Certified or Licensed Addiction Counselor

The Certified Addiction Counselor provides comprehensive, research-based counseling functions to individuals/families afflicted with substance use disorders under the supervision of a Clinical Supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate competent skills in delivering the 12-core functions (screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports and recordkeeping and consultation) of chemical dependency counseling services to individuals/families afflicted with substance use disorders.
• Assist Clinical Supervisor in training Counselor Trainee positions, acting as a mentor.
• Assist in ensuring the compliance with pertinent federal, state and local regulations.
• Reinforce clinical programming and staff adherence to ethical practices.
• Maintain and model a close, collaborative working relationship with community resources to ensure quality care is being provided.
• Demonstrate knowledge in the fidelity of evidence-based practices within all levels of programming.
• Attend meetings and complete trainings as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience Required:

• HS Diploma or GED, Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• A minimum of 3 credit hours of the education courses listed below for a total of 27 credit hours.
  • Introduction to the Study of Alcohol Use and Abuse
  • Introduction to the Study of Drug Use and Abuse
  • Alcohol and Drug Group Counseling
  • Ethics for the Alcohol and Drug Professional
  • Foundations of Individual Counseling
  • Alcohol and Drug Treatment Continuum
  • Counseling Families with Alcohol or Other Drug Issues
  • Diverse Populations
  • Alcohol and Drug Specific Elective.
• Minimum of required supervised work hours in a drug and alcohol counselor domain. Hours are based on education level listed below. Degree must be in a behavioral science filed from an accredited post-secondary institution.
  • With High School Diploma (or GED) 8,000 hours
  • With Associate’s Degree 6,000 hours
  • With Bachelor’s Degree: 4,000 hours
  • With Master’s Degree or above: 2,000 hours.
• South Dakota State Certified Addiction Counselor License.

Working Environment:

• Work is typically performed in an office.
• This position includes close contact with addiction treatment clients.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards.
• Must be able to move up to 20 pounds unassisted and move 40 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively on telephone, in-person and in writing.