Recovery-Focused Substance Abuse Counselor

Universal Health Services, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) seeks a compassionate Substance Abuse Counselor to join our clinical team in Washington, DC. You will assess, educate, and support patients with substance use and behavioral health needs, building therapeutic relationships and guiding recovery within an interdisciplinary team.

This full-time role emphasizes accurate documentation, group facilitation, treatment planning, and collaboration with families and external agencies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• CPR/BLS certification through the American Heart Association (AHA).
• CAC Level I or II.
• Three or more years of experience in mental or behavioral healthcare as an addictions counselor.
• Experience facilitating clinical and/or substance use disorder groups and providing therapeutic interventions.
• Experience with treatment planning, clinical documentation, and direct patient services.

Responsibilities

• Complete substance use assessments and document accurately.
• Facilitate therapeutic groups and educational sessions.
• Provide interventions supporting treatment and recovery goals.
• Build professional, goal-directed therapeutic relationships.
• Participate in treatment planning and interdisciplinary team reports.
• Conduct and document family/outside-agency meetings as appropriate.
• Monitor patient progress through treatment and discharge.
• Communicate safety concerns promptly to the clinical team.
• Support admission and patient-care processes per treatment plans.

Skills

Assessment & evaluation

Group facilitation

Therapeutic interventions

Clinical documentation

Treatment planning

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CAC Level I or II

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

EMR systems

Microsoft Office

Zoom

CRISP

Job description

The Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) seeks a compassionate Substance Abuse Counselor to join our clinical team in Washington, DC. You will assess, educate, and support patients with substance use and behavioral health needs, building therapeutic relationships and guiding recovery within an interdisciplinary team.

This full-time role emphasizes accurate documentation, group facilitation, treatment planning, and collaboration with families and external agencies.