LADC Intern [Mankato]

About the role

Partners Behavioral Healthcare finds and restores individuals struggling with substance use and mental health disorders, providing behavioral health services for justice-involved individuals to break free from addiction and criminal thinking, manage mental health, and take control of their lives. The LADC Intern works within the outpatient SUD program in Mankato during spring semester starting January 2027, alongside a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor to provide addictions treatment services. Interns gain hands-on experience across program services and tasks required to meet the 12 Core Functions including screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referrals, record keeping, and consultation. This is a non-exempt, hourly, on-site position with daytime hours Monday through Friday, reporting to the SUD Program Manager or Designated LADC Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Complete orientation within 24 hours covering job functions, policies and procedures, client confidentiality, ethical boundaries, HIV minimum standards, client needs, and emergency procedures.
• Complete Mandatory Reporting training per MN Statutes (245G, 626.556, 626.5561, 626.5563, 626.557, 626.5572) and PBH policies for obtaining client Release of Information.
• Observe comprehensive assessments and learn documentation procedures.
• Close out charts ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.
• Observe and/or co-facilitate classes based on curriculum knowledge.
• Review treatment plans with clients and document in chart under supervision.
• Learn all duties and responsibilities of an LADC Counselor.
• Become familiar with referral sources in clients' local communities and assist with providing numbers or making contact as needed.
• Meet weekly with Program Manager or Treatment Director for Clinical Reviews.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Screening: Determine client appropriateness for admission to Partners Behavioral Healthcare.
• Intake: Gain familiarity with Intake manual and review with client obtaining all necessary signatures.
• Orientation: Describe the general nature and goals of the program using the Orientation Manual and mandatory postings.
• Assessment: Gather relevant information to determine level of need for treatment, levels of care, and problems associated with use.
• Treatment Planning: Identify and rank problems with client; establish goals initially and on an ongoing basis.
• Counseling (Individual, Group, Significant Other): Assist clients and groups in exploring problems and solutions through observing, co-facilitating, and facilitating.
• Case Management: Coordinate services, agencies, and resources (e.g., Clinical Team review meetings; meetings with psychologists, probation, mental health workers).
• Crisis Intervention: Respond to needs during acute emotional or physical distress (1-1, group, class sessions, personal life).
• Client Education: Provide information to individuals and groups concerning alcohol and drug abuse; observe classes and groups, co-facilitate, conduct treatment plan reviews.
• Referral: Identify client needs that cannot be met by the counselor or agency and assist client to access services (psychologists, outside mental health, legal, education, transportation, employment, etc.).
• Reports and Record Keeping: Chart results of assessment, treatment planning, written reports, progress notes, and other client data (filing, charting, weekly treatment planning).
• Consultation: Collaborate with other professionals to assure comprehensive quality care (psychologists, outside mental health, educational, legal, church and spiritual related).

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of substance use disorder and mental health treatment principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective listening, empathy, patience, and professional demeanor.
• Ability to multi-task, manage time effectively, and handle stressful situations.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and solution-focused approach.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality and ethical boundaries.
• Ability to interact respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Familiarity with documentation practices and electronic health record systems (training provided).

• At least 18 years of age.
• Successful completion of MN DHS Background Study.
• Enrolled in an ADC education program at an accredited school or educational program earning a minimum of 9 semester credits per calendar year toward an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree.
• Degree requirements must include an additional 18 semester credits or 270 hours of alcohol and drug counseling related coursework and 440 hours of practicum.
• Maintain professional standards of conduct and appearance with co-workers and the public.

Work environment

• Primarily office- and treatment-center based.
• Frequent interaction with clients, counselors, and staff in a therapeutic setting.
• Fast-paced environment with occasional high-stress situations.
• Exposure to confidential client and health information; requires adherence to HIPAA and agency policies.

Benefits

• Free clinical supervision for qualifying trainees and staff.
• Clinician AI for charting support.
• Complimentary off-street parking at all locations.
• Ongoing professional development, including structured training for SUD groups.
• Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401k retirement plan with Roth and pre-tax deferral options and up to 3.5% employer match.
• Generous paid time off, six company holidays, and birthday off.
• Loan Forgiveness eligibility through Minnesota's Health Professional Loan Forgiveness Programs for services in health professional shortage areas.

Pay

$16.50 per hour.

Schedule

Daytime hours, Monday through Friday.