Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Acadia Healthcare; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Acadia Healthcare is seeking qualified professionals to provide treatment and support for patients recovering from substance use, eating disorders, or other behavioral issues. The role involves leading group and family sessions, conducting assessments, and developing individualized treatment plans with a focus on patient safety and high-quality care.

Responsibilities include documenting patient care, coordinating with referrals and insurance, and planning for aftercare.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred in social or health services.
• Experience in counseling field instruction/internship or practicum through education or certification.
• Licensure or certification for counseling as required by the state; eligible within designated timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Conduct group and/or family sessions, under supervision, and document as required.
• Co-facilitate sessions and assist with modifying problem behaviors.
• May perform initial or follow-up patient assessments.
• Prepare individual treatment plans for assigned patients.
• Ensure all documentation regarding patient care is timely and clear.
• Act as liaison between referral sources and patients; provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Coordinate aftercare planning and liaise with insurance carriers as requested.
• Provide case management to ensure individualized quality care.

Skills

Counseling

Documentation

Crisis intervention

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in social or health services field

Tools

CPR Certification

De-escalation training

First aid training

Job description

Purpose Statement

Provide treatment and support to assist patients in their recovery from substance use, eating disorders or other behavioral problems.

Essential Functions

• Conduct group and/or family sessions, under supervision, as scheduled and documents as required.
• Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions and assist with modifying problem behaviors.
• May be responsible for initial assessments, as well as follow up assessments for patients.
• May prepare individual treatment plan for each assigned patient.
• Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
• May act as a liaison between referral sources and patients.
• Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.
• May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.
• May act as a liaison with insurance carriers, as requested.
• May provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care.
• Evaluate the need of the patient and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities is needed.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

Other Functions

• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skill Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree in social or health services field preferred.
• Experience in counseling field instruction/internship or similar practicum through education or certification process required.

Licenses/Designations/Certifications

• Licensure or certification for counseling, as required by the state in which the facility operates; OR state license or certification eligible within the timeframe designated by the facility.
• CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
• First aid may be required based on state or facility.

Additional Regulatory Requirements

• Completion of ongoing education and training, as required by the state in which the facility operates and applicable accrediting body.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.