Addiction Counselor (LAC, CAC, ACT)

Buffalo Plains Recovery; Rapid City, Northern (SD, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Buffalo Plains Recovery seeks an Addiction Counselor to provide direct clinical services to individuals with substance use disorders in detox, residential, and outpatient settings.

You will assess, plan, counsel, and coordinate care to support long-term recovery, lead group sessions, document in EHR, and collaborate with medical and behavioral health teams.

Qualifications

• Active certification or licensure required: LAC, CAC, or ACT.
• Experience in substance use treatment or behavioral health preferred.
• Knowledge of addiction, recovery models, and trauma-informed care.
• CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong clinical assessment and counseling skills.
• Effective communication and group facilitation.
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Organization, documentation, and time management.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse populations.
• Ability to build rapport while maintaining boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments, screenings, and intakes.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans.
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling.
• Facilitate psychoeducational and relapse prevention groups.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation in compliance with regulations.
• Monitor client progress and adjust treatment as needed.
• Coordinate care with medical, psychiatric, and case management teams.
• Provide crisis intervention and support during withdrawal or emotional distress.
• Prepare discharge plans and connect clients to aftercare resources.
• Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.

Skills

LAC/CAC/ACT licensure

Counseling

Crisis intervention

Group facilitation

Communication

Documentation

Cultural sensitivity

Time management

Rapport building

Trauma-informed care

Tools

EHR systems

CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

The Addiction Counselor provides direct clinical services to individuals with substance use disorders in detox, residential, and/or outpatient settings. This role is responsible for assessment, treatment planning, counseling, and coordination of care to support longterm recovery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments, screenings, and intakes
• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling
• Facilitate psychoeducational and relapse prevention groups
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation in compliance with regulations
• Monitor client progress and adjust treatment as needed
• Coordinate care with medical, psychiatric, and case management teams
• Provide crisis intervention and support during withdrawal or emotional distress
• Prepare discharge plans and connect clients to aftercare resources
• Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, and professional boundaries

Qualifications:

• Active certification or licensure: LAC, CAC, or ACT (required)
• Experience in substance use treatment or behavioral health (preferred)
• Knowledge of addiction, recovery models, and trauma-informed care
• CPR/First Aid (or ability to obtain)
• Valid driver's license, CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Strong clinical assessment and counseling skills
• Effective communication and group facilitation
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation
• Organization, documentation, and time management
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse populations
• Ability to build rapport while maintaining boundaries
• Strong clinical assessment and counseling skills
• Effective communication and group facilitation
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation
• Organization, documentation, and time management
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse populations
• Ability to build rapport while maintaining boundaries

Preferred Attributes:

• Experience with co-occurring disorders
• Trained in evidence-based practices
• Lived experience in recovery (as appropriate and aligned with program values)
• Experience working in detox or residential settings
• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Competitive Pay (DOE)
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance