Chemical Dependency Counselor

Cincinnati Children's Office of Academic Affairs and Career Development; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 57,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Children's is seeking a Chemical Dependency Counselor for the Social Service department at College Hill. The role supports patients and families, uses crisis intervention techniques, and collaborates with the care team to determine appropriate levels of care.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field; a Master’s is preferred, with 2+ years in chemical dependency. LICDC/LCDCs are preferred. Typical schedule is Monday–Friday, days, 40 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years of work experience in chemical dependency or a related field.
• Preferred: LCDC III or LICDC license.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a resource for patients, guardians, staff, and clinicians within the hospital system and uses crisis intervention techniques for aggressive patients.
• Serves as a subject expert on chemical dependency and collaborates with teams to evaluate referrals.
• Screens and assesses patients for substance use, provides diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations, and documents care in the medical record.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Substance abuse knowledge

Clinical collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

• Expected Starting Pay Range $56,846.40 - $72,488.00
• Starting pay is based on experience, skills, and equity; exceptions may apply for highly qualified candidates. Additional pay (e.g., shift, on‑call, or weekend differentials) and benefits may apply. Annual pay may vary based on FTE status.

Primary Location

College Hill Campus

Department

Social Service

Shift

Day (United States of America)

Schedule

Full time

Weekly Hours

40

FTE

1

Employee Status

Regular

CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY COUNSELOR

Locations

College Hill, Lindner Center of Hope, Various Clinics

Schedule

Monday-Friday 8am-4;30pm, no weekends, holidays, or call

Job Responsibilities

• Professional Resource - Acts as a Resource for patients, guardians, staff, and clinicians within the hospital system, as well as outside agencies as needed. Anticipates crisis situations and uses crisis intervention techniques for aggressive patients. Completes required training and maintains annual certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.
• Expertise - Serves as a recognized subject expert on chemical dependency to the health care team. Collaborates with the Residential Intake team to evaluate the appropriateness of referrals when there is a substance abuse concern. Provide educational offerings on Chemical Dependency and participates in quality improvement opportunities as they arise. Utilizes knowledge and experience in creating professional growth opportunities for others. Seeks and provides feedback regularly with treatment team.
• Patient Care Responsibilities - Screens and assesses patients for substance use & abuse behaviors that are referred by the attending physician. Offers a diagnostic impression and treatment recommendations with guidance to the clinically appropriate level of care. Tracks patient progress in relation to treatment goals. Facilitates development and achievement of individual treatment plans/goals and provides input regarding modification of treatment plans. Also provides one-to-one support sessions for patients as deemed appropriate. Completes referrals to substance abuse treatment services when indicated/desired and with authorization of patient and/or parent/guardian. Provides for the exchange of appropriate patient care and clinical information per regulatory requirements. Provides one-to-one support sessions for patients as deemed clinically appropriate/needed. Documents all care and services provided in the electronic medical record following hospital defined policy and procedures. Maintains communication with treatment team members in support of multidisciplinary care and positive outcomes. Collaborates with the treatment team in provision of parent/family education.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required, Master’s degree preferred
• 2+ years of work experience in chemical dependency or a related job discipline required. Prefer 2+ years of experience as LICDC
• Preferred: LCDC III or LICDC license

About Us

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s.

Cincinnati Children's Is

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as atop 10 best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years
• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH)Funding
• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025)
• One of the nation'sAmerica’s Most Innovative Companiesas noted by Fortune
• Consistently certified as great place to work
• A Leading Disability Employeras noted by theNational Organization on Disability
• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by theAmerican Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

We Embrace Innovation—Together. We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.

Comprehensive Job Description Provided Upon Request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability