SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR - 40010879

Durham County Government; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham County Government seeks a professional counselor to provide counseling services for clients with substance use and behavioral health needs. The role involves developing cognitive, behavioral, and social skills aligned with individualized treatment plans and working under general supervision.

The position requires CADC or CCJP (or equivalent licensure) with at least two years of clinical experience; LCAS/LCMHC/LCSW pathways are also considered.

Qualifications

• CADC or CCJP credential with at least 2 years of clinical experience.
• Alternative licensure options include LCAS/LCAS-A, LCMHC/LCMHC-S, LCSW/LCSW-A or LPA with substance abuse work experience.

Responsibilities

• Assists clients develop cognitive, behavioral, social, and vocational skills related to treatment plans for substance abuse addiction.
• Screens clients referred for addictive or psychological disorders using standardized tools (intakes, orientations, assessments).
• Develops individual treatment plans, conducts counseling sessions, crisis interventions, and referrals.
• Collaborates with community-based agencies to provide enhanced services to clients in the community.
• Performs case management including record-keeping and reports to supervisor.
• Develops person-centered plans and provides client engagement in counseling.
• Serves on multidisciplinary team with initial diagnoses and discharge plans.
• Uses discretion to determine substance use diagnoses.
• Conducts psycho-educational groups using evidence-based models.
• Works with Justice Services populations with substance use and co-occurring conditions.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Skills

DSM-5 knowledge

Addiction processes

Psycho-pharmacy knowledge

Therapeutic approaches

Community resources

Client evaluation & screening

Communication & rapport building

Education

CADC or CCJP credential

Two years clinical experience

LCAS/LCAS-A/LCMHC/LCMHC-S/LCSW/LCSW-A/LPA licensure option

Job description

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov

Department

JUSTICE SERVICES

Date Posted

DECEMBER 5, 2025

Closing Date

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Hiring Range

$55,366.00 - $66,000.00

Position Number

40010879

Job Type

FULL-TIME, NONEXEMPT, PROVISIONAL

THIS POSITION IS PROVISIONAL (GRANT) AND BENEFITS ELIGIBLE WITH POTENTIAL FUNDING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 29, 2028**

General Description

The work performed is professional and provides counseling to clients to develop their cognitive, behavioral, and social skills related to the treatment plan for their substance use addiction(s) and behavioral health needs.

This position works under general supervision.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Assists clients develop their cognitive, behavioral, social, and vocational skills as those skills relate to the treatment plan for their substance abuse addiction(s).
• Screens clients who are referred for addictive and/or psychological disorders. Uses standardized tools to screen clients and conduct intakes, orientations, and assessments (social, educational, cultural, psychological, physical, career, and familial histories).
• Develops individual treatment plans (daily regimens, behavioral goals, and after care); conducting individual and group counseling sessions; performing crisis interventions; providing client education and making referrals.
• Collaborates with community-based agencies to assist in providing enhanced services for clients in the community.
• Performs case management including record-keeping and report submissions to the supervisor and the treatment team.
• Develops and completes person-centered plan with intake or comprehensive clinical assessment. Provides and engages clients in individual counseling in accordance with their person-centered treatment plan.
• Serves as a member of the facility’s multidisciplinary team and provides an initial diagnosis, recommended treatment, and follow-up and discharge plans.
• Uses discretion and judgment to determine a substance use diagnosis.
• Conducts psycho-educational groups using evidenced based treatment models when assigned.
• Works exclusively with the Justice Services involved populations who have diagnosable substance use disorders (and often co-occurring mental health conditions).
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge and application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) for diagnosing substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of addiction processes, including psychological and physical withdrawal.
• Knowledge of psycho-pharmacy and drug interactions.
• Knowledge and application of therapeutic approaches including group dynamics, crisis interventions, and family therapy.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Skilled in evaluating and screening clients for appropriate treatment and referrals.
• Skilled in formulating clear, goal-oriented treatment plans, and to concisely record documentation.
• Skilled in developing and maintaining effective communication and rapport with clients, their families, and other health/therapy providers.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Requires credentials as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or as a Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP) with a minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience to practice under the provisions of the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Act.

Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist – Associate (LCAS-A), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC or LCMHC-S), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW or LCSW-A) or Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) with substance abuse work experience of two (2) years will be considered.

Special Certifications And Licenses Requirements

• None

Physical Demands

Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Unavoidable Hazards (work Environment)

• None

Equal Opportunity Employer

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer