Certified Addiction Counselors – Needed Immediately
Full-Time, Monday-Friday
About Us
The Ark of DC is expanding its behavioral health services with the launch of a new Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment program, designed to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for individuals affected by opioid and other substance use disorders. Our program integrates medication-assisted treatment, counseling, case management, and recovery support services to help clients achieve long-term recovery and improved quality of life.
As we build this program from the ground up, we're looking for professionals who are committed to delivering compassionate, person-centered care and who value collaboration, clinical excellence, and continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping a new program and helping address a critical need in the District of Columbia.
Position Overview
The Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC I or CAC II) provides direct substance use disorder treatment services to individuals participating in The Ark of DC's Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). The Counselor is primarily responsible for facilitating therapeutic group counseling sessions, conducting crisis intervention services, and providing individual counseling and recovery support as needed.
The Counselor works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team to promote participant engagement, recovery, relapse prevention, and successful treatment outcomes. Services are delivered using evidence-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented practices in accordance with ASAM Criteria, District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) regulations, Medicaid requirements, and organizational policies.
The annual base salary range is $59,000 to $68,000. Actual compensation offered to the successful candidate may vary based upon work experience, education, and/or skill/certification level, among other things.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Group Counseling and Treatment Services
- Facilitate therapeutic, psychoeducational, relapse prevention, and recovery-focused group counseling sessions for participants enrolled in SUD and IOP services.
- Implement group curricula that address substance use disorders, coping skills, emotional regulation, life skills, recovery maintenance, and wellness.
- Maintain group attendance records, participant engagement documentation, and treatment-related reports.
- Foster a safe, supportive, and therapeutic group environment that encourages participant participation and recovery.
Individual Counseling and Recovery Support
- Provide individual counseling sessions to support treatment goals, recovery planning, relapse prevention, and participant engagement.
- Assist participants in identifying strengths, barriers, triggers, and recovery resources.
- Collaborate with clients in developing and maintaining individualized recovery goals.
- Support client retention and successful completion of treatment services.
Crisis Intervention
- Respond to client crises and behavioral health emergencies in a timely and professional manner.
- Conduct crisis assessments and implement appropriate interventions to ensure client safety and stabilization.
- Coordinate crisis response activities with supervisors, clinical staff, emergency services, and community providers as needed.
- Document crisis interventions in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
Care Coordination and Team Collaboration
- Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and case consultations.
- Communicate participant progress, treatment concerns, and recommendations to the treatment team.
- Coordinate referrals to community resources, recovery support services, healthcare providers, housing programs, and other supportive services.
- Support continuity of care and discharge planning efforts.
Documentation and Compliance
- Complete progress notes, treatment documentation, group notes, crisis intervention records, and other required documentation within established timeframes.
- Maintain accurate and confidential participant records in the electronic health record system.
- Participate in quality assurance, chart review, and compliance activities.
Professional Development
- Participate in supervision, staff meetings, training programs, and continuing education activities.
- Maintain required certification status and comply with credentialing requirements.
- Stay current on evidence-based practices, addiction treatment trends, and recovery support strategies.
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assist with community outreach, recovery events, and educational activities.
- Prepare reports, correspondence, and other administrative documents as assigned.
- Participate in organizational committees and special projects.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Work is conducted in a standard office environment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Current certification as a Certified Addiction Counselor Level I (CAC I) or Certified Addiction Counselor Level II (CAC II) in the District of Columbia, or eligibility to obtain certification within a designated timeframe.
- High School Diploma, Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or higher education consistent with certification requirements.
- Experience providing substance use disorder treatment, recovery support services, behavioral health services, or related human services preferred.
- Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care.
- Strong communication, group facilitation, crisis intervention, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and multidisciplinary teams.
- Proficiency in electronic health record systems and Microsoft Office applications.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience facilitating group counseling in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), outpatient treatment program, or behavioral health setting.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
- Knowledge of ASAM Criteria, District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health regulations, and recovery-oriented systems of care.
- Bilingual skills and experience serving culturally diverse communities.
*As a contractor, there are no benefits associated with this position.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of those affected by addiction through compassionate care and professional support.
***The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.
Pay: $59,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year
Medical Specialty:
- Addiction Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Experience:
- Addiction counseling: 3 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Washington, DC 20002 (Required)
Work Location: In person
