Substance Abuse Counselor

Crisis Management Services Inc.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 33,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

River's Bend, operated by Crisis Management Services, Inc., seeks a Substance Abuse Counselor to join the treatment team. You will counsel adults in residential treatment, handle intakes, treatment planning, and documentation in accordance with DDAP and CBH requirements.

This is a hands-on, full-time role with Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on-site responsibilities and active crisis response as part of a collaborative care team at River's Bend.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree or higher in a health or human services field with practicum.
• Alternate: Bachelor's plus 1 year clinical experience.
• Alternate: Associate plus 2 years clinical experience.
• RN with counseling experience and nursing degree accepted.
• Addictions counselor certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Counsel clients in drug and alcohol awareness and crisis intervention.
• Receive and conduct intakes and admissions.
• Provide treatment planning and documentation that meets DDAP regulations and CBH requirements.
• Document client progress accurately and completely.
• Supervise and take part in clients' daily scheduled activities.
• Plan recreational and leisure activities with Facility Director.
• Respond to crisis and emergency situations following policies.
• Attend weekly treatment team meetings.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Counseling

Intake & assessment

Documentation

Education

Master's degree or higher in related field

Bachelor's degree + 1 year clinical experience

Associate degree + 2 years clinical experience

RN license + 1 year counseling experience

Addictions counselor certification

Tools

DDAP regulations knowledge

CBH requirements

Job description

Substance Abuse Counselor

Crisis Management Services (CMS) | River's Bend

Full-Time, Hourly | $55,000 per year

About the role

River's Bend is looking for a Substance Abuse Counselor to join our treatment team. You'll counsel adults in residential drug and alcohol treatment, with a focus on drug and alcohol awareness and crisis intervention, and you'll handle intakes, treatment planning, and documentation.

This is a hands‑on role. You'll take part in clients' daily scheduled activities, help plan recreational and leisure time with the Facility Director, and step in when crisis situations come up.

What you'll do

• Counsel clients in drug and alcohol awareness and crisis intervention.
• Receive and conduct intakes and admissions.
• Provide treatment planning and documentation that meets DDAP regulations and CBH requirements.
• Document client progress accurately and completely.
• Supervise and take part in clients' daily scheduled activities.
• Work with the Facility Director to plan clients' recreational and leisure time.
• Respond to crisis and emergency situations following River's Bend policies and procedures.
• Work as part of the treatment team and attend weekly staff meetings.

What you need

You’ll need to meet one of the following, consistent with 28 Pa. Code § 704.7:

• Master's degree or higher in a related field (chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, or nursing with a human services specialty) that included a practicum in a health or human service agency.
• Bachelor's degree in one of those fields, plus 1 year of clinical experience in a health or human service agency.
• Associate degree in one of those fields, plus 2 years of clinical experience in a health or human service agency.
• Pennsylvania RN license and a nursing degree, plus 1 year of counseling experience in a health or human service agency.
• Full certification as an addictions counselor by a recognized statewide certification body or another state's board.

Certification through the Pennsylvania Certification Board (CAAC, CADC, or CAADC) is preferred. We value teamwork, composure under stress, ethical conduct, clear communication, client focus, case management skills, and de‑escalation skills.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Physical requirements

You’ll need to climb stairs, sit for extended periods, bend and kneel, carry heavy documents, and use approved crisis‑intervention and safe physical‑management techniques during emergencies. Reasonable accommodations are available.

Equal opportunity

Crisis Management Services, Inc. (CMS) is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants based on ability, qualifications, and job‑related factors. Consistent with federal, state, and local law, every qualified applicant receives the same consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age (40 and over), sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin, disability, genetic information, status as a holder of a general educational development credential, medical marijuana cardholder status, or any other legally protected classification.

Employment is contingent on satisfactory completion of the clearances required for this position. Where criminal history is reviewed, CMS conducts an individualized assessment before making any adverse hiring decision, and applicants are given the opportunity to provide evidence of inaccuracy, rehabilitation, or mitigating circumstances.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or to interview, contact Human Resources.