Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Summary

National Capital Treatment & Recovery, formerly Phoenix House, welcomes a full‑time Counselor to serve in our Adult Men’s 3.1 Residential Program. The position involves delivering high‑quality counseling services on an individual and group basis under the direction of the Clinical Supervisor. It is a salaried role with full benefits.

Required: A 60‑credit Master’s Degree and eligibility to become a Resident in Counseling or Supervisee in Social Work in Virginia. Bilingual Spanish preferred.

Sunday–Thursday 1 pm–9 pm or 3 pm–11 pm

• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions for clients enrolled in residential treatment.
• Serve as primary counselor, coordinating all elements of client treatment.
• Review pre‑admission data, notes, and medical history.
• Complete psychosocial assessment and entrance review for each client.
• Maintain client records and document all changes and progress in accurate, chronological notes.
• Initiate and document contact with referral sources, family members, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure documentation complies with state licensure regulations and CARF standards.
• Track progression through the level system.
• Complete monthly and quarterly reports on assigned clients.
• Develop individualized service plans and revise them weekly during treatment planning sessions.
• Facilitate group therapy, educational lectures, and family programs.
• Act as an advocate for clients within the residential structure.
• Monitor client activity during groups and lectures.
• Attend weekly staffing and clinical meetings.
• Record observations in daily shift and communication logs.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to deliver high‑quality treatment.
• Maintain ethical standards, including adherence to NCTR policy and procedures, and promotion of professional ethics.
• Engage in continued professional growth through workshops, training, and in‑service sessions.
• Maintain professional boundaries and comply with confidentiality requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, or a related field (60‑credit requirement; eligible to become a Resident in Counseling or Supervisee in Social Work).
• Licensure as a professional counselor, clinical social worker, or substance abuse treatment practitioner preferred.
• Minimum of one year experience in a human service or substance abuse treatment setting.
• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria.
• Fluent proficiency in Spanish preferred.
• Maintain current licensure/certification, including CES, CPR, and First Aid.

• Knowledge of chemical addiction treatment and the 12‑Step recovery process.
• Experience with the appropriate population (adults, adolescents, Spanish‑speakers) in social services or treatment, as applicable.
• Demonstrates empathy, compassion, and respect for clients in all interactions.
• Maintains objectivity in clinical decision‑making based on accurate information.
• Administers behavior management with appropriate privileges and sanctions per policy.
• Demonstrates appropriate boundaries with clients.
• Tracks progress of clients assigned to caseload.
• Works cooperatively with others and supervisors.
• Shows patience and consideration in interactions with staff and clients.
• Displays thoughtful decision‑making.
• Ensures client confidentiality in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

The role typically involves sitting, walking, standing, carrying, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 10 pounds, as well as listening, speaking, typing, reading, and writing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The work environment is conducive to the responsibilities outlined above. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. The above statements describe the general nature of the work; management reserves the right to modify duties as needed.

NCTR is an equal employment organization.