Alcohol & Drug Counselor 2 (LCDC) - Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare

Behavioral Health – Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare Agency | 2200 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223 | Contact: theresa.guthrie@dbh.ohio.gov | Classified, bargaining-unit position (Ohio Health Care SEIU/1199).

About the role

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) employs over 2,800 staff across six inpatient behavioral health hospitals, Ohio Pharmacy Services, Ohio’s prison systems, and the central office in Columbus. DBH’s mission is to exemplify The Heart of Hope for individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use disorders, guided by values of being service‑oriented, collaborative, value‑driven, innovative, and acting with a strong sense of urgency. As an Alcohol and Drug Counselor 2 on the Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare campus, you will provide direct counseling, case management, and crisis intervention services within a therapeutic‑community model.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews and provide counseling services to alcohol- and other drug‑dependent patients/clients.
• Facilitate screening and interviewing of patients/clients from intake through discharge.
• Deliver direct services including group and individual therapy.
• Perform overall case management and crisis intervention.
• Develop client treatment plans and ensure compliance with applicable standards, agency policies, administrative regulations, and institutional rules.
• Monitor clients’ progress in treatment; maintain clinical case records, documentation, and case files.
• Refer clients to community programs and resources; work closely with AA/NA volunteers.
• Participate as part of the treatment team (planning meetings, case presentations, discussions) and provide services in accordance with therapeutic‑community principles.
• Complete and maintain accurate, timely documentation and reports.
• Maintain knowledge of and adherence to compliance requirements for Joint Commission, ODBH, and COBH.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and conferences as required.

Qualifications

• “Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor” credential recognized by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board or other Ohio licensing authority with jurisdiction over professionals authorized to provide counseling services (e.g., Medical Board, Psychology Board, Nursing Board, Counselor & Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board).
• Valid driver’s license.

Pay

Hourly range: $27.48 – $34.35 (Ohio Health Care SEIU/1199 Pay Range Schedule #10). Starting at Step 1 of the pay range; opportunity for pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and yearly raises thereafter.

Schedule

Permanent, full‑time. Normal hours Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., plus one evening per week (typically Tuesday) to host an AA meeting at the hospital.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after eligibility period
• Paid time off: vacation, personal, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave
• Education and development opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, etc.)
• Public retirement systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) and optional deferred compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)