HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
JOB TITLE: Alcohol and Drug Counselor
PROGRAM: All
SUPERVISOR: Clinical Supervisor or Clinical Director
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
JOB SUMMARY:
The Counselor has primary responsibility for their caseload. Working alongside professional staff, they assist the therapist in developing a problem list and/or treatment plan focused on recovery from substance abuse and addressing psychosocial barriers to sobriety. The Counselor collaborates with support staff to obtain progress reports and engages clients in their treatment journey, mentoring them through each level of care.
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of group process, group facilitation, and conflict resolution.
- Strong reading comprehension and analytical skills.
- Good written communication skills, including proper grammar, spelling, and legible handwriting.
- Understanding and demonstration of professional ethics, boundaries, and judgment.
- Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Time management skills.
- Ability to work with a diverse population.
- Knowledge of addiction and the addictive process.
- Annual tuberculosis screening.
- First aid and CPR certification.
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS DESIRED:
- Drug and Alcohol or related certification required.
- Higher education in Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, or a related field (preferred).
- Knowledge of withdrawal management, residential level of care milieu, and 12-step philosophy or other recovery support approaches.
- Proficiency in a second language (Spanish preferred).
- Familiarity with ASAM A and B; employer-provided training for certification.
- Specialized knowledge in behavioral health, drug dependence/addiction, mental health issues, and co-occurring disorders.
- Knowledge of relapse prevention and evidence-based practices (CBT, Seeking Safety, motivational interviewing, anger management).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Treatment Planning: Evaluates client needs in a case conference setting and develops a treatment plan in coordination with specialists. Updates the plan and determines readiness for the next treatment phase.
- Caseload Responsibilities: Conducts individual and group counseling sessions, promotes client accountability, and monitors medication compliance.
- Administration and Compliance: Maintains accurate and up-to-date client documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
- Community Responsibilities: Facilitates house meetings, teaches classes, plans clinical days, and manages facility responsibilities. Assists with urinalyses, searches, appointments, and external functions.
- Role Model: Upholds program norms, demonstrates honesty, and models positive behavior for clients.
- Client Intake & Assessment: Collects biopsychosocial demographic information using ASAM v3 (UCLA form) for LPHA to assess diagnosis and level of care justification.
- Care Coordination: Assists therapists in developing Problem Lists and/or Treatment Plans and manages case coordination and discharge planning.
- Discharge Planning: Contributes to discharge summaries and coordinates next steps for client transition.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:
- Performs first aid and CPR as needed.
- Covers for absent colleagues when necessary.
- Serves on committees as assigned.
- Works a rotating schedule as needed.
- Senior-level counselors may mentor entry-level staff in treatment planning, dispute resolution, and counseling techniques.
- Occasionally participates in program activities outside of standard job duties (fundraising, facility maintenance, events, camping, etc.).
- Serves in a supervisory role when an on-site supervisor is absent, overseeing staff and operations with direct management communication.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Sitting: 3 hours per workday
- Standing: 2 hours per workday
- Walking: 3 hours per workday
- Driving: Infrequent
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
License/Certification:
Ability to Commute:
Ability to Relocate:
Work Location: In person
