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Lumina Behavioral Health
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Career Insights for Mental / Behavioral Health Counselor
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Based on Arkansas data
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What they do
A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
$51,115 / year median in Arkansas
+23% projected growth
Job Description
Position Summary Lumina Behavioral Health is seeking a compassionate, clinically skilled Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor to provide substance use disorder assessment, counseling, treatment planning, crisis support, and recovery-focused care for individuals and families in Arkansas. The LADAC will work as part of a multidisciplinary behavioral health team to deliver evidence-based, person-centered services that support recovery, stability, relapse prevention, and improved overall functioning. This role requires strong clinical judgment, ethical practice, accurate documentation, and a commitment to serving clients with dignity, respect, and cultural humility. Key Responsibilities Provide individual, group, and family counseling services for clients experiencing substance use and co-occurring behavioral health concerns. Complete clinical assessments, screenings, intake documentation, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge plans, and other required clinical records in a timely and accurate manner. Develop individualized treatment plans based on client needs, strengths, diagnosis, stage of change, recovery goals, and level of care. Use evidence-based and recovery-oriented approaches such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral strategies, relapse prevention planning, trauma-informed care, and harm-reduction-informed interventions when appropriate. Facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups focused on substance use recovery, coping skills, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, life skills, family support, and wellness. Monitor client progress and update treatment plans in collaboration with the client, clinical team, and referral partners. Coordinate care with physicians, therapists, case managers, peer support specialists, probation/parole officers, courts, treatment programs, hospitals, community agencies, and family members when authorized. Identify and respond appropriately to crisis situations, including relapse risk, withdrawal concerns, suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, abuse, neglect, and other safety concerns. Maintain professional boundaries and comply with all applicable ethical, legal, confidentiality, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Medicaid, payer, and agency documentation requirements. Participate in clinical staffing, supervision, case consultation, quality improvement activities, and required trainings. Support client engagement, retention, and successful transition through the continuum of care. Maintain current Arkansas licensure and complete required continuing education. Represent Lumina Behavioral Health professionally in interactions with clients, families, community partners, referral sources, and regulatory entities. Required Qualifications Current and active Arkansas Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor credential, LADAC, in good standing. Master's degree in a health, behavioral science, counseling, social work, psychology, addiction studies, or other appropriate related field. Experience providing substance use disorder counseling, assessment, treatment planning, and group facilitation. Strong understanding of addiction, recovery, relapse prevention, co-occurring disorders, trauma-informed care, and community-based behavioral health services. Ability to complete clear, timely, clinically appropriate documentation. Knowledge of confidentiality standards, professional ethics, mandated reporting, and client rights. Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Ability to work with diverse clients, including individuals involved with courts, child welfare, corrections, homelessness services, medical providers, or other community systems. Must be able to pass all required background checks and meet agency credentialing requirements. Preferred Qualifications Two or more years of post-licensure substance use disorder counseling experience. Experience in outpatient behavioral health, intensive outpatient programming, medication-assisted treatment, residential treatment, community mental health, or court-involved treatment settings. Experience working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Familiarity with Arkansas Medicaid, commercial insurance documentation standards, electronic health records, and audit-ready clinical documentation. Additional credentials or training in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT skills, MAT support, family systems, crisis intervention, or co-occurring disorder treatment. Core Competencies Clinical assessment and treatment planning Substance use disorder counseling Group facilitation Crisis response and safety planning Ethical and culturally responsive practice Trauma-informed communication Accurate clinical documentation Collaboration and care coordination Client engagement and retention Professional accountability Work Environment This position may include work in outpatient, community-based, telehealth, or hybrid service settings, depending on program needs. Some evening hours may be required to support client access to care. Physical and Administrative Requirements Ability to sit, stand, walk, use a computer, communicate by phone or video, and complete documentation for extended periods. Ability to travel locally as needed for meetings, client care coordination, community outreach, or agency-related duties. Reliable transportation may be required depending on assigned work setting. Compensation and Benefits Compensation is based on licensure, experience, schedule, and program assignment. Lumina Behavioral Health may offer benefits including health insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, professional development support, clinical consultation, and other benefits based on employment status. Equal Employment Opportunity Lumina Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.