Chemical Dependency Counselor

The University of Cincinnati seeks a Chemical Dependency Counselor 2 within our Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience. In this Healthcare & Medical Services role, you will provide assessment, individual and group counseling, treatment planning, and case management for individuals with substance use disorders. Responsibilities include collaborating with an interdisciplinary clinical team, maintaining documentation, supporting evidence-based interventions, and connecting patients with community resources.

UC fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative culture that supports professional growth and cross-disciplinary engagement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive substance use and psychosocial assessments for individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders
• Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized, evidence-based treatment plans in collaboration with patients and the multidisciplinary team
• Provide individual and group counseling using modalities such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse-prevention, and psychoeducation
• Coordinate care with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and external providers to support integrated, recovery-oriented treatment
• Monitor patient progress, reassess needs, and adjust treatment goals and interventions as clinically indicated
• Deliver case management services, including linkage to community resources, recovery supports, and appropriate levels of care
• Document all clinical encounters, assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes in the electronic health record in a timely and accurate manner
• Maintain compliance with ethical and legal standards, including confidentiality, informed consent, and applicable state and federal regulations
• Participate in team meetings, clinical supervision, and case conferences to review patient progress and enhance care quality
• Contribute to quality improvement, program evaluation, and, when appropriate, research or outcome tracking activities within the department
• Provide education to patients, families, and community partners about substance use disorders, harm reduction, overdose prevention, and available treatment resources
• Engage in ongoing professional development and maintain required licensure, certifications, and continuing education in chemical dependency counseling

Required Skills

• Substance use and co-occurring disorder assessment
• Individual and group counseling
• Motivational interviewing
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use disorders
• Treatment planning and goal setting
• Relapse-prevention and harm-reduction strategies
• Case management and care coordination
• Clinical documentation and use of electronic health records
• Risk assessment and crisis intervention within scope of practice
• Knowledge of medications for addiction treatment and related psychoeducation
• Interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration
• Cultural competence and trauma-informed care
• Time management and caseload organization
• Written and verbal communication in clinical settings
• Understanding of state and federal regulations regarding confidentiality and substance use treatment