Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Description – Substance Abuse CounselorJob Overview

The Substance Abuse Counselor provides assessment, counseling, case management, education, and relapse-prevention services to individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions. This position supports clients in achieving recovery through evidence-based practices while ensuring compliance with New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) requirements, Medicaid standards, and agency policies. Counselors may practice at the associate level (LSAA) under supervision, or independently as LADAC/LPCC/LMHC/LISW/LMFT, depending on licensure.

Key Responsibilities

• Assessment & Treatment Planning
• Conduct intake screenings, biopsychosocial assessments, and ASAM-based evaluations.
• Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the client and treatment team.
• Review and update treatment goals regularly based on progress and clinical needs.
• Counseling & Interventions
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling sessions.
• Use evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT skills, relapse-prevention, and motivational interviewing.
• Deliver psychoeducation on addiction, recovery, and coping strategies.
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning when necessary.
• Case Management & Support
• Coordinate referrals to psychiatry, primary care, housing, and community resources.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to ensure continuity of care.
• Support clients with discharge planning and linkage to aftercare or recovery supports.
• Compliance & Documentation
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation in compliance with Medicaid, HIPAA, and NMAC 8.321.6 requirements.
• Complete progress notes, treatment updates, incident reports, and discharge summaries per policy.
• Adhere to ethical and legal standards, including mandatory reporting requirements.
• Professional Development & Standards
• Participate in ongoing supervision (required for LSAA level; optional for independent license).
• Attend staff meetings, in-service trainings, and quality improvement activities.
• Maintain professional boundaries, cultural competence, and client-centered focus at all times.

Requirements

Education & Licensure

• Minimum: Associate degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related behavioral health field.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related field.
• Must hold one of the following NM licenses/certifications:
• LSAA (Licensed Substance Abuse Associate) – eligible to provide services under clinical supervision.
• LADAC (Licensed Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor) – may practice independently within scope.
• LPCC, LMHC, LISW, LMSW, LMFT, or other behavioral health license with training/experience in SUD treatment.

Experience

• 1–2 years of clinical or direct service experience in substance use or behavioral health treatment preferred (internship/clinical hours may count).
• Experience with co-occurring disorders and Medicaid populations strongly valued.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of ASAM criteria, DSM-5 diagnoses, and treatment planning standards.
• Strong communication, group facilitation, and crisis-intervention skills.
• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), Medicaid billing compliance, and HIPAA.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and culturally competent care.

Other Requirements

• Successful completion of New Mexico Caregivers Criminal History Screening.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or obtained within 30 days of hire).
• Valid NM driver’s license and reliable transportation (if job duties include community-based services).

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $30.00 - $38.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30 - $38