Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA)

Dove Recovery; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Dove Recovery is seeking a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant to support clinical services under licensed supervision in our Cleveland, OH program. The role emphasizes client engagement, group facilitation, documentation in the EMR, and coordination with case managers and healthcare providers.

The CDCA will help with treatment planning, progress reviews, and adherence to OhioMHAS and payer requirements.

Qualifications

• Active CDCA certification through the OCDPB.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in behavioral health or substance use disorder treatment.
• Experience using ASAM criteria for client assessment, placement, and level of care determination.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain individualized treatment plans and complete accurate, timely clinical documentation.
• Knowledge of and experience applying de-escalation techniques to safely manage challenging client situations while maintaining a therapeutic environment.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to work under clinical supervision and within defined scope of practice.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer skills and EMR experience preferred.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic group sessions.
• Assist with individual sessions, treatment planning, and progress reviews under supervision.
• Support client engagement, attendance, and participation in programming.
• Observe and document client behaviors, progress, and barriers to treatment.
• Assist with crisis de-escalation and behavioral interventions as needed.
• Coordinate with case managers, housing staff, and medical providers as appropriate.

Skills

Group facilitation

Documentation

ASAM criteria

De-escalation

Communication

EMR experience

Time management

Professional boundaries

Education

CDCA certification

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

The Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) supports the delivery of substance use disorder treatment services under the supervision of a licensed clinical professional. The CDCA plays a critical role in client engagement, group facilitation, documentation, care coordination, and maintaining compliance with OhioMHAS and payer requirements. This position requires professionalism, strong boundaries, timely documentation, and a client-centered approach aligned with recovery-oriented care.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical & Client Care

• Facilitatepsychoeducational and therapeutic group sessionsappropriate to scope of CDCA practice


• Assist withindividual sessions, treatment planning, and progress reviews under supervision


• Support client engagement, attendance, and participation in programming


• Observe and document client behaviors, progress, and barriers to treatment


• Assist with crisis de-escalation and behavioral interventions as needed


• Coordinate with case managers, housing staff, and medical providers as appropriate

Documentation & Compliance

• Completetimely, accurate, and compliant clinical documentationin the EMR


• Ensure documentation supportsmedical necessityand level-of-care requirements


• Follow OhioMHAS, Medicaid, and payer documentation standards


• Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance at all times


• Participate in chart audits and corrective action as directed

Team & Program Support

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, staffing, and supervision


• Communicate professionally with supervisors and clinical leadership


• Support program structure, schedules, and group flow


• Assist with admissions, discharges, and transitions of care when assigned


• Uphold center policies, procedures, and professional standards

Required Qualifications

• ActiveCDCA certificationthrough the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (OCDPB)


• Minimum of2 years of relevant experiencein behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, or a related field.


• Experience utilizingASAM criteriafor client assessment, placement, and level of care determination.


• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintainindividualized treatment plansand complete accurate, timely clinicaldocumentation.


• Knowledge of and experience applyingde-escalation techniquesto safely manage challenging client situations while maintaining a therapeutic environment.


• High school diploma or GED


• Ability to work under clinical supervision and within defined scope of practice


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Basic computer skills and EMR experience preferred


• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience inoutpatient, IOP, PHP, or residential SUD treatment


• Familiarity withOhioMHAS, Medicaid, and managed care requirements


• Group facilitation experience


• Trauma-informed care experience


• Prior experience with co-occurring disorders

Core Competencies

• Client-centered and recovery-oriented mindset


• Time management and documentation discipline


• Professionalism and reliability


• Emotional intelligence and de-escalation skills


• Team collaboration and accountability

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and facilitate groups for extended periods


• Ability to manage a fast-paced clinical environment


• 4 PM-10 PMMonday through Friday with groups Monday, Wednesday, Friday and individual sessions Tuesday and Thursday.

Supervision

This position isclinically supervisedby a licensed professional in accordance with OCDPB and OhioMHAS regulations.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Dove and Robin Recovery is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work environment.