SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

JOB SUMMARY

Provides structured, supportive services for individuals transitioning from treatment to independent substance-free living. Services are delivered in alignment with CARF standards, emphasizing person-centered care, quality outcomes, and continuous improvement.

Staff maintain a safe, recovery-oriented environment while supporting residents in achieving individualized recovery goals. Key responsibilities include providing services using a person-centered approach, monitoring resident progress, offering emotional support and crisis intervention, and coordinating with clinical and community resources.

Staff are responsible for timely, accurate documentation that meets Medicaid and CARF standards, ensuring compliance and audit readiness. They also promote engagement in recovery activities, life skills development, and community integration.

The role requires strong interpersonal skills, professional boundaries, and a commitment to ethical, respectful, and recovery-focused care. Experience in behavioral health or substance use services is preferred

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish rapport at admission and collaborate with clients to develop individualized, person-centered treatment/service plans with measurable goals.
• Provide therapeutic counseling services, including individual and group therapy, in accordance with program schedules and clinical best practices.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant clinical documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR), ensuring all entries meet Medicaid billing requirements and CARF standards.
• Submit documentation in advance of billing deadlines to allow for review and correction, ensuring audit readiness.
• Monitor client progress and update service plans promptly in collaboration with the client and clinical supervisor.
• Provide crisis intervention and support as needed to maintain a safe, recovery-oriented environment.
• Coordinate care and facilitate referrals to appropriate internal and community resources to support continuity of care.
• Communicate with referral sources and authorized representatives in accordance with confidentiality regulations (HIPAA) and agency policy.
• Review medication administration records with clients weekly and document discrepancies or concerns in the EMR (e.g., KIPU).
• Participate in clinical supervision, multidisciplinary team meetings, and quality improvement activities; seek guidance as needed.
• Support program operations and collaborate with leadership to ensure high-quality, CARF-compliant service delivery.
• Attend all required meetings, trainings, and staff development activities, including mandatory forums.
• Adhere to Resident Rights, ethical standards, professional boundaries, and all agency policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements (CARF, Medicaid, federal and state guidelines).

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of an associate’s degree in human services, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field required, bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum credential of Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) required; higher-level licensure (e.g., LCAS, LCSW, LCMHC) preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with substance use and/or co-occurring disorders preferred.
• Knowledge of person-centered planning, recovery-oriented systems of care, and trauma-informed practices.
• Familiarity with Medicaid documentation standards, service definitions, and billing requirements.
• Understanding of CARF standards and commitment to quality improvement and compliance.
• Strong clinical, organizational, and documentation skills, including experience with electronic medical records (EMR).
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, uphold ethical standards, and ensure client confidentiality (HIPAA compliance).
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Keyboarding
• Walking/Sitting
• Lifting

Salary : $38,000 - $45,000