A Substance Abuse Counselor counsels people struggling with addictions to alcohol, drugs or other substances. Assists clients in dealing with personal and professional problems related to substance abuse. Collaborates with other health care and mental health care professionals to coordinate services for clients, and works with families of substance abusers. May work in a clinic, health care facility or community based program, or work with clients referred through the criminal justice system.
Job Overview We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Substance Abuse Counselor to join our dynamic behavioral health team. In this vital role, you will provide comprehensive addiction counseling and mental health support to individuals struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Your expertise will guide clients through recovery, utilizing evidence-based practices, clinical assessments, and personalized treatment plans. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on lives while working in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment committed to excellence in patient care. Responsibilities Conduct thorough client assessments to determine substance use severity and co-occurring disorders. Develop and implement individualized treatment plans incorporating behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and evidence-based practices. Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions focused on addiction medicine, mental health counseling, and behavioral health strategies. Provide crisis intervention and crisis management to ensure client safety during acute episodes or emotional distress. Engage in case management activities, including intake procedures, patient care coordination, and community resource linkage to support ongoing recovery efforts. Maintain accurate clinical documentation adhering to HIPAA regulations, medical documentation standards, and electronic health records (EHR) management protocols. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated care for clients with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. Conduct client communication with sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to medical terminology standards. Experience Proven experience working with individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders, including familiarity with addiction counseling techniques and behavioral health interventions. Strong background in psychotherapy modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. Hands-on experience conducting diagnostic evaluations, client assessments, and clinical documentation in compliance with HIPAA and other healthcare regulations. Experience working within hospital settings or home & community care environments is highly desirable. Skilled in crisis intervention, crisis management, and working effectively with individuals experiencing trauma or PTSD symptoms. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR/EHR) systems such as EMR platforms for accurate medical records management. Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team while demonstrating excellent client communication skills. Experience working with diverse populations from various cultural backgrounds is preferred to ensure inclusive patient care. Join us in transforming lives through compassionate addiction counseling! This paid position offers the chance to develop your expertise further while making a real difference in the community's mental health landscape. We value energetic professionals committed to evidence-based practice, continuous learning, and delivering exceptional patient-centered care.