Addictions Counselor

Fora Health Treatment & Recovery; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Fora Health Treatment & Recovery is seeking an Addictions Counselor in Portland, Oregon. This role requires providing evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders as part of a multidisciplinary team. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, creating treatment plans, and maintaining patient confidentiality. Candidates must hold a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor 1 certification. A proficiency in Microsoft Office and culturally sensitive communication skills are essential. The position may require evening and weekend hours, along with potential overtime.

Qualifications

• Minimum of Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor 1 certification required.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
• Typing speed of 40 words per minute.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional and evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders.
• Document all encounters in the electronic medical record within 24 hours.
• Conduct ongoing counseling and relapse-prevention activities.

Skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Detail-oriented

Effective communication

Cultural humility

Education

Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor 1 certification

QAQA credential (preferred)

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The role of the Addictions Counselor (AC) is to provide professional and evidence-based treatment for people experiencing substance use disorders. The AC works in concert with other staff as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes medical providers, mental health professionals, and peer mentors. The AC must possess a robust understanding of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, medication-supported recovery, and harm-reduction.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Inform patients of confidentiality rights, program procedures, and legal exceptions. Protect patient privacy.
• Collect data from patients and collateral sources; interpret assessment information using ASAM to justify medical necessity.
• Assist with intake and enrollment in all levels of care offered by Fora.
• Assess patient motivation for change using the Stage of Change model and adjust interventions accordingly.
• Create and update treatment plans at intake and at least every 30 days for residential and every 90 days for outpatient care.
• Document all encounters in the electronic medical record within 24 hours.
• Conduct ongoing counseling, relapse-prevention activities, and completion/transition planning with patients and community partners.
• Prepare progress reports for referral entities every 30 days when required.
• Maintain community partnerships and manage caseload, tracking legal requirements and engagement status.
• Send transfer summaries to referral entities within 5 days of discharge.

COUNSELING AND EDUCATION

• Build a professional, compassionate therapeutic relationship; use Motivational Interviewing as foundation.
• Individual and group counseling to achieve patient’s treatment goals.
• Advocate for abstinence-based, medication-assisted, or harm-reduction models as appropriate.
• Educate patients on health and behavior issues related to substance use, including infectious disease prevention.
• Teach life skills such as stress management, communication, and refusal skills.
• Complete required continuing education and maintain credentials.

REFERRAL

• Document all referral activity.
• Assist patients in following through with referrals to other professionals, agencies, or community programs.
• Ensure 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements and appropriate release of information.
• Collaborate with mental health practitioners, prescribers, and insurance representatives.

FUNCTIONS AS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE PROGRAM CLINICAL TEAM

• Provide high-quality patient experience; be flexible and supportive across all departments.
• Attend treatment team and clinical supervision meetings.
• Maintain effective relationships with clinical team, management, community partners, and other departments.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of work environment.
• Adapt schedule to meet program needs; periodic overtime may be required.
• Participate in the development of department goals.

PRODUCTIVITY IN BILLABLE HOURS

• Manage caseload; schedule individual sessions at levels of care indicated.
• Complete assessments as per policy guidelines.
• Facilitate evidence-based groups at required frequency.
• Meet minimum of 55% direct care hours—22 billable hours per week for full-time employees.

PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhere to professional codes of ethics and maintain confidentiality.
• Follow federal, state, and agency policies regarding substance use disorder treatment.
• Recognize individual differences influencing patient behavior.
• Engage in ongoing supervision, consultation, and personal self-care strategies.
• Maintain current addiction counselor certification and licensure.
• Meet or exceed patient outcome goals for engagement, retention, and completion.

ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend staff and team meetings.
• Complete additional training as assigned.
• Participate in special projects.
• Maintain quality treatment services following best practices.
• Balance competing demands and manage workload within a 40‑hour week; communicate overtime needs.

SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS

This position does not have supervisory duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience Required:

• Minimum of Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor 1 certification required; internal candidates may hold CADC-R or obtain it within 90 days.
• Preferred: QAQA credential completion.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Typing speed of 40 words per minute.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and effective communicator across diverse audiences.
• Maintain professional boundaries; work collaboratively with patients and staff.
• Document treatment plans, session notes, and progress per agency standards.
• Facilitate individual and group sessions independently.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and cultural humility.
• Basic understanding of mental health disorders.

Other Requirements:

• Two-year sobriety certification for those with a history of substance use disorder.
• Pass pre-employment or for-cause drug and DHS criminal background checks.
• Complete registration with Oregon Health Authority (DMAP) and NPI.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Prolonged computer use; indoor office environment with occasional travel or on-site assessments.
• Possible overtime incl. evenings and weekends; schedule adjustment may be required.
• Risk of exposure to communicable diseases and other workplace hazards.
• Fast-paced, high-volume work environment.