Drug/Alcohol Abuse Counselor

Drug/Alcohol Abuse Counselor

Location: Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, Cherokee, North Carolina
Job Type: Part-Time, Based on Contract Requirements

Position Overview

The Drug/Alcohol Abuse Counselor provides substance misuse prevention, assessment, counseling, intervention, and case-management services to Job Corps students, generally ages 16–24. The counselor works with health, counseling, education, and other center staff to support student recovery, healthy decision-making, retention, and successful program participation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct substance misuse and abuse assessments, intake evaluations, and treatment planning.
• Provide individual and group counseling, brief interventions, and referrals for additional treatment when needed.
• Monitor students with substance-use concerns and coordinate case management with healthcare and counseling staff.
• Collaborate with the Mental Health Consultant on students with co-occurring mental health and substance-use conditions.
• Conduct drug testing and follow required chain-of-custody procedures.
• Maintain accurate student health records, counseling documentation, and required reports.
• Coordinate prevention, education, and wellness activities, including required annual substance-use prevention events.
• Participate in TUPP, HEALS, and other center wellness initiatives.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, safety, infection-control, and Job Corps requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must hold an active, unrestricted substance abuse license or certification that meets the requirements of the state where services are provided.
• Must maintain all required licenses, certifications, accreditations, and professional insurance throughout the contract period.
• Professional liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence / $3 million aggregate is required.
• Must meet background-check and drug-testing requirements, if required.
• Must be able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Must receive required DOL/Government approval before providing services.