Substance Abuse Counselor Job Description
What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?
A substance abuse counselor is responsible for providing support and guidance to individuals struggling with addiction. Typical duties include creating treatment plans, conducting assessments, facilitating group therapy sessions, providing education and resources, and monitoring clients' progress.
Substance Abuse Counselor Job Description Example
The Atlanta Rehabilitation Center is looking for an experienced Substance Abuse Counselor to join our team and assist our patients in their substance abuse recovery. We are looking for individual who is caring, compassionate, and has a deep understanding of the psychological repercussions resulting from substance abuse.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide individual, group, and/or family counseling to those in recovery
- Help patients in identifying and identifying behaviors or conflicts that can lead to addiction
- Participate in crisis interventions when needed
- Facilitate educational programs, screenings, and assessments
- Develop treatment plans and document progress
- Assist with referrals to medical and mental health care professionals
- Serve as a point of contact for patients and ensure their needs are met
- Attend monthly staff meetings and trainings
Work Hours and Benefits:
This is a full-time position with flexible hours, and offers competitive pay and a generous benefits package.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or related field
- Licensure in counseling or social work preferred
- At least two years of experience working in a substance abuse or mental health field
- Knowledge of counseling theories and modalities
- Must be able to pass a background and drug test
Training and Education:
Substance abuse counselors must be proficient in cognitive-behavioral therapy and other modalities, and have comprehensive training in substance abuse issues.
If you meet the qualifications and are interested in the position, please submit your resume today!
What to Include on a Substance Abuse Counselor Resume or Job Posting
Common substance abuse counselor responsibilities
- Developing individualized treatment plans for clients
- Conducting assessments to identify substance abuse issues
- Facilitating group and individual counseling sessions
- Educating clients on the risks and consequences of substance abuse
- Referring clients to appropriate resources and services
- Monitoring client progress and providing feedback
- Developing and implementing relapse prevention strategies
- Documenting client progress and treatment plans
- Collaborating with other professionals to coordinate care
- Providing crisis intervention and support to clients in need
Qualities & traits
- Empathy: Substance abuse counselors must be able to empathize with their clients and understand the challenges they face.
- Patience: Substance abuse counselors must be patient and understanding when dealing with clients who may be resistant to change.
- Compassion: Substance abuse counselors must be compassionate and non-judgmental when working with clients.
- Communication: Substance abuse counselors must be able to communicate effectively with clients, family members, and other professionals.
- Knowledge: Substance abuse counselors must have a thorough understanding of the disease of addiction and its treatment.
- Professionalism: Substance abuse counselors must maintain a professional demeanor and adhere to ethical standards.
- Resilience: Substance abuse counselors must be able to cope with the emotional and physical demands of their job.
- Boundaries: Substance abuse counselors must be able to set and maintain appropriate boundaries with their clients.
What a typical day looks like for a substance abuse counselor
A Substance Abuse Counselor works to help people with substance abuse issues address the underlying issues that may have caused them to begin using substances in the first place. On a day-to-day basis, the counselor may provide individual or group counseling sessions, administer drug screening tests, and provide education about the risks and warning signs of substance abuse. They also help create individualized plans to help people recover from substance abuse and prevent future relapses. Counselors often collaborate with physicians, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals to develop effective treatments for those struggling with addiction.
Compatible jobs and work history
Substance abuse counselors are dedicated professionals who provide guidance, support, and resources to individuals suffering from addiction. Although experience in the field is beneficial for aspiring substance abuse counselors, there are a variety of other positions, industries, and experiences that can equip individuals with the necessary skills and competencies to pursue a career in this field. These jobs often require an understanding of mental health, a commitment to helping people, strong communication skills, and an ability to work in a team. Examples of compatible jobs for individuals wanting to become a substance abuse counselor include:
- Mental Health Technician
- Social Worker
- Chemical Dependency Counselor
- Case Manager
- Peer Counselor
- Crisis Intervention Specialist
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Human Services Worker
- Patient Advocate
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