Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The purpose of your job position is to assist in the implementation and evaluation of the Behavioral and Counseling treatment plans as they meet the needs of the residents care plan in accordance with current federal, state and local standards that govern the facility, and as assigned by the Program Director.

The Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) provide direct counseling and support services to individuals experiencing substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. This role supports treatment planning, facilitates group counseling sessions, and assists clients in achieving recovery and long-term wellness goals.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, motivated, and experienced in addiction treatment, with strong clinical and interpersonal skills to support clients in a structured behavioral health environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program and Counseling Functions

• Plan, coordinate, implement and revise specific group content.

• Develop specific lesson plans for Specialty Groups and maintain a library of lesson plans and Resource material.

• Offer/monitor groups and Supervised Outings as assigned.

• Attend Shift reports daily and disseminate information as appropriate.

• Complete attendance documentation daily including and complete progress documentation in PCC.

• Complete assigned daily/weekly/monthly documentation as required/assigned.

• Complete Program Daily Charting and submit a form to the Program Director daily.

• Complete Quarterly Summary (when needed)/update care plan interventions as needed. Attend IDSM Meetings to discuss resident progress on assigned caseloads.

• Facilitate psychoeducational and process groups focused on recovery and relapse prevention

• Assist in the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans

• Support clients in developing coping skills, recovery tools, and life skills

• Conduct screenings, assessments, and ongoing client evaluations

• Provide relapse prevention education and recovery planning

• Complete BIR as required/document incident and submit BIR to Nursing. Update 24-hour log as needed.

• Provide/document behavioral counseling to clients as a follow up to incidents, issues, and concerns.

• Provide 1-1 counseling as requested/assigned.

• Provide assistance in crisis counseling and assist in Code Green situations as a trained member of PRO-ACT Team.

• Complete SOC 341 Mandated Abuse reporting as required.

• Other duties as assigned in the Program.

Additional Counseling, Support, and Engagement:

• Build supportive therapeutic relationships with clients

• Assist clients in crisis situations using approved de-escalation techniques

• Encourage engagement in treatment programs and recovery activities

• Promote a safe, structured, and recovery-oriented environment

Safety/Infection Functions

• Understands and follows Safety and Sanitation rules including reporting any communicable diseases.

• Follow all COVID-19 precautions, disinfectant procedures and social distancing protocols.

• Enforce all protocols with residents in the facility. 

Documentation, Compliance, and Control Functions (Resident Rights)  

• Promptly reports any known or suspected violations to the Supervisor.

• Adheres to facility Dress Code.

• Complete clinical documentation accurately and within required timelines

• Maintain progress notes, treatment plans, and case documentation in EHR systems

• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, licensing standards, and facility policies

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards at all times

Collaboration, Teamwork, and Inservice Functions

• Attends and participates in orientation and all facilities/programs in service training as directed. (Minimum of 52 weekly hours of in service per year)

• Work closely with counselors, managers, nurses, and medical staff

• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and case reviews

• Coordinate care with internal and external providers as needed

• Support continuity of care and discharge planning efforts

Training

• Must complete 20 hours of PRO-ACT every 2 years.   

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications / Experience

• Bachelors preferred,

• CADC-I (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I)

• 2 years working with individuals with mental illness

• Must be able to read and write in a legible and understandable manner.

• Must be able to perform the Essential Job Functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Experience in substance use disorder treatment or behavioral health settings

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Knowledge of addiction recovery principles and evidence-based practices

• Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical environment

Preferred

• Experience in residential, outpatient, IOP, or PHP settings

• Experience with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders

• Familiarity with EHR systems

• Crisis intervention or de-escalation training

• Bilingual skills (a plus)

Working Conditions

• May encounter frequent interruptions

• May be involved with residents, family, and government agencies

• May be requested to work beyond scheduled working hours at times

• May be subjected to odors, dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoking or air contaminants

• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses

• May be exposed to or handle hazardous chemicals

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the day

• Working throughout the nursing areas

• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds. Lifting more weight up to 100 pounds requires assistance

• Ability to read fine print on tablet, progress notes and/or medical labels