Substance Abuse Treatment Counselor

About the Role

As our Substance Abuse Counselor, you’ll bring individualized treatment plans to life through individual and group counseling, case management, and behavior modification. You will be supporting individuals living with mental illness and/or substance use disorders as they work toward their goals.

This is hands-on, relationship-driven work. You’ll lead programming, connect people to the community resources that keep recovery on track, and keep your documentation airtight and on time. Above all, you’ll safeguard the safety and welfare of every client, in full compliance with Virginia Medicaid, the Office of Human Rights, DBHDS, and OSHA standards.

Why You’ll Want This Job

• You’ll see real progress. Skill-building, social integration, and small daily wins add up — and you’ll have a front-row seat.
• Variety, not a desk. Groups, one-on-ones, case management, community outings — no two days look the same.
• Room to grow your credentials. CSAC-eligible or LPC-/LCSW-eligible? This is a place to build toward full certification and licensure.
• Mission that matters. Your work directly supports people reclaiming their independence and their place in the community.

What You’ll Do

Counseling & Treatment

• Implement each individual’s treatment plan through  group counseling interventions.
• Apply behavior modification techniques as appropriate to support skill development and goal progress.
• Conduct programming and record data as required.

Case Management & Community Integration

• Link and coordinate clients to community resources as needed.
• Create and support settings that allow peer interaction and meaningful community and social integration.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure the safety and welfare of clients at all times.
• Adhere to Virginia Medicaid, the Office of Human Rights, DBHDS, and OSHA regulations.

Documentation

• Submit all clinical documentation within 24 business hours, as required by Virginia State Medicaid guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits:

• PTO
• Paid Mental Health Days
• 7 paid Holidays
• Free Supervision
• Unlimited Free CEUs
• Health Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Annual Performance Based Raises
• Professional Development Program-To support your growth into upward or lateral moves
• Daily Bonus Pay for on-time documentation

Compensation:

$21.50-$26.00 Hourly (Based on Education and Experience)

With on-time documentation: $24.50-$29.00 Hourly

What We’re Looking For

Required Education & Credentials

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in a human services field.
• At least one (1) year of experience working with individuals with mental illness, a substance use diagnosis, or a developmental disability.
• One of the following credentials: CSAC, CSAC-Eligible, CSAC-A, LPC, LPC-Eligible, LCSW, or LCSW-Eligible.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and Behavior Modification certifications (or willingness to obtain).

Required Clearances & Eligibility

• Successful completion of a national and state background investigation and a Central Registry check through the Department of Social Services.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license with a current, acceptable DMV driving record.
• PPD (tuberculosis) screening.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to stoop, bend, and stand as the role requires.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Practical knowledge of behavior management principles, basic motor-skills development, training techniques, alternative communication systems, and the medical aspects of working with disabled populations.
• Genuine ability to work with clients experiencing mental illness, addiction, and/or developmental disabilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the patience to meet people where they are.
• Solid organizational skills and reliable, on-time documentation.
• Basic computer operation skills.

Salary : $22 - $29