Substance Abuse Counselor (CAS)
Advanced Recovery Systems
Summary
The Substance Abuse Counselor is responsible for performing patient care activities as directed by the Clinical Director. The primary duties include group therapy by providing comprehensive group therapy, creating evidence-based group curriculum, developing group curriculum, and participating in treatment plans to ensure service delivery. The position will collaborate with the Treatment Team to formulate the Master Treatment Plan and assist in coordinating discharge planning.
Job description
Core Job Duties
- Develops and provides daily group therapy to assigned patients following substance abuse and co-occurring program curriculum provided by Clinical Director.
- Assists in ensuring group attendance/compliance by providing engaging and meaningful group content.
- Uses substance abuse and co-occurring therapeutic interventions and de-escalation techniques to assist patients with accomplishing all treatment plan goals and objectives and successfully complete treatment.
- Assesses patient for substance use disorders, risk to self or others and co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Provides support for aftercare planning in collaboration with multidisciplinary team.
- Demonstrates sufficient comprehension of Substance Use Disorders and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders.
- Consistently identifies areas for improvement within the department by studying data and developing, implementing, and documenting plans for improvement and outcomes.
Other Required Tasks
- Maintains positive relationships with all staff.
- Participates in multidisciplinary treatment plan reviews.
- Maintains healthy boundaries with patients and staff.
- Asks for and accepts feedback from supervisors.
- Provides a safe and therapeutic environment to all staff and patients.
- Communicates significant patient developments to supervisor.
- Participates in Quality Improvement activities and contributes to the success of the organization.
- Pursues professional development through participation in education and training programs.
- Contributes positively to the morale of other staff members.
- Complete all required documentation as needed, ensuring compliance with all company policies and procedures, state regulations, Joint Commission standards and Medical Needs Criteria, including Comprehensive Problem List, Integrated Master Treatment Plan and Updates, Group therapy session notes, and Discharge Summary.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Health Field required
- State CAS (Certified Addiction Specialist) certification required
- CPR-AED and First Aid certification required
- Minimum one (1) year of work experience in behavioral health field preferred
- Proficiency in communication and written skills
- Knowledge of State & Federal Statutes Regarding Patient Confidentiality laws
- Knowledge of licensing and accreditation standards
- Understanding addiction placement, continuing care, and discharge criteria, including ASAM criteria
Benefits
- Health, Vision & Dental Insurance
- Employer-Matched 401(k)
- STD & LTD
- Employer-Paid Term Life & AD&D
- Employer-Matched HSA
- Employee Referral Program
- Free Teladoc Services
- Paid Time Off
- Vacation
- Personal Holiday
- Sick Leave
Company overview
Advanced Recovery Systems is a physician-led behavioral healthcare company specializing in evidence-based treatment for addiction and mental health disorders. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Mitchell Eisenberg and Dr. Lewis Gold, the company operates a nationwide network of treatment centers under The Recovery Village brand, with 13-15 facilities across the United States. The organization provides a full continuum of care including medical detox, inpatient residential treatment, outpatient programs, and specialized services for veterans and first responders through their FORTITUDE program. With a clinical team holding thousands of professional credentials, Advanced Recovery Systems has treated over 65,000 patients since its inception. The company emphasizes holistic, personalized treatment plans that address both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, working with healthcare providers, employers, and community partners to expand access to life-saving care. Their evidence-based approach combines medical oversight with therapeutic interventions to support long-term recovery and family healing.