Counselor Assistant

Gaudenzia's Mission is to promote long-term recovery by providing comprehensive treatment and support to people with substance use disorder, co-occurring mental health disorders, and related conditions, regardless of individual circumstances.

Qualifications

Education/Training:

D.C. Education/ Licensure Requirements

Studies in Addiction Counseling. Must possess an Associates or Bachelor's Degree. 5 years working experience in the field of study.

Your Responsibilities In This Role May Include

• Treat all clients and staff with dignity and respect
• Attend all team / staff meetings as required by Supervisor
• Role model pro-social behavior
• Be responsible for a caseload of clients, as identified by program requirements and in accordance with state regulations.
• Complete required evaluations and assessments, including screening, intake, clinical assessments, ASAM, and biopsychosocial histories, in accordance with established program and state guidelines
• Complete individual treatment plans upon clients' admission and update in accordance with established program guideline
• Document all clinical services and interventions performed within client's electronic record, and complete monthly treatment reports
• Maintain accurate electronic records on each client and ensure the timely completion of tasks, within 24 hours of service delivery and no later than 72 hours of service delivery, in accordance with established program guidelines and level of care requirements
• Submit all progress notes to the Clinical Supervisor for approval and co-signature * Conduct individual and group sessions based on clients' treatment plan goals, level of care, and state regulations.
• Participate in funding source reviews and make recommendations for treatment and lengths of stay
• Attend, participate, and when necessary, assist in the facilitation of special events, such as retreats, graduations, etc.
• Moderate special groups and meetings, including family meetings, family education, and workshops
• Attend court hearings with clients
• Monitor client progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
• Coordinate with agency and community resources to ensure a thorough treatment plan and ensure documentation
• Assist clients with developing a discharge/ continuing care plan and connecting to resources needed to reach personal goals both during the course of treatment and in advance of their discharge
• Assist clients in developing a thorough discharge plan addressing their most significant needs and follow up with clients after discharge based on regulatory guidelines until they have been established with other case management/social services
• Ensure collection and documentation of urinalysis/ drug screening samples to ensure compliance with treatment requirements
• Maintain valid license and appropriate professional certificates and credentials
• Be able to work at least one evening (12 PM to 8 PM) per week and weekends, as needed
• All other duties as assigned by Supervisor or designee
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local and funding source guidelines
• Maintain valid driver's license
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor
  
  

• Knowledge of the principles, philosophies, practices, and procedures of Gaudenzia's treatment programs
• Knowledge of the biopsychosocial characteristics and behaviors of individuals with a substance use disorder and/or mental illness
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior and the effective ways of working with people based on the principles of client-centered philosophy and Motivational Interviewing techniques to facilitate ongoing recovery
• Ability to engage with individuals and groups in a therapeutic process and engage in therapeutic alliance to advance treatment goals
• Ability to work effectively with people and aid them in adjusting to their specific challenges while addressing the ethical and diversity considerations of each individual
• Ability to establish rapport and identify the needs of clients and to gain their confidence and cooperation in assisting them to obtain their identified goals
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, other members of staff, outside agencies, institutions, and the general public
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to successfully work with others from various cultures and backgrounds
• Ability to organize a caseload and an extensive informational system Computer skills, including familiarity and faculty with Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel
• Knowledge of facility and/or levels, their primary functions, and an understanding of the importance of a continuum of care for clients
  
  

Competitive Pay - Excellent Benefits - On The Job Training - Upward mobility - Educational assistance to help you grow with us in this life saving field!

For more details please visit our website: https://www.gaudenzia.org/careers/

Our Operating Principles: We, as members of the Gaudenzia Team, are committed to these principles. They guide the way we perform Gaudenzia business, every day.

• We hold client care as our top priority.
• We assume good intentions.
• We are present, we connect, & we communicate with transparency, dignity, and respect.
• We make data-driven decisions with courage, challenge the status quo, find innovative ways to grow Gaudenzia & each other.
• We support each other publicly & privately in all circumstances.
• We provide & accept constructive, honest, respectful, and timely feedback with an open mind & without personalization.
• We operate with integrity, focus on outcomes, & have a bias for action.
• We follow through on agreements & honor commitments prioritized with a sense of urgency - someone's life may depend on it.
  
  

- and a treatment provider of choice - in the substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment field. We work hard to foster an inclusive, supportive environment where our employees and clients always feel safe and welcome.

Come work with us!

Our Agency is committed to the principles of equal employment. We believe in fostering a positive work environment in which every employee is treated with respect. Our staff hiring and recruitment practices are grounded in fairness, transparency, and merit. All employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications, relevant skills, experience, and alignment with our mission and values. We actively recruit from a broad range of educational and professional backgrounds to attract the most qualified candidates, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants without preference or discrimination. Our process uses consistent and clear evaluation criteria to support objective decision-making. By emphasizing accountability, efficiency, and integrity throughout every stage--from job posting to onboarding--we build a workforce defined by excellence, professionalism, and commitment to our shared purpose. Gaudenzia is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.