ASAM Group Facilitator

About the role

Vabode by SMARTS Recovery is seeking a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) to facilitate ASAM 2.1 Intensive Outpatient Programs in the Newport News, Virginia area. The counselor will deliver substance use disorder (SUD) counseling services aligned with ASAM Level 2.1 standards, providing structured, evidence-based group sessions focused on substance use, relapse prevention, recovery skills, emotional and behavioral concerns, and healthy coping strategies. Services will be provided in accordance with Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), Virginia Medicaid/DMAS, ASAM, agency, and professional standards. The counselor will maintain accurate clinical documentation and collaborate with the treatment team to support each individual’s recovery and treatment goals.

Responsibilities

Group Counseling

• Facilitate ASAM Level 2.1 group counseling sessions according to program schedule and individualized treatment needs.
• Provide structured, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented group interventions using evidence-based and evidence-informed SUD treatment approaches.
• Facilitate groups addressing topics including:
  • Substance use and addiction education
  • Relapse prevention
  • Triggers and cravings
  • Coping skills
  • Emotional regulation
  • Stress management
  • Cognitive and behavioral patterns
  • Motivation for change
  • Recovery support
  • Healthy relationships and communication
  • Trauma-informed recovery
  • Life skills and recovery planning
  • Community resources and support systems
• Encourage participant engagement, peer support, accountability, and appropriate group interaction.
• Maintain appropriate therapeutic boundaries and a safe, respectful, recovery-focused environment.
• Monitor group participation and identify changes in behavior, mood, functioning, or substance use that may require additional intervention.

Individualized Clinical Services

• Review and contribute to assessments and individualized treatment plans as permitted by credentials and scope of practice.
• Provide individual SUD counseling when assigned and within scope of practice.
• Assist clients in identifying treatment goals, recovery barriers, strengths, and measurable objectives.
• Provide interventions consistent with the client’s identified needs and level of care.
• Monitor progress toward treatment goals and communicate significant changes to the treatment team.
• Participate in treatment plan reviews and discharge planning.

Documentation

• Complete individual and group counseling documentation in a timely and clinically appropriate manner.
• Document client participation, response to interventions, progress, barriers, and ongoing clinical needs.
• Maintain accurate records of services provided, including group attendance and individualized clinical documentation as required.
• Ensure documentation supports medical necessity and reflects services actually provided.
• Complete required treatment plans, progress notes, assessments, discharge summaries, and other clinical documentation within agency and regulatory timeframes.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements.

Care Coordination and Team Collaboration

• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Coordinate with case management, peer recovery, medical, psychiatric, and other behavioral health providers as appropriate.
• Communicate significant clinical concerns to the appropriate supervisor or clinical staff.
• Assist with referrals to higher or lower levels of care when clinically indicated.
• Support continuity of care and successful transitions between treatment services.
• Assist clients in connecting with community recovery resources, mutual-support programs, employment resources, housing resources, and other appropriate services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in Human Services, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Substance use disorder counseling experience preferred.
• Experience facilitating behavioral health or SUD groups preferred.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, relapse prevention, and behavioral health treatment.
• Ability to maintain accurate clinical documentation.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing substance use and co-occurring behavioral health concerns.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

Preferred Credentials

Depending on agency staffing model and Virginia requirements, preferred candidates may hold credentials such as:

• Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)
• Certified Substance Abuse Counselor–Supervisee
• Licensed or Licensed-Eligible Mental Health Professional

Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to facilitate groups for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and staff.
• Ability to maintain a professional and therapeutic environment.
• Ability to respond appropriately to behavioral or emotional situations that may arise in a behavioral health treatment setting.

Position Expectations

The Substance Abuse Counselor is expected to provide structured, clinically appropriate ASAM 2.1 services rather than simply educational or support groups. Group content, interventions, participation, client response, progress, and ongoing needs should be documented in accordance with the individual’s treatment plan and applicable regulatory requirements. The counselor is also expected to recognize when a participant’s clinical presentation may warrant additional assessment, increased services, referral, or consideration of a different level of care.