Certified Addiction Counselor Office​/On-site

A role for Certified Addiction Counselors who are committed to providing structured, recovery‑focused support in the community. The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) has an opening for a Certified Addiction Counselor (PCN 26130) in the Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT) at Southwestern Mental Health Authority (SMHA) in Norwich.

• First shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Full‑time, 40 hours per week

• Comprehensive state employee benefits
• Access the State Employee Benefits Overview page to explore available options
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A commitment to promoting a healthy work/life balance

• Provides counseling services to individuals with alcohol and drug dependence
• Screens clients for program eligibility and assesses strengths, needs and treatment goals
• Orients clients to the treatment program and participates in individual and group counseling
• Delivers case management and crisis intervention services to support safety and stabilization
• Educates clients on substance use issues and coordinates referrals for medical or psychological care
• Other duties as assigned

A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required following a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must comply with Connecticut’s Drug‑Free Workplace Policy.

DMHAS is dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of individuals with behavioral health needs through an integrated, holistic network of services that foster dignity, respect, and self‑sufficiency.

SMHA provides high‑quality behavioral health services to those in our community with mental health and substance use disorders who are 18 years or older and reside in New London County and its surrounding towns.

ACT Teams deliver highly responsive, individualized, recovery‑based and rehabilitative services in the client’s natural environment.

In the Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Veterans' Affairs this class is accountable for providing specialized counseling services to clients in a behavioral health treatment program.

• Provides counseling services to alcohol and drug dependent clients;
• Screens clients to determine eligibility for programs;
• Assesses strengths, weaknesses and treatment needs;
• Orients clients to treatment program;
• Participates in treatment planning and individual and/or group counseling;
• Responsible for case management activities;
• Provides crisis intervention services in response to emotional and/or physical distress;
• Makes referrals to outside or other programs for medical and/or psychological intervention;
• Maintains confidential reports and records of client data;
• Represents program at community events and seminars;
• Educates clients on substance abuse issues and availability of resources;
• Consults with service providers to assure comprehensive integrated care;
• May escort clients;
• May provide coverage duties;
• May collect urine for drug screening;
• Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of physical, psychological, social, family and economic effects of substance abuse;
• Knowledge of counseling principles and techniques;
• Knowledge of community resources;
• Knowledge of confidentiality provisions;
• Knowledge of infectious diseases;

• Considerable interpersonal skills;
• Considerable oral and written communication skills;

Ability to gather, analyze and evaluate information pertinent to treatment, diagnosis and rehabilitation of an individual.

Certification from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor and three (3) years of experience involving risk…