Addictions Counselor

The Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC) serves as an integral member of an interdisciplinary team, providing progressive care to individuals, families, and the community. The CAC plays a key role in health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic disease management by monitoring and evaluating health services and outcomes while documenting care provided.

This role supports patients and families in achieving their highest level of wellness, navigating recovery from illness or addiction, enhancing their self-care capabilities, and respecting their right to make informed choices. As a valued member of the primary care team, the CAC utilizes expertise in counseling and education to improve patient outcomes and family dynamics.

The CAC is primarily responsible for patient intake and enrollment, coordinating Suboxone inductions, providing patient education and naloxone training, facilitating peer support groups and counseling, coordinating referrals, conducting community outreach, and performing administrative duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Primary Care, Integrated Behavioral Health, Outpatient Health, and Outreach teams to ensure comprehensive care coordination for MAT program patients.
• Complete intakes and comprehensive assessments for MAT/SUD clients.
• Perform follow-ups and ongoing assessments, developing personalized care plans with specific goals for MAT patients.
• Work alongside Behavioral Therapists to coordinate psychoeducation strategies for patient wellness plans.
• Deliver individual and group treatment using evidence-based practices such as Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, and 12-Step programs.
• Lead group and individual counseling sessions to address triggers, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and substance use, while fostering recovery motivation.
• Help clients develop life skills to achieve sobriety and function productively within their community.
• Provide support in daily living situations, focusing on interpersonal skills, mental health needs, educational requirements, employment opportunities, and legal obligations.
• Facilitate referrals to treatment programs, including detox, inpatient or residential care, and medical services, while collaborating with clients' insurance providers and primary care teams.
• Meet with patients regularly to assess needs, perform outreach, facilitate care transitions, and provide tapering support as required.
• Oversee patient scheduling and participate in team huddles to ensure a smooth clinical workflow.
• Attend meetings, in-services, educational programs, and other relevant activities.
• Support quality improvement initiatives in partnership with the Quality Coordinator and Primary Care Director.
• Assist with prior authorizations as needed.
• Participate in after-hours on-call rotation to ensure 24/7 access to services.
• Monitor and report key information to the Manager.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Manager.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of primary healthcare and social determinants of health.
• Expertise in health promotion, disease prevention, counseling, and program planning.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple activities.
• Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) and willingness to learn new systems.
• Adherence to HIPAA regulations.
• Leadership skills and the ability to foster teamwork within the Primary Care Department.
• Commitment to trauma-informed care principles, emphasizing non-violence, emotional intelligence, social learning, and open communication.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to structural inequities in healthcare.
• Ability to build professional relationships rooted in trust, respect, and safety.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Completion of 8-hour Buprenorphine training program (can be completed post-hire).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a drug and alcohol setting.
• Preferred experience in outpatient practice and drug/alcohol programs.
• Current CAC certification from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $23.93 - $25.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Addiction counseling: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Norristown, PA 19404 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Norristown, PA 19404: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $25