SUD Counselor - LPC, LPCC, or LCSW

About the Role

The Counselor is responsible for assisting patients in identifying, maximizing, and relating their strengths to appropriate social, educational (academic and vocational), and occupational goals. The Counselor helps patients prepare for and adjust to a drug‑free existence and offers emotional and physical assistance with problematic issues. The role reports to the Counselor Supervisor or Program Director and must adhere to schedules, program policies, procedures, and all applicable federal, state, local, and accrediting agency regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct alcohol and drug abuse counseling sessions regularly per state regulation or individual treatment plan.
• Provide mental health counseling when program and clinician qualifications allow.
• Deliver services according to required hours, which may vary depending on services.
• Conduct group counseling sessions as required.
• Orient patients to the treatment program’s operations and procedures.
• Collect social, educational, economic, and vocational information for assessment.
• Implement or revise patient treatment plans with the patient, documenting progress per BHG policy.
• Develop a formal treatment plan within ten (10) days of entry (or as required by state guidelines) and update it accordingly.
• Maintain complete, comprehensive, and well‑organized patient records; submit records for periodic review as requested.
• Document all patient contacts and ensure documentation by other team members is entered into the patient’s chart.
• Make appropriate referrals through case‑management services and perform necessary follow‑up.
• Assist the Program Director in implementing new programs into patient treatment.
• Advise the Program Director of problems encountered with caseload management and schedules.
• Attend weekly treatment team meetings, lead discussions when appropriate, and discuss assigned caseload.
• Provide in‑service training to counselors and other treatment center team members as needed.
• Maintain a basic understanding of alcohol/drug abuse and addiction; stay current on drug abuse trends, especially Opioid Maintenance Treatment.
• Provide intake/readmission services and several weeks of supportive follow‑up counseling for new patients until assigned to a primary counselor.
• Monitor and document follow‑up calls/contact to all discharging patients for at least 30 days.
• Provide crisis intervention/support services to patients assigned to other counselors when their primary counselor is unavailable.
• Prepare inter‑agency reports/documentation for third‑party reimbursement, criminal justice proceedings, supplemental income assessments, emergency services, and other specialized treatment needs.
• Coordinate care with community providers as needed.
• Meet BHG attendance standards and be ready for work at the beginning of the established schedule.
• Perform OBOT services as required.
• Report any work‑related injury, illness, hazards, or security issues immediately to a supervisor.
• Comply with all federal, state, local, and accrediting agency regulatory requirements.
• Participate in community and public relations activities as assigned.
• Achieve assigned specific goals, objectives, and metrics; mentor and train counseling team members on best practices.
• Demonstrate belief that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing, and show hope, respect, and caring in all interactions.
• Establish and maintain positive workplace relationships; work independently and under pressure while handling multiple tasks.
• Make decisions and use good judgment with confidential and sensitive issues; handle stressful situations appropriately.
• Participate in and provide in‑service training required by federal, state, local, and accrediting agencies; attend conferences, meetings, and training programs as directed.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisory team.

Minimum Requirements

The Counselor must comply with federal and state regulations regarding certification, licensure, and degree.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• One of the following licenses/certifications:
  • LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
  • LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor)
  • LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

Skills and Abilities

• High integrity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Sound judgment and efficient decision‑making
• Self‑starter; ability to work independently and under pressure while handling multiple tasks
• Ability to make decisions and use proper judgment with confidential and sensitive issues
• Quick reaction and effective decision‑making in urgent situations
• Basic computer/word‑processing skills and familiarity with typical office equipment (calculator, fax, copier, computer, telephone)
• Sufficient knowledge of human behavior to support rehabilitation of drug‑dependent patients
• Knowledge of the substance‑abuse population, treatment planning, and human social services

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Speaking and hearing ability sufficient for normal‑volume phone and in‑person communication.
• Vision adequate to read correspondence, computer screens, and forms.
• Prolonged sitting, bending, stooping, or stretching.
• Variable workload with periodic high stress and activity levels.
• Standard medical office environment.
• Interaction with patients who may be ill, have infectious diseases, mental health diagnoses, or be involved in the criminal justice system.
• Keyboarding for long periods.

Benefits

• Work‑Life Balance: Generous paid time off, holidays, personal days; flexible schedules with early‑in/early‑out hours, no nights, and no Sundays.
• Investment in Your Growth: Role‑based training and advancement opportunities.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Choice of three benefits programs covering health, life, vision, and dental insurance; tuition reimbursement; 401(k) with discretionary match.
• Recognition and Rewards: Competitive pay, quarterly bonuses, and incentives for certifications or licenses.
• Employee Perks: Exclusive discounts on services and entertainment; Employee Assistance Program and self‑care series.