Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
Substance abuse counselors are responsible for the implementation and maintenance of effective alcohol and other drug abuse programs, with an emphasis placed on awareness, prevention, staff training, and networking with community resources in compliance with the state. A substance abuse counselor helps people with problems related to alcohol and other drugs. Substance abuse counselors do not prescribe medicine or provide medical or psychological therapy. Substance abuse counselors hold counseling sessions for one person or for a group of people. At these sessions counselors try to help addicts talk about, understand, and cope with their problems. A substance abuse counselor assesses patients with identified substance abuse problems and develops and implements a plan to modify or control problem behavior by working with patients. A substance abuse counselor’s duties include managing a re-entry and continuing care caseload, providing shift coverage, conducting group sessions and lectures, working as a liaison with referral sources, assisting clients with obtaining employment and housing, and providing oversight of the re-entry facility. Substance abuse counselors must have a degree from an accredited college or university, specifically a master’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Experience in residential substance abuse treatment, mental health, and relapse prevention is also necessary. Substance abuse counselors are required to pass a criminal background check and a check with the child protective services registry to the satisfaction of the employer and must possess a valid driver’s license.
