Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC)

Job Description

About the Job: Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC)

Join our team as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC) and play a vital role in providing structured, therapeutic group services to individuals navigating substance use and co-occurring disorders. This position focuses on group co-facilitation and offering essential emotional support within a compassionate clinical environment.

Benefits & Perks:

• Generous PTO: Up to 5 weeks of paid time off to support your work-life balance.
• Continued Education: $500 annually available for professional development and learning.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance coverage.

Job Summary:

The CADAC supports the lead therapist in delivering impactful group counseling sessions. You will be instrumental in co-facilitating therapeutic groups, providing empathetic emotional support, and ensuring a safe and productive environment for clients on their recovery journey.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Reports to: Clinical Director
• Supervises: N/A

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Group Co-Facilitation:

• Assist the lead therapist in facilitating engaging group counseling sessions focused on recovery and treatment goals.
• Support adherence to group objectives and apply evidence-based approaches (e.g., CBT, MET) as directed by the lead therapist.
• Actively contribute to maintaining a safe, respectful, and therapeutic group environment for all participants.

Emotional Support:

• Provide empathetic listening and compassionate support to clients throughout group sessions.
• Encourage active participation, engagement, and foster trust-building among group members.

Client Monitoring & Observation:

• Observe and monitor client behavior, interactions, and progress during sessions.
• Accurately and promptly document observations in accordance with agency standards.
• Communicate relevant clinical information to the lead therapist to inform and enhance treatment planning.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Work closely and collaboratively with the lead therapist and the broader clinical team to ensure effective group delivery.
• Strictly maintain HIPAA compliance and adhere to all ethical and legal guidelines concerning client information and privacy.
• Participate in case reviews, team meetings, and supervision sessions as required.

Crisis Support:

• Assist in identifying early indicators of client distress or potential crisis during sessions.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques effectively and immediately notify clinical staff when additional support is necessary.

Records & Documentation:

• Complete all required group documentation, progress notes, and attendance records accurately within the electronic health record (EHR).
• Ensure all documentation meets agency policy and regulatory standards.

Additional Duties:

• Demonstrated ability to understand, speak, read, and write fluently in English.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, ongoing trainings, and supervision sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management to support organizational goals.

Compliance Responsibilities:

All staff are required to adhere to state and federal regulations, the Employee Handbook, the Code of Ethics, and all organizational policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

Educational Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Licensure & Certification:

• Minimum of CADAC required (or higher licensure).

Prior Experience:

• 1–2 years of experience working with individuals with substance use disorders preferred.
• Experience in group facilitation or therapeutic support is preferred.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to effectively co-facilitate group discussions with empathy, professionalism, and sensitivity.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices for substance use disorder treatment (e.g., CBT, MET).
• Proficiency in documenting effectively within an electronic medical record system.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply fully with HIPAA regulations.
• Ability to remain calm, supportive, and effective during crisis situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Computer Skills:

• Microsoft Word: Intermediate proficiency
• Microsoft Excel: Intermediate proficiency
• Microsoft PowerPoint: Intermediate proficiency
• KIPU EHR: Intermediate proficiency