My LER

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

SOC: 21-1011.00

Common Job Titles

Addictions CounselorChemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor)CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor (SA Counselor)

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDesign prevention programs and community outreach initiatives targeting at-risk populations for substance abuse and behavioral disorders.
  • MindsetIntegrate therapeutic rapport with evidence-based counseling techniques when addressing complex substance abuse and behavioral disorders in individual and group settings.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate client progress and treatment plan effectiveness through continuous monitoring and assessment of behavioral changes and substance use patterns.
  • MindsetAdvocate for client needs and treatment adherence when coordinating with interdisciplinary teams, families, and community resources.
  • KnowledgeDevelop individualized treatment plans and intervention strategies based on comprehensive assessments of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
  • KnowledgeAssess client readiness for change and treatment engagement using motivational interviewing and validated screening instruments.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze client psychological, social, and behavioral data to identify underlying issues contributing to addiction and behavioral disorders.
  • KnowledgeApply crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques when resolving conflicts and managing acute behavioral episodes in clinical settings.
  • KnowledgeExplain addiction processes, recovery principles, and relapse prevention strategies to clients, families, and community groups during psychoeducational sessions.
  • MindsetRespect client confidentiality and ethical boundaries while documenting case notes and coordinating care in compliance with regulatory standards.
  • KnowledgeOperate case management software and electronic health record systems to document client information, track treatment outcomes, and ensure continuity of care.
Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Therapy and Counseling5.0/5
  • Psychology5.0/5
  • Education and Training4.5/5
  • English Language4.2/5
  • Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

ACMS Casewatch MilleniumAddison Health Systems WritePad EHRAllscripts CanopyAnasazi Software Assessment and Treatment Plan SystemsAthena Software Penelope Case ManagementCadence Solutions extendedReachCase management softwareCaseManagement.com E-Reports

Tools & Equipment

BreathalyzersDesktop computersNotebook computersPersonal computersPersonal digital assistants PDA