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 Counselor
Chemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor)
Counselor
Substance 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.
Advanced
MindsetIntegrate therapeutic rapport with evidence-based counseling techniques when addressing complex substance abuse and behavioral disorders in individual and group settings.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate client progress and treatment plan effectiveness through continuous monitoring and assessment of behavioral changes and substance use patterns.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for client needs and treatment adherence when coordinating with interdisciplinary teams, families, and community resources.
Proficient
KnowledgeDevelop individualized treatment plans and intervention strategies based on comprehensive assessments of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess client readiness for change and treatment engagement using motivational interviewing and validated screening instruments.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze client psychological, social, and behavioral data to identify underlying issues contributing to addiction and behavioral disorders.
Developing
KnowledgeApply crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques when resolving conflicts and managing acute behavioral episodes in clinical settings.
Developing
KnowledgeExplain addiction processes, recovery principles, and relapse prevention strategies to clients, families, and community groups during psychoeducational sessions.
Developing
MindsetRespect client confidentiality and ethical boundaries while documenting case notes and coordinating care in compliance with regulatory standards.
Developing
KnowledgeOperate case management software and electronic health record systems to document client information, track treatment outcomes, and ensure continuity of care.
Developing
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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
ACMS Casewatch Millenium
Addison Health Systems WritePad EHR
Allscripts Canopy
Anasazi Software Assessment and Treatment Plan Systems
