What are the responsibilities and job description for the Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC) - Chemical Dependency Counselor Senior / Full-Time position at State of Minnesota - Veterans Affairs Dept?
Job Details
Working Title: Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC)
Job Class: Chemical Dependency Counselor, Senior
Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
- Job ID: 93711
- Location: Hastings
- Telework Eligible : No
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 05/02/2026
- Closing Date: 05/18//2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Veterans Home - Hastings Domiciliary - AFSCME
- Division/Unit: Minnesota Veterans Home - Hastings Domiciliary - Behavioral Health Services
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day hours with some evenings and weekends due to business need
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday with occasional weekends
- Travel Required : Yes, 20%
- Salary Range: $27.53 - $35.21 / hourly; $57,482 - $73,518 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit: 204 - Health Care Non Professional / AFSCME
- Work Area: Minnesota Veterans Home -Hastings Domiciliary - Behavioral Health Services
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary
Find your purpose in state service and make a difference in the lives of our Great Minnesota Veterans!
Earn a competitive wage, have affordable healthcare and comprehensive insurance benefits, a retirement plan, paid time off, free parking, and more!
The incumbent in this position will provide Substance Use services to residents at the Minnesota Veterans Home - Hastings Domiciliary Program. Services include assessment, counseling, facilitating groups, referral to other substance use resources, being an active liaison within partnering agencies, and providing substance use education to Veterans, the family or supportive individuals of Veterans and Domiciliary support staff.
This position may travel between Hastings and Minneapolis Domiciliary Program locations in addition to providing local transportation for residents to services.
The Minnesota Veterans Home in Hastings is a Domiciliary (DOM) which is an independent living community for Veterans. It provides a supportive environment that fosters a stable, healthy, and meaningful life for Veterans. Our rewarding program helps Veterans with their clinical, mental, chemical, and physical needs, and has the capacity to serve 195 Veterans between the Hastings and Minneapolis campuses. We offer a creative, fun, collaborative, and stimulating work environment that encourages professional growth.
The Hastings DOM is located in the southeast metro with connecting highways for an easy commute. The beautiful 128-acre wooded campus includes mature oaks and pines, nature trails and biking paths overlooking the Vermillion River.
Please see a message from Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner, Brad Lindsay. Select Link
Qualifications
To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume/application clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these qualifications will be considered for this position.
Minimum Qualifications
- Current licensure and in good standing with the MN Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC).
- Training and experience working in a behavioral health program with responsibility for comprehensive substance use assessments, care planning, and supportive counseling including individual and group support for clients with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring disorders.
- Skills in verbal and written communication, including proficient documentation and computer skills with experience in using an electronic healthcare record.
- Education or experience with various supportive counseling techniques such as Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction theory.
- Valid driver's license with the ability to travel between two program sites and support residents with accessing community based behavioral health supports.
- Current Certified Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Life Support (BLS) or ability to obtain prior to transporting residents.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current Minnesota licensure or licensure eligible as a Mental Health Professional (SW, psychology, professional counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy).
- Veterans' Healthcare experience.
- Experience working as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
- Knowledge and experience in working with individuals with co-occurring disorders, specifically diagnosed with substance use disorder and serious mental illness.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
- A Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background check may be conducted on the top finalist(s) for the position. When conducted, a finalist must pass the DHS background check.
- A Tuberculosis (Mantoux) Screening or Chest X-Ray is required prior to employment.
- Employment reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and contact with the applicant's former employer(s).
- Finalists may be required to pass a driver's license check
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Sarah Nietfeld at sarah.nietfeld@state.mn.us or 651-539-2498.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Sarah Nietfeld at sarah.nietfeld@state.mn.us.
Per M.S. 43A.111, MDVA will give priority consideration to certain qualified disabled Veterans. To be considered, you must be included on a US armed forces permanent disability list with a disability rating of at least 30% or been rated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs as having a compensable service-connected disability of at least 30%. Official written documentation of this disability dated no more than one-year preceding the date of application must be submitted. Please email the documentation, your DD214, and the job posting ID number to Sarah Nietfeld at sarah.nietfeld@state.mn.us no later than the job posting closing date.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Salary : $57,482 - $73,518