ACT Substance Abuse Counselor
Listed compensation
$25-$30/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Do you want to feel good about the work you do? Providing compassion and care isn’t just our profession at PHRI, it’s our passion…and culture. We care for the clients that we serve. We listen to them and provide the support that they need to enable them to live comfortable and fulfilling lives.
We live our values of integrity, leadership, tenacity, customer care, teamwork and fun to restore hope and healing to the community. We are looking for mission driven professionals who believe in our values, want to join a transformational company with a big heart and make a difference in the community.
Currently serving over 1,500 patients in two different states and looking to grow to over 10,000 patients in 5 states, over the next 3-5 years. Our focus is advocating and implementing an integrated care model approach to underserved populations undergoing behavioral health related issues.
Position Summary
The Substance Use Disorder Counselor assists patients and their families in navigating the rehabilitation and recovery process for substance use and behavioral addictions, including illicit substances, prescription drugs, alcohol, and other addictive behaviors.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide individual and group counseling according to individualized treatment plans and in accordance with professional standards.
- Create, maintain, and submit accurate records and documents in a timely manner
- Maintain current knowledge of assessment and treatment techniques, criminal justice systems, and community resources using in-service training, seminars, workshops, and publications
- Provide crisis support to therapists and clients as needed
- Assist the Clinical Manager with providing assessment and evaluation of the clinical program to ensure that client needs, agency standards and funding requirements are met.
- Maintain documentation, client files, and statistics as required by agency policies and funding sources
- Manage client and outcomes tracking in client database
- Maintain the ACT Fidelity Model.
- Provide outreach in the community and assist with mental health assessments.
- Coordinates care with external providers, natural support/s and organizations, ensuring continuity of care.
Experience and Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in social services, supported housing, adolescent counseling, crisis management, intensive case management, individual and/or family therapy, skill training, and rehabilitation supports for at-risk youth and adults.
- Must be a Certified Addiction Counselor
- Previous experience in housing-related roles, case management, social work, or related fields preferred.
- Knowledge of housing programs, resources, and policies in Washington, DC.
- Associate degree required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- If in recovery from alcohol or drug dependency, a minimum of five years of continuous sobriety is required.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients, landlords, and other stakeholders.
- Proficiency in using technology for entering and maintaining client information.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.
- Compassionate, patient, and culturally sensitive approach when working with diverse populations.
- Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle preferred.
- Ability to travel to client homes and various community locations within Washington, DC.
Competencies
1. Simplify complex issues; breaking down big problems into smaller, manageable tasks, and identifying the key priorities that will have the biggest impact on the business.
2. Delegate effectively; giving clear direction, setting expectations, and providing the necessary resources and support to help their teams succeed.
3. Predict future trends and challenges, staying up-to-date on industry developments, monitoring market trends, and seeking out new opportunities for growth and innovation.
4. Systemize processes; identifying and eliminating inefficiencies, establishing clear workflows and procedures, and ensuring that everyone in the organization is aligned around the same goals.
5. Structure organization for growth; defining clear roles and responsibilities, establishing a clear chain of command, and creating a culture of accountability and transparency.
AAP/EEO Statement
It is the policy of Prestige Healthcare Resources, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Prestige Healthcare Resources, Inc. will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Key Responsibilities
The counselor provides individual and group therapy while managing treatment plans and maintaining accurate clinical records. They also conduct community outreach, perform mental health assessments, and coordinate care with external providers to ensure continuity.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Certified Addiction Counselor credential and possess 1-3 years of experience in social services or related fields. An associate degree is required, with a bachelor's degree preferred, along with the ability to travel within Washington, DC.
Qualifications
- Education
- Bachelor degree
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 70% are remote, 18% have no call, 80% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Washington is 107.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$57k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $53k in an average-cost state. 59.8% of Washington clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Location & Logistics
Washington has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$57k midpoint, that is roughly $2k–$4k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
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