Substance Abuse Counselor
Behavioral Health Group - BHG, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Substance Abuse Counselor
Requirements: Bachelor's or Master's in human services or related field. CSAC required.
The counselor is responsible for assisting patients in identifying, maximizing, and relating their strengths to appropriate social, educational (academic and vocational), and occupational goals. They help patients prepare and adjust to a drug‑free existence, and offer assistance (emotional and physical) in problematic issues. The counselor reports to the counselor supervisor or program director and provides services to assigned patients, adhering to schedules, program policies, and regulatory requirements. All duties are performed within the scope of their license or certification.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct alcohol and drug abuse counseling sessions on a regular basis per state regulation, or as part of the individual treatment plan
Mental health counseling may be provided based on program and qualifications of clinician
Provide services according to the required hours, which may vary depending on services
Conduct group counseling sessions as required
Orient patients to the treatment program’s operation and procedures
Collect available social, educational, economic, and vocational information to be used as part of the assessment process
Implement or revise patient treatment plans with the patient as required by state regulation and record a review of the patient’s progress according to BHG policy
Develop within (10) days of entry or as required by state guidelines, whichever is more stringent, a formal treatment plan documenting patient goals and update utilizing the same guidelines
Maintain patient records that are complete, comprehensive and well organized
Submit records for periodic review as requested by supervisory team
Document all patient contacts. If other team members provide services to the patient, the assigned counselor is responsible for seeing that such contacts are documented in 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 prepared to both lead the discussion where appropriate and discuss his/her assigned individual patient 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. Additionally, stay up to date on current drug abuse and treatment information, especially current trends in Opioid Maintenance Treatment
Provide intake/readmission services, including several weeks of supportive follow‑up counseling for new patients until their assignment to a primary counselor
Provide, 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
Provide inter‑agency reports/documentation required for third party reimbursement, criminal justice proceedings, supplemental income assessments, emergency services, and other specialized treatment needs of patients as applicable
Coordinate care with other community providers as needed
Meet BHG attendance standards and be present and ready for work at the beginning of established work schedule
Perform OBOT services as required
Report any work‑related injury or illness, or workplace hazards or security issues immediately to supervisor
Other duties as assigned by supervisory team
Regulatory
Responsible for complying with all federal, state and local regulatory agency requirements
Responsible for complying with all accrediting agencies
Marketing and Outreach
Participate in community and public relations activities as assigned
Professional Development
Responsible for the achievement of assigned specific goals, objectives, and metrics
Responsible for mentoring and training counseling team members regarding best practices in counseling and skills necessary to engage patients in treatment
Demonstrate the belief that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing
Demonstrate hope, respect, and caring in all interactions with patients and fellow team members
Establish and maintain positive relationships in the workplace
Can work independently and under pressure while handling multiple tasks simultaneously
Make decisions and use good judgment with confidential and sensitive issues
Deal appropriately with others in stressful or other undesirable situations
Training
Participate in and provide in‑service training as required by federal, state, local, and accrediting agencies
Attend conferences, meetings and training programs as directed
Participate in and/or schedule and attend regular in‑service training
Minimum Requirements
The counselor must comply with federal and state regulations regarding certification, licensure, and degree.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Master’s degree in a related field may be required with expanded job duties
CSAC (Certified Substance Abuse Counselor)
CSAC–S (Certified Substance Abuse Counselor – Supervisor)
LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
LMFT (License Marriage and Family Therapist)
If not adequately licensed, the counselor must be enrolled in, or willing to begin, a formal course of study or track toward licensure at the date of hire.
Ideal Candidate Characteristics
High integrity
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Sound judgment
Efficient
Self‑starter
Ability to work independently and under pressure while handling multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to make decisions and use proper judgment with confidential and sensitive issues
Must be able to react quickly and make effective decisions
Demonstrate basic computer/word processing skills
Demonstrate basic knowledge and skill in the use of typical office equipment such as calculator, fax machine, copier, computer, telephone, and computer programs
Ability to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding of human behavior to show potential for rehabilitating drug‑dependent patients
Must have sufficient knowledge of the substance abuse population, treatment planning and the field of human social services to work toward the rehabilitation of the patient community
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate effectively by phone or in person at normal volumes
Vision adequate to read correspondence, computer screen, forms, etc.
Prolonged sitting, bending, stooping, or stretching
Variable workload, periodic high stress and activity level
Standard medical office conditions and environments
Interactions with patients who may be ill, have infectious diseases, have mental health diagnoses and/or are involved in the criminal justice system
Keyboarding for long periods of time
Benefits
Work‑Life Balance: Enjoy generous paid time off, holidays, and personal needs. Benefit from flexible schedules with early in/early out hours, no nights, and no Sundays
Investment in Your Growth: Prioritize your development with role‑based training and advancement opportunities
Comprehensive Benefits: Choose from three benefits programs, including health, life, vision, and dental insurance. Enjoy tuition reimbursement and 401K plan with discretionary match
Recognition and Rewards: Experience competitive pay, quarterly bonuses, and incentives for certifications or licenses
Employee Perks: Access exclusive discounts on various services and entertainment options, and benefit from our Employee Assistance Program and self‑care series
BHG is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.
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Requirements: Bachelor's or Master's in human services or related field. CSAC required.
The counselor is responsible for assisting patients in identifying, maximizing, and relating their strengths to appropriate social, educational (academic and vocational), and occupational goals. They help patients prepare and adjust to a drug‑free existence, and offer assistance (emotional and physical) in problematic issues. The counselor reports to the counselor supervisor or program director and provides services to assigned patients, adhering to schedules, program policies, and regulatory requirements. All duties are performed within the scope of their license or certification.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct alcohol and drug abuse counseling sessions on a regular basis per state regulation, or as part of the individual treatment plan
Mental health counseling may be provided based on program and qualifications of clinician
Provide services according to the required hours, which may vary depending on services
Conduct group counseling sessions as required
Orient patients to the treatment program’s operation and procedures
Collect available social, educational, economic, and vocational information to be used as part of the assessment process
Implement or revise patient treatment plans with the patient as required by state regulation and record a review of the patient’s progress according to BHG policy
Develop within (10) days of entry or as required by state guidelines, whichever is more stringent, a formal treatment plan documenting patient goals and update utilizing the same guidelines
Maintain patient records that are complete, comprehensive and well organized
Submit records for periodic review as requested by supervisory team
Document all patient contacts. If other team members provide services to the patient, the assigned counselor is responsible for seeing that such contacts are documented in 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 prepared to both lead the discussion where appropriate and discuss his/her assigned individual patient 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. Additionally, stay up to date on current drug abuse and treatment information, especially current trends in Opioid Maintenance Treatment
Provide intake/readmission services, including several weeks of supportive follow‑up counseling for new patients until their assignment to a primary counselor
Provide, 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
Provide inter‑agency reports/documentation required for third party reimbursement, criminal justice proceedings, supplemental income assessments, emergency services, and other specialized treatment needs of patients as applicable
Coordinate care with other community providers as needed
Meet BHG attendance standards and be present and ready for work at the beginning of established work schedule
Perform OBOT services as required
Report any work‑related injury or illness, or workplace hazards or security issues immediately to supervisor
Other duties as assigned by supervisory team
Regulatory
Responsible for complying with all federal, state and local regulatory agency requirements
Responsible for complying with all accrediting agencies
Marketing and Outreach
Participate in community and public relations activities as assigned
Professional Development
Responsible for the achievement of assigned specific goals, objectives, and metrics
Responsible for mentoring and training counseling team members regarding best practices in counseling and skills necessary to engage patients in treatment
Demonstrate the belief that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing
Demonstrate hope, respect, and caring in all interactions with patients and fellow team members
Establish and maintain positive relationships in the workplace
Can work independently and under pressure while handling multiple tasks simultaneously
Make decisions and use good judgment with confidential and sensitive issues
Deal appropriately with others in stressful or other undesirable situations
Training
Participate in and provide in‑service training as required by federal, state, local, and accrediting agencies
Attend conferences, meetings and training programs as directed
Participate in and/or schedule and attend regular in‑service training
Minimum Requirements
The counselor must comply with federal and state regulations regarding certification, licensure, and degree.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Master’s degree in a related field may be required with expanded job duties
CSAC (Certified Substance Abuse Counselor)
CSAC–S (Certified Substance Abuse Counselor – Supervisor)
LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
LMFT (License Marriage and Family Therapist)
If not adequately licensed, the counselor must be enrolled in, or willing to begin, a formal course of study or track toward licensure at the date of hire.
Ideal Candidate Characteristics
High integrity
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Sound judgment
Efficient
Self‑starter
Ability to work independently and under pressure while handling multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to make decisions and use proper judgment with confidential and sensitive issues
Must be able to react quickly and make effective decisions
Demonstrate basic computer/word processing skills
Demonstrate basic knowledge and skill in the use of typical office equipment such as calculator, fax machine, copier, computer, telephone, and computer programs
Ability to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding of human behavior to show potential for rehabilitating drug‑dependent patients
Must have sufficient knowledge of the substance abuse population, treatment planning and the field of human social services to work toward the rehabilitation of the patient community
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate effectively by phone or in person at normal volumes
Vision adequate to read correspondence, computer screen, forms, etc.
Prolonged sitting, bending, stooping, or stretching
Variable workload, periodic high stress and activity level
Standard medical office conditions and environments
Interactions with patients who may be ill, have infectious diseases, have mental health diagnoses and/or are involved in the criminal justice system
Keyboarding for long periods of time
Benefits
Work‑Life Balance: Enjoy generous paid time off, holidays, and personal needs. Benefit from flexible schedules with early in/early out hours, no nights, and no Sundays
Investment in Your Growth: Prioritize your development with role‑based training and advancement opportunities
Comprehensive Benefits: Choose from three benefits programs, including health, life, vision, and dental insurance. Enjoy tuition reimbursement and 401K plan with discretionary match
Recognition and Rewards: Experience competitive pay, quarterly bonuses, and incentives for certifications or licenses
Employee Perks: Access exclusive discounts on various services and entertainment options, and benefit from our Employee Assistance Program and self‑care series
BHG is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.
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