Substance Use Counselor

Bellingham Comprehensive Treatment Center • Bellingham, WA

21h • $26 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

The Substance Use Counselor works in an outpatient medication-assisted treatment (MAT) opioid treatment program and supports patients recovering from Opioid Use Disorder. The role provides compassionate, high-quality care through individual and group counseling, treatment planning, assessment, crisis intervention, and case management. The position is full time, Monday through Friday, from 5:30 AM to 2:00 PM, at Bellingham Comprehensive Treatment Center in Bellingham, Washington.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Washington SUDPT or SUDP credential.
• Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient, residential, or correctional facilities.
• Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
• Experience conducting individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use recovery.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention techniques.
• Documentation experience, including clinical notes, treatment plans, and progress updates in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Familiarity with state regulatory standards such as 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, and Joint Commission standards.
• Experience collaborating with a multidisciplinary team including medical staff, case managers, and peer support specialists.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a social or health services field from an accredited college or university.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate guidance in individual and group counseling sessions.
• Plan, oversee, facilitate, and document patients’ recovery.
• Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
• Complete documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents in a timely, clear, and concise manner.
• Prepare individual treatment plans for assigned patients.
• Conduct initial and follow-up assessments.
• Evaluate patient needs and determine whether referrals to other programs or facilities are needed.
• Plan aftercare for assigned patients as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention to patients as needed.
• Provide case management to ensure individualized, quality care.
• Act as a liaison between referral sources and patients as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Competitive 401(k) plan.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Employer-paid clinical supervision.
• Free, unlimited access to more than 500 accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supporting employee lifestyle and well-being.
• Early morning hours offering work/life balance.
• Opportunity for career growth.
• Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED