Certified Addiction Counselor II
Compensation
Pay not listed
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, the Certified Addiction Counselor II (CAC II) provides frontline clinical services to clients participating in the Outpatient Treatment Program (OTP) programs. The CAC II is responsible for facilitating structured therapeutic groups, providing individual client support, monitoring client progress, maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation, and supporting treatment and recovery goals.
The CAC II demonstrates a working knowledge of substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, recovery-oriented practices, and addiction treatment principles. All services and documentation must be provided in accordance with applicable District of Columbia (DC) laws and regulations, Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) requirements, CARF standards, and organizational policies and procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintains an assigned caseload in accordance with applicable District of Columbia regulations, DBH requirements, CARF standards, and organizational policies.
- Facilitates a 3-hour therapeutic or psychoeducational group four (4) days per week, or as assigned.
- Completes and submits accurate group documentation and progress notes within 24 hours of service delivery.
- Completes Treatment Plan Updates every 30 days, or as otherwise required by applicable regulations and program standards.
- Provides individual counseling and/or case management services as assigned and within the scope of CAC II certification.
- Completes at least two (2) monthly individual sessions with each assigned consumer, or as required by the consumer's treatment plan.
- Makes weekly contact with each assigned consumer to monitor progress, identify barriers to treatment, and support continued engagement in services.
- Develops and contributes to aftercare and discharge plans for consumers completing treatment or being discharged for other reasons.
- Documents consumer progress, interventions, referrals, and other clinical activities accurately and timely in the electronic health record.
- Participates in weekly clinical supervision and incorporates supervisory feedback into clinical practice.
- Collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team regarding consumer needs, treatment progress, risk factors, referrals, and discharge planning.
- Provides education regarding substance use, recovery, relapse prevention, coping skills, and available community resources.
- Recognizes and appropriately responds to changes in consumer presentation, including behavioral health, substance use, and safety concerns, and escalates concerns according to established protocols.
- Maintains confidentiality and complies with applicable privacy and consumer rights requirements.
- Participates in staff meetings, case conferences, trainings, quality improvement activities, and other program activities as assigned.
- Completes all required documentation and duties within the scheduled work week and established regulatory timeframes.
- Performs other duties consistent with the position and scope of certification as assigned.
Experience and Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required. An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Behavioral Health, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Addiction Studies, or a related field is preferred.
- CAC II certification or eligibility for CAC II certification in accordance with applicable District of Columbia requirements.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing behavioral health, substance use disorder, community support, counseling, case management, or related human services.
- Demonstrated knowledge of substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, recovery principles, and community-based behavioral health services.
- Ability to provide services within the scope of practice and certification requirements applicable in the District of Columbia.
- Must maintain all required certifications, registrations, training, and continuing education necessary for the position.
- Demonstrates a professional, respectful, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented approach when interacting with consumers, families, staff, visitors, and community partners.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to maintain timely, accurate, and objective clinical documentation.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office, electronic health records, and other standard software applications.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary clinical team.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Core Competencies
1. Simplify Complex Issues – Breaks down complex clinical, operational, and consumer-related concerns into manageable steps while identifying priorities that support effective treatment and service delivery.
2. Collaborate Effectively – Communicates clearly with consumers, families, supervisors, and interdisciplinary team members while contributing to coordinated and person-centered care.
3. Anticipate Needs and Challenges – Recognizes emerging consumer needs, treatment barriers, relapse risks, and service gaps and takes appropriate action or seeks supervisory support.
4. Systemize Processes – Follows established clinical workflows, documentation standards, treatment protocols, and regulatory requirements to ensure consistent and compliant service delivery.
5. Promote Accountability and Growth – Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities, maintains professional standards, seeks feedback and supervision, and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement and recovery-oriented care.
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
Key Responsibilities
The Certified Addiction Counselor II facilitates structured therapeutic groups and provides individual clinical support to clients in an outpatient program. They are responsible for maintaining accurate clinical documentation, developing treatment plans, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to support recovery goals.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a CAC II certification or be eligible for it in the District of Columbia. A minimum of two years of experience in behavioral health or addiction services is required, along with at least a high school diploma.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- 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, 72% are remote, 14% have no call, 72% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Washington is 107.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 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.
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