Addictions Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY

The role of the Addictions Counselor (AC) is to provide professional and evidence-based treatment for people experiencing substance use disorders. The AC works in concert with other staff as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes medical providers, mental health professionals, and peer mentors. The AC must possess a robust understanding of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, medication-supported recovery, and harm-reduction.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Inform patients of confidentiality rights, program procedures, and legal exceptions. Protect patient privacy. Collect data from patients and collateral sources; interpret assessment information using ASAM to justify medical necessity. Assist with intake and enrollment in all levels of care offered by Fora. Assess patient motivation for change using the Stage of Change model and adjust interventions accordingly. Create and update treatment plans at intake and at least every 30 days for residential and every 90 days for outpatient care. Document all encounters in the electronic medical record within 24 hours. Conduct ongoing counseling, relapse-prevention activities, and completion/transition planning with patients and community partners. Prepare progress reports for referral entities every 30 days when required. Maintain community partnerships and manage caseload, tracking legal requirements and engagement status. Send transfer summaries to referral entities within 5 days of discharge.

COUNSELING AND EDUCATION

Build a professional, compassionate therapeutic relationship; use Motivational Interviewing as foundation. Individual and group counseling to achieve patient’s treatment goals. Advocate for abstinence-based, medication-assisted, or harm-reduction models as appropriate. Educate patients on health and behavior issues related to substance use, including infectious disease prevention. Teach life skills such as stress management, communication, and refusal skills. Complete required continuing education and maintain credentials.

REFERRAL

Document all referral activity. Assist patients in following through with referrals to other professionals, agencies, or community programs. Ensure 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements and appropriate release of information. Collaborate with mental health practitioners, prescribers, and insurance representatives. FUNCTIONS AS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE PROGRAM CLINICAL TEAM Provide high-quality patient experience; be flexible and supportive across all departments. Attend treatment team and clinical supervision meetings. Maintain effective relationships with clinical team, management, community partners, and other departments. Maintain cleanliness and safety of work environment. Adapt schedule to meet program needs; periodic overtime may be required. Participate in the development of department goals.

PRODUCTIVITY IN BILLABLE HOURS

Manage caseload; schedule individual sessions at levels of care indicated. Complete assessments as per policy guidelines. Facilitate evidence-based groups at required frequency. Meet minimum of 55% direct care hours—22 billable hours per week for full-time employees.

PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Adhere to professional codes of ethics and maintain confidentiality. Follow federal, state, and agency policies regarding substance use disorder treatment. Recognize individual differences influencing patient behavior. Engage in ongoing supervision, consultation, and personal self-care strategies. Maintain current addiction counselor certification and licensure. Meet or exceed patient outcome goals for engagement, retention, and completion.

ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Attend staff and team meetings. Complete additional training as assigned. Participate in special projects. Maintain quality treatment services following best practices. Balance competing demands and manage workload within a 40‑hour week; communicate overtime needs.

SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS

This position does not have supervisory duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience Required: Minimum of Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor 1 certification required; internal candidates may hold CADC-R or obtain it within 90 days. Preferred: QAQA credential completion. Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is a plus. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word). Typing speed of 40 words per minute. Detail-oriented, organized, and effective communicator across diverse audiences. Maintain professional boundaries; work collaboratively with patients and staff. Document treatment plans, session notes, and progress per agency standards. Facilitate individual and group sessions independently. Demonstrate self-awareness and cultural humility. Basic understanding of mental health disorders. Other Requirements: Two-year sobriety certification for those with a history of substance use disorder. Pass pre-employment or for-cause drug and DHS criminal background checks. Complete registration with Oregon Health Authority (DMAP) and NPI.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Prolonged computer use; indoor office environment with occasional travel or on-site assessments. Possible overtime incl. evenings and weekends; schedule adjustment may be required. Risk of exposure to communicable diseases and other workplace hazards. Fast-paced, high-volume work environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Fora Health Treatment & Recovery