Social Service Counselor or 4B; Addiction Counselor

Mission

The Northwest Louisiana Human Services District’s mission is to increase public awareness of and provide access for individuals with behavioral health and developmental disabilities to integrated community‑based services while promoting wellness, recovery, and independence through education and a broad range of programmatic and community resources.

Our vision is that the district exists so that individuals with mental health, addictive disorders, and developmental disabilities in the parishes of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, De Soto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, and Webster are empowered, self‑determined, and live satisfying, hopeful, contributing lives.

Social Service Counselor (Addiction Counselor)

• Demonstrating Accountability – Owns results, meets standards, responds to feedback professionally.
• Focusing on Customers – Understands customer needs, communicates clearly, delivers timely, reliable service.
• Making Accurate Judgments – Assesses options, weighs risks, makes sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.

• Communicating Effectively – Conveys information clearly, listens actively, explains complex ideas well.
• Displaying Expertise – Solves problems using current expertise, explains concepts clearly, adjusts messages for different audiences.

Three years of social services experience; OR six years of full‑time experience in any field; OR a bachelor’s degree.

Experience substitution:
Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university counts as one year of experience toward the six years of full‑time work experience. The maximum substitution is 120 semester hours, which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience.

Positions that provide addictive disorder counseling or prevention services require certification or eligibility for certification issued by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA) or its successor.

• Provides addiction counseling to adults with addictive and co‑occurring disorders.
• Conducts screening interviews for children/youth and adults seeking access to care through the clinic.
• Serves as a group leader/facilitator in a peer group of persons with addictive disorders, educating them on coping strategies.
• Participates in the decision‑making process of the treatment team, formulating therapeutic activities and recommending a treatment plan.
• Coordinates admissions, discharges, and follow‑up services within various programs.
• Serves as liaison between the client, family, and the agency/institution.
• Makes recommendations to the criminal justice system or to employers concerning a client’s progress, including occasional court appearances.

Appointment Type – Probational, Promotional

Career Progression – This position may be filled as a Social Service Counselor 1, 2, 3, or 4B

Work Schedule – 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday and any evening groups assigned.

Location – Natchitoches Behavioral Health Clinic, 210 Medical Dr., Natchitoches, LA.

Compensation – Based on level of qualifications and experience.

• Social Service Counselor 1 – $16.06 – $28.90 hour
• Social Service Counselor 2 – $17.18 – $30.92 hour
• Social Service Counselor 3 – $19.67 – $35.40 hour
• Social Service Counselor 4B – $21.05 – $37.88 hour

No Civil Service test score is required for this vacancy.

To apply, click the Apply link above and complete an electronic application. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. For further status information, see the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Human Resources, 1310 N Hearne Ave, Shreveport, LA 71107
318‑676‑5111
Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.
This agency participates in the E‑Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.