Counselor

OVERVIEW: The Counselor is responsible for implementing our evidence-based addiction treatment programming. Counselors directly teach and support our adult patients with substance use disorders, both individually and in groups. Using an understanding of the disease model of addiction, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and the tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Counselors help patients progress towards their goals and live out their best future.

Depending on the location of the facility, this role is appropriate for those currently licensed or certified – or interested in becoming licensed or certified – as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) or a Certified or Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC or LADC).

The Counselor role works closely with the therapists and the entire treatment team in a supportive, team-based approach that models collaborative, solution-based problem-solving, and authentic communication.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead educational groups on a range of topics related to addiction, recovery, and well-being.
• Co-facilitate process groups with licensed therapists.
• Develop and lead specialty expressive or experimental groups unique to your interests, expertise, and qualifications while meeting all required certifications and regulatory standards.
• Review assignments with patients.
• Provide one-to-one support sessions in alignment with treatment plan and therapist guidance.
• Offer individual therapy as license and scope of practice allows.
• Leverage de-escalation skills to ensure patient safety and reduce AMA risk.
• Maintain and promote healthy boundaries.
• Respond and participate as assigned to emergency codes.
• Promote and protect each patient’s independence, privacy, dignity, and emotional and physical well-being.
• Document attendance, individual participation, and response to groups.
• Summarize content and tone of each patient meeting.
• Work with therapists and treatment team in developing patient goals, treatment plan, and aftercare plan.
• Learn and follow company-established policies and procedures and maintain adherence to established skills and practice according to position and certifications.
• Remain current with all required trainings and certifications.
• Receive bi-weekly supervision.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Practice respectful, compassionate, supportive communication with patients and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• No direct supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and TRAINING:

• High School Diploma or GED required. Depending on state, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree may be required.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferred.
• CADC (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor) or LADC (Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor) preferred.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in similar role.
• All appropriate certifications to lead a specialty group, if applicable. Compliance with applicable regulatory standards related to designated specialty groups.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and a criminal background check.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• CADC or LADC preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical Demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 lbs.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; talk; hear.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use close vision to see computer monitors and read documents.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work environment is indoors and climate controlled. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.