Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC)

ASAM 2.5 Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) & ASAM 2.1 Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) | Adult Service

2 Positions Available

About Us

Above and Beyond Mental Health Services is a community-centered behavioral health practice founded by Edna Clerveau Gwynn and headquartered in Danville, Virginia. We are expanding our mission of compassionate, accessible care with the launch of our new Salem, VA location, offering ASAM Level 2.5 Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Level 2.1 Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programming for adults. Our programs serve individuals navigating substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, trauma, and PTSD in a structured, recovery-focused clinical environment. As we build out the Salem team, we are looking for clinicians who share our commitment to going above and beyond for every client we serve.

Position Overview

We are seeking two dedicated and compassionate Certified Addictions Counselors to join the clinical team at our new Salem PHP/IOP program. In this role, you will provide direct counseling services to adults in structured levels of care, supporting clients through the full arc of treatment — from assessment and treatment planning through group facilitation, individual therapy, crisis intervention, and discharge planning. You will work within a multidisciplinary team environment and play a central role in delivering evidence-based, trauma-informed care to individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. This is a ground-floor opportunity to help shape the culture and clinical standards of a brand-new program. All positions are paid roles that emphasize professional growth while delivering essential services to those in need.

Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment & Treatment Planning

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments using ASAM criteria to determine appropriate level of care placement within the PHP and IOP continuum
• Complete diagnostic evaluations incorporating ICD-10 coding for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions
• Develop individualized, person-centered treatment plans incorporating evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills
• Conduct ongoing treatment plan reviews and update goals in collaboration with the client and treatment team

Individual & Group Counseling

• Facilitate structured group therapy sessions within the PHP and IOP schedule, covering topics such as relapse prevention, coping skills, emotion regulation, and psychoeducation
• Provide individual counseling sessions focused on recovery support, co-occurring mental health treatment, trauma processing, and goal attainment
• Deliver trauma-informed care with sensitivity to clients presenting with PTSD, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and complex trauma histories
• Incorporate dual diagnosis treatment approaches for clients with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders

Crisis Intervention & Safety Planning

• Perform crisis assessments and interventions for clients experiencing acute behavioral health episodes within the program setting
• Develop and update individualized safety plans in collaboration with clients and the clinical team
• Coordinate with psychiatric staff and clinical supervisors when clients require a higher level of care or emergency intervention

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation including intake assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, group notes, and discharge summaries in the electronic health record (EHR) system
• Ensure all documentation meets HIPAA standards, payer requirements, and Virginia DBHDS licensure regulations
• Support utilization review processes by ensuring documentation reflects medical necessity for PHP and IOP levels of care

Care Coordination & Collaboration

• Participate actively in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, contributing clinical insight and coordinating care with counselors, case managers, psychiatric staff, and the medical team
• Coordinate referrals to community resources including housing, peer support services, MAT providers, and aftercare programs to support successful step-down transitions
• Communicate with families, referral sources, and external providers as clinically appropriate and with proper client consent
• Collaborate with the administrative team to support smooth client flow through intake, scheduling, and discharge planning

Requirements

• Valid certification as a Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC) or equivalent credential recognized by the Virginia Board of Counseling or a nationally recognized certifying body (e.g., NAADAC, IC&RC)
• Experience providing addiction counseling services in a PHP, IOP, residential, or outpatient behavioral health setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of ASAM criteria and ability to conduct level-of-care assessments
• Proficiency in evidence-based treatment modalities including CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed approaches
• Experience working with adults with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, including PTSD and trauma histories
• Solid understanding of HIPAA compliance, clinical documentation standards, and electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and group facilitation skills
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team in a structured, fast-paced clinical environment
• Knowledge of Virginia DBHDS regulations and behavioral health licensure standards preferred

Nice to Have

• Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials
• Experience with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) populations and familiarity with medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone
• Familiarity with ICD-10 coding for substance use and co-occurring mental health diagnoses
• Experience facilitating evidence-based group curricula such as MATRIX Model, MET/CBT, or SMART Recovery
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities to serve diverse client populations

Experience supporting new program launches or contributing to clinical policy and procedure development