Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor

Ideal Option and Ideal Balance; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Ideal Option is seeking a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) for the Albuquerque, NM area to support outpatient care including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), with both in-person and virtual services.

The LADAC will perform assessments, counseling, care coordination, and documentation in the EHR, ensuring regulatory compliance and collaboration with medical and behavioral health teams.

Qualifications

• LADAC license is required.
• 2–5 years of healthcare experience.
• Proficient with EHR/documentation and basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive SUD assessments and evaluations.
• Administer and document standardized screening tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7).
• Provide individual counseling using evidence-based approaches.
• Coordinate care with medical and behavioral health providers.
• Document time, assessments, treatment plans, progress notes and referrals in the EHR.
• Ensure documentation meets HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 requirements.

Skills

Healthcare experience

Computer literacy

Education

LADAC – Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor

Job description

Description

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Compensation: $30.00/hr - $35.00/hr

Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 40 hours a week

Ideal Option has been working on the front lines of the opioid epidemic since our first clinic opened in 2012. With more than 80 clinics across 9 states, we continuously strive to be the nation’s leading provider of low-barrier evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder.

We are looking for a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor for the Albuquerque, NM area and to help us in our vision to give back lives, reunite families, and heal communities that are suffering from the devastating effects of substance use disorder.

We value our patients and our employees! We treat our employees like we would want to be treated ourselves: with respect and compassion. Below are some specifics on what Ideal Option offers and the role.

The Role:

The Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) provides high-quality, patient-centered substance use disorder (SUD) counseling services in both in-person and virtual settings. This role supports patients receiving outpatient care, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), through clinical assessments, ongoing counseling, care coordination, and referrals to community resources.

The LADAC works collaboratively with medical providers, ancillary health staff, and Clinical Leadership to ensure comprehensive, ethical, and effective care. Accurate and timely documentation within the organization’s electronic health record (EHR) system is a critical responsibility of this role.

Requirements

Job Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct comprehensive SUD assessments and evaluations
• Administer and document standardized screening tools, including but not limited to:
• PHQ-9
• GAD-7
• Provide individual counseling services using evidence-based approaches, as medically necessary
• Support patients through various stages of recovery, including engagement, maintenance, and relapse prevention
• Identify psychosocial needs and assist patients in developing individualized treatment goals
• Coordinate care with medical providers, behavioral health professionals, and external partners
• Facilitate referrals to higher levels of care, specialty services, or community resources as clinically indicated
• Support continuity of care for patients transitioning between services or providers
• Assist patients with navigating treatment recommendations and follow-up plans
• Accurately document time spent, assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, screenings, and referrals in the EHR
• Ensure all documentation meets regulatory, payer, and organizational standards
• Complete required administrative tasks related to patient care in a timely manner
• Participate in clinical team meetings, supervision, and case consultations as required
• Practice in accordance with New Mexico licensing laws, ethical standards, and scope of practice for LADACs
• Maintain strict patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 requirements
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct in all patient and team interactions
• Adhere to organizational policies, clinical protocols, and quality standards
• Engage in ongoing professional development and required continuing education

Our ideal candidate has:

• 2-5 years' experience in a healthcare setting
• Experience with personal computers (word processing and/or electronic spreadsheets)

Required:

• LADAC – Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, Verified Through https://nmrldlpi.my.site.com/bcd/s/rld-public-search