Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Community & Social Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 21-1011
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Supervise or direct other workers providing services to clients or patients.
• Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
• Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
• Assess individuals' degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.
• Follow progress of discharged patients to determine effectiveness of treatments.
• Conduct chemical dependency program orientation sessions.
• Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
• Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies.
• Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
• Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in client status.
• Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.
• Plan or implement follow-up or aftercare programs for clients to be discharged from treatment programs.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, ACMS Casewatch Millenium, Addison Health Systems WritePad EHR, Allscripts Canopy, Anasazi Software Assessment and Treatment Plan Systems, Athena Software Penelope Case Management, Breathalyzers, Cadence Solutions extendedReach

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
• Mental Health Counselors
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
• Rehabilitation Counselors
• Healthcare Social Workers
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
• Recreational Therapists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.