Counselor).
• Counselors in training who are not CADC-certified must enroll in courses leading to CADC certification, complete in-service training, and become credentialed within three years of hire; progress is reviewed semiannually.
• Counselor I: A master's degree or higher from an accredited college in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, nursing with a clinical specialty in human services, or another related field, including a practicum in a health or human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting. If the practicum was not in a drug and alcohol setting, the written training plan must address achieving counseling competency in chemical dependency issues.
• Counselor I: Alternatively, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a listed or related field and one year of clinical experience.
• Counselor I: Alternatively, an associate degree from an accredited college in a listed or related field and one year of clinical experience.
• Counselor II: Bachelor's degree or higher and CADC.
• Counselor II: A master's degree or higher from an accredited college in a listed or related field, including a practicum in a health or human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting. If the practicum was not in a drug and alcohol setting, the written training plan must address achieving counseling competency in chemical dependency issues.
• Counselor II: Alternatively, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a listed or related field and one year of clinical experience.
• Counselor III: Minimum requirements for consideration include a master's degree and CAADC, LCSW, LPC, or LSW.
• Counselor III: A master's degree or higher from an accredited college in a listed or related field, including a practicum in a health or human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting. If the practicum was not in a drug and alcohol setting, the written training plan must address achieving counseling competency in chemical dependency issues.

Responsibilities

• Complete patient databases, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other required documentation in accordance with federal and state standards and agency policies.
• Orient patients to program objectives, phase system requirements, rules, regulations, sanctions, service hours, patient rights, and other information to help them adjust to the program.
• Ensure each patient is assessed and placed according to treatment phases and applicable standards and policies.
• Keep clinical documentation and patient charts updated according to established policies and procedures.
• Counsel patients in crisis by identifying resources and coping abilities to help them cope with and resolve the crisis.
• Counsel patients who do not comply with program requirements to increase their awareness of the consequences of noncompliance.
• Arrange referrals to community agencies and resources when appropriate.
• Perform treatment plan reviews.
• Participate in case conferences and case reviews according to established policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of federal, state, and agency regulations concerning confidentiality, methadone treatment, and substance abuse counseling certification.
• Submit internal and external correspondence to a supervisor for review and approval.
• Complete intakes and facilitate group counseling sessions.
• Collect and test urine or swab drug screens while following proper chain-of-custody procedures.
• Obtain necessary patient documentation, when appropriate, to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Submit monthly and quarterly statistical reports to a supervisor.
• Attend supervision sessions as scheduled.
• Attend team meetings and complete required training courses on time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience, education, and licensure.
• Career advancement opportunities through the Counselor Tier Program.
• Monthly performance-based bonuses recognizing quality patient care.
• Eligibility at 90% of facilities for the federal Student Loan Repayment Program, which selects applicants for potential forgiveness of 100% of their student loans.
• Free access to more than 600 continuing education courses.
• 18 days of paid time off and 8 paid holidays.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Free clinical supervision, subject to licensure and availability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree