Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs

About The Position

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.