Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Overview
Join our dedicated team as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor, where you will play a vital role in guiding individuals through their recovery journeys. This dynamic position involves providing comprehensive addiction counseling, mental health support, and behavioral therapy to clients facing substance use challenges. You will utilize your expertise in psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, and crisis intervention to foster positive change and promote lasting recovery. Our program emphasizes compassionate, patient-centered care within a collaborative environment that values professional growth and community impact.

Duties

• Conduct thorough intake assessments and diagnostic evaluations to determine client needs and develop personalized treatment plans.
• Deliver individual and group counseling sessions utilizing evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy, and applied behavior analysis.
• Implement motivational interviewing techniques to enhance client motivation and commitment to recovery goals.
• Provide crisis management and intervention during acute episodes, ensuring safety and stabilization for clients experiencing mental health or substance use crises.
• Facilitate family counseling sessions to support child & family dynamics, promoting a holistic approach to recovery.
• Maintain accurate medical documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, and medical records in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on case management, discharge planning, and community care coordination to ensure seamless patient care.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, human services, or related field strongly preferred (requirements vary by employer and state).
• Credential eligible and/or currently credentialed as a SUD/AOD counselor per state requirements (e.g., registration with an approved certifying body and progress toward certification within required timelines).
• Completion of required SUD-specific education/training hours (commonly includes ethics, boundaries, and confidentiality training).
• Experience delivering substance use disorder services (internship/practicum acceptable for entry-level roles).
• Knowledge of evidence-based SUD treatment approaches (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, CBT-based relapse prevention, stages of change).
• Ability to complete clinical documentation accurately and on time (assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries) in compliance with HIPAA and applicable privacy regulations.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse clients, including individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Strong communication skills and ability to facilitate individual and group counseling.
• Background check and clearance to work with vulnerable populations, as required.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe), if required by the setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a behavioral health field; advanced credentialing (where applicable) for independent practice or clinical supervision.
• 1–3 years of experience providing SUD counseling in outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), residential, detox, or corrections settings.
• Experience with co-occurring disorders treatment, trauma-informed care, and harm-reduction approaches.
• Experience coordinating care with medical, mental health, and community partners (case management/service coordination).
• Bilingual/multilingual capability aligned to client population needs.
• Familiarity with ASAM Criteria placement considerations and recovery support services.
• Experience using EHR systems and outcome measures.

Core Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Screening and intake: establish rapport, gather history, identify immediate risks, and determine appropriate level of care/referrals.
• Assessment: complete biopsychosocial/SUD assessments, including substance use history, readiness to change, strengths, and barriers.
• Treatment planning: develop individualized, measurable treatment goals collaboratively with clients; update plans based on progress.
• Counseling: provide individual, group, and family education/counseling within scope of practice; teach coping and relapse-prevention skills.
• Crisis intervention: recognize and respond to relapse, overdose risk, suicidal ideation, domestic violence, and other urgent concerns; follow protocols.
• Case management/service coordination: coordinate with external providers, courts/probation (as authorized), housing/employment supports, and recovery resources.
• Documentation and quality: maintain timely, compliant records; support audits, utilization review, and outcome tracking.
• Cultural humility: provide person-centered care responsive to culture, language, disability, and lived experience.
• Professionalism: maintain boundaries and confidentiality; comply with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 (as applicable); and engage in supervision and continuing education.

Pay: $24.75 - $29.80 per hour

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $30