Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Title: Substance Abuse Counselor – IOP/PHP

Reports to: Clinical Supervisor / Program Director
Department: Substance Use Disorder Services
Location: [Insert Facility Name and Address]
Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt / Non-Exempt

Job Summary:

The Substance Abuse Counselor in the IOP/PHP setting is responsible for providing structured, evidence-based treatment to clients with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. This role includes assessment, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, case coordination, and relapse prevention within a multidisciplinary team. The counselor ensures that clinical services meet the standards required for high-acuity levels of care in a recovery-oriented system.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments including ASAM Criteria evaluations and biopsychosocial intakes.
• Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable goals and target dates tailored to IOP/PHP intensity.
• Facilitate a minimum of 9–20 hours per week of structured therapy sessions per IOP/PHP requirements:
• Individual counseling
• Psychoeducational groups
• Process groups
• Family/support sessions
• Address both substance use and co-occurring mental health symptoms through integrated therapeutic interventions.
• Monitor and document treatment progress, client attendance, participation, and engagement.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, case reviews, and care coordination discussions.
• Collaborate with medical staff for MAT coordination and psychiatric symptom management.
• Assist clients with crisis stabilization and referrals to inpatient or residential treatment as needed.
• Maintain current and accurate documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) per agency and regulatory timelines.
• Educate clients on relapse prevention, coping strategies, emotional regulation, and life skills.
• Provide discharge planning, continuing care coordination, and referral services.
• Support a trauma-informed, client-centered treatment environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related behavioral health field (Master’s preferred).
• Certification/licensure required per state (e.g., CAC-AD, CSC-AD, LGPC, LMSW, LCPC, LCADC, LCSW-C).
• At least one year of experience working with clients in an IOP, PHP, or other structured behavioral health setting.
• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria, MAT protocols, and best practices in substance use disorder treatment.
• Familiarity with co-occurring disorders, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based therapy models.
• Proficient in documenting using EHR systems and adhering to clinical timelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other) preferred.
• Certified in or trained in CBT, DBT, MI, Seeking Safety, or other evidence-based approaches.
• Experience in managing group dynamics and conflict resolution in therapeutic groups.
• Knowledge of local recovery resources and referral systems.

Core Competencies:

• Clinical Knowledge & Assessment
• Skilled in applying ASAM criteria, DSM-5 diagnoses, and identifying appropriate level of care.
• Treatment Planning
• Develops collaborative, individualized, and measurable treatment plans tailored to the intensity of PHP/IOP.
• Facilitation of Therapeutic Groups
• Leads engaging and structured therapeutic groups and psychoeducation sessions aligned with the treatment phase.
• Integrated Co-Occurring Care
• Understands and addresses the interaction between mental health and substance use symptoms.
• Crisis Management
• Identifies and responds promptly to signs of relapse, suicidal ideation, or psychiatric instability.
• Documentation & Compliance
• Maintains accurate, timely documentation that meets Medicaid, state licensing, and CARF standards.
• Client Engagement & Retention
• Builds therapeutic alliances that foster trust and motivate clients to actively engage in treatment.
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Communicates effectively with clinical staff, case managers, nurses, and external providers.
• Cultural Humility & Trauma-Informed Practice
• Practices in a culturally responsive and trauma-aware manner that respects clients’ lived experiences.
• Relapse Prevention & Aftercare
• Supports clients in creating realistic, structured plans for post-treatment success, including community linkage.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work in a high-demand, fast-paced clinical environment.
• Some evening or weekend hours may be required.
• Exposure to individuals in active recovery and emotionally challenging situations.
• Regular use of computer for documentation and telehealth as needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.75 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $35