Residential Specialist: Substance Use Treatment

Natcaptreatment; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

National Capital Treatment & Recovery in Arlington, VA, is seeking a Residential Specialist for its Adult Men’s Residential Treatment Program. This Per Diem role involves maintaining a safe environment for patients in recovery, monitoring activities, and providing support during overnight hours.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in substance abuse treatment and are calm under pressure. A high school diploma and certification as a substance abuse counselor are required within 6 months of employment.

Qualifications

• Strong sense of personal and professional boundaries.
• Calm under pressure with empathy and compassion.

Responsibilities

• Monitor therapeutic milieu and patient activities.
• Respond to patient crises and emergencies.
• Transport patients to activities and appointments.

Skills

Knowledge of addiction treatment

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Certified in First Aid and CPR

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Certification as a substance abuse counselor (CSAC‑A, CAC, CSAC)

Job description

SUMMARY

National Capital Treatment & Recovery—formerly Phoenix House is a nonprofit behavioral health organization with a long-standing commitment to supporting individuals in recovery from substance use and co‑occurring disorders. We are currently seeking a dedicated and reliable Residential Specialist to join our Adult Men’s Residential Treatment Program in Arlington, VA.

The program is a 60‑bed residential program that offers medically monitored and clinically managed intensive residential treatment services for adult men. This intensive residential program helps break the cycle of drug and alcohol abuse and equips men with the tools needed to be successful at the next appropriate level of care.

This is a Per Diem position, picking up shifts as‑needed. At least 3 shifts per month are required to be worked to stay active. This position is in a structured, therapeutic setting that supports adult men in early recovery. As a Residential Specialist, you will play a key role in maintaining a safe, supportive, and substance‑free environment during the overnight hours.

This role is ideal for someone who is calm under pressure, has a strong sense of personal and professional boundaries, and is passionate about supporting others through recovery. If you’re looking for meaningful work in a mission‑driven environment and want to be part of a team helping individuals change their lives, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation

• $20–$25/hour, with an opportunity to earn more based on experience, education, and relevant credentials

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor therapeutic milieu and patient activities
• Conduct random and regular walk‑throughs of the program
• Respond to patient crises and emergencies as needed
• Demonstrate empathy, compassion, and respect for patients in all interactions
• Maintain objectivity toward all patients and make decisions based on accurate information
• Maintain observation of all patient areas (dining room, living room, group rooms, patio, bedrooms) to monitor patient activities
• Transport patients to outside activities, night AA meetings, and appointments as needed
• Monitor patients leaving for and returning from pass
• Organize transportation for patients as necessary, including Taxi Voucher/Medicaid Cab procedures
• Communicate with staff in meetings regarding patient participation and progress
• Provide patient milieu information in staff log
• Document behavioral changes and any behavioral management issues in Welligent and shift log as appropriate
• Meet at least monthly with supervisor for supervision
• Attend morning shift report to give and receive patient milieu updates
• Attend residential staff and clinical problem‑solving meetings as scheduled
• Document significant patient issues in staff log and patient health record (Welligent) and complete Incident Reports in Welligent as needed
• Monitor and facilitate patient recreation, free time, job functions, and mealtimes
• Present and facilitate Life Skills training and 12‑Step Education
• Provide information on AA/NA to patients through 12‑Step education
• Conduct orientation for new patients based on program handbook
• Maintain urine testing schedule and follow procedures for monitoring, documenting, and transporting urine to urinalysis facility
• Document in Urine Log and prepare specimens for labs; take stat urine as needed
• Conduct random search of possessions of patients returning from pass
• Conduct random weekly urinalysis of residents as directed by Residential Manager/Supervisor/Coordinator
• As applicable, administer medications and conduct medication pass; count medications at shift change (only if 32‑hour Medication Aid Training is completed)
• For applicable programs, distribute medication to patients for self‑administration according to procedure
• Carry out any additional responsibilities as needed to ensure the effective functioning and therapeutic milieu of the treatment programs

Requirements

Education/Credentials

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Certification as a substance abuse counselor (CSAC‑A, CAC, CSAC) required withing 6 months of employment

Experience

• Minimum one (1) year experience working in a substance abuse treatment setting preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of addiction treatment and of 12 Step recovery process preferred
• Certified in First Aid and CPR, Medication Management a plus
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus

Equal Opportunity Employer providing equality of opportunity to all who are protected against discrimination by law, regulation or executive order, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

EEO is the Law: Applicants and employees are protected under Federal law from discrimination. Click http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf to learn more.

National Capital Treatment & Recovery, formerly Phoenix House, conducts as needed, job‑related background checks, fingerprints, drug testing, physical exams, medical exams, TB testing, verification of employment history and/or reference checks prior to employment.