Counselor - Behavioral Health (Substance Use Disorder)

Emend Healthcare; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

Emend Healthcare AK LLC is seeking a SUD Counselor to provide direct clinical and recovery-oriented services for individuals with substance use disorders. You will conduct assessments, craft individualized treatment plans, and support progress within a multidisciplinary team.

The role emphasizes evidence-based treatment, client-centered care, and adherence to regulatory standards while promoting a safe, therapeutic environment.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of ASAM Criteria and addiction treatment practices.
• Ability to conduct assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Experience documenting clinical progress and plans.

Responsibilities

• Conduct substance use assessments and related clinical evaluations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain individualized treatment plans.
• Provide individual counseling and document client progress.
• Lead recovery-oriented groups to support engagement and relapse prevention.
• Monitor progress and update treatment plans as needed.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and discharge planning.
• Provide crisis intervention during emergencies.
• Maintain HIPAA-compliant and compliant clinical documentation.
• Apply ASAM criteria to guide level of care decisions.
• Coordinate with referral sources, families, and external providers.

Skills

ASAM Criteria knowledge

Individual counseling

Group counseling

Documentation of progress

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

CDC I, II, III, or CDCS

Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Health, Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related field

Job description

Description

Emend Healthcare provides comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment at multiple locations across the country. Each center is designed to deliver a full continuum of care, from medically supervised detox to residential and outpatient programs, ensuring clients can access the support they need wherever they are. With a focus on personalized treatment and compassionate care, Emend’s facilities offer safe, welcoming environments where individuals can begin their journey to lasting recovery.

Description

Emend Healthcare provides comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment at multiple locations across the country. Each center is designed to deliver a full continuum of care, from medically supervised detox to residential and outpatient programs, ensuring clients can access the support they need wherever they are. With a focus on personalized treatment and compassionate care, Emend’s facilities offer safe, welcoming environments where individuals can begin their journey to lasting recovery.

At Emend Healthcare Company AK LLC, ("Emend AK"), an integral part of Emend, we are dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to lasting wellness. Our team combines expertise, compassion, and personalized care to help clients navigate mental health challenges and substance use recovery. We focus on creating a safe, nurturing environment where every person can build the skills, resilience, and confidence needed to thrive. Through evidence-based treatment, innovative programs, and a commitment to holistic well-being, we empower clients to achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Position Summary

The SUD Counselor provides direct clinical and recovery-oriented services to individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders. This position is responsible for conducting assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, facilitating counseling services, and supporting client progress throughout treatment.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team, the SUD Counselor helps clients build recovery skills, address barriers to treatment, and achieve their treatment goals. This position maintains compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements while promoting a safe, therapeutic, and client-centered environment.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct substance use disorder assessments, ASAM assessments, screening tools, and related clinical evaluations to support treatment planning and service recommendations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain individualized treatment plans.
• Provide individual counseling sessions and document client progress.
• Facilitate a variety of therapeutic, psychoeducational, and recovery-oriented groups designed to support client engagement, skill development, relapse prevention, and long-term recovery.
• Monitor client progress and update treatment plans as clinically indicated.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, client staffing, and discharge planning.
• Provide crisis intervention and support during client emergencies or behavioral health concerns.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and complete clinical documentation in accordance with Medicaid requirements, Joint Commission standards, and organizational policies.
• Utilize ASAM criteria to support level of care recommendations and treatment planning decisions.
• Coordinate with referral sources, family members, outside providers, and community resources when appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards in accordance with HIPAA, credentialing requirements, and organizational policies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements And Expectations

• Working knowledge of ASAM Criteria and substance use disorder treatment practices.
• Skilled in facilitating individual counseling, therapeutic groups, and recovery-oriented group services.
• Ability to develop treatment plans and documenting client progress.
• Ability to complete assessments, treatment planning, discharge planning, and related clinical documentation.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented care and evidence-based treatment approaches.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Commitment to maintaining professional boundaries and ethical standards of practice.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary treatment environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working within residential treatment, outpatient treatment, detoxification, or co-occurring disorder treatment settings.
• Experience facilitating recovery-oriented groups and psychoeducational programming.
• Familiarity with 12-Step recovery models, SMART Recovery, Wellbriety, and other recovery support approaches preferred.
• Knowledge of Alaska Medicaid documentation standards and behavioral health regulations.

Requirements

Education Requirements

• CDC I, II, III, or CDCS.
• Candidates actively working toward CDC certification may be considered based on experience.
• Bachelor\'s degree in Behavioral Health, Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
• Combination of education, certification, and experience may be considered.