Substance Use Counselor (EMDR Certified or Trained)

Overview

Blue Ridge Mountain Recovery Center, located in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Substance Use Counselor with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) training or certification to join our detox and residential treatment team. This role offers an opportunity to make a profound impact on individuals struggling with addiction and trauma.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to patients recovering from substance use disorders.
• Utilize EMDR therapy techniques to address trauma-related issues contributing to addiction.
• Conduct initial and follow-up assessments; develop individualized treatment plans.
• Facilitate family therapy sessions as needed.
• Document all patient interactions, treatment plans, and progress notes accurately and timely.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to ensure comprehensive care.
• Provide crisis intervention and support for patients as required.
• Assist with discharge planning and aftercare coordination.
• Maintain compliance with all state and federal regulations, as well as facility policies.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, or related mental health field.
• Licensure: Active state license (LAPC, LPC, LMSW, LCSW, LMFT) required.
• Certification:
  • EMDRIA-approved EMDR training or EMDR certification strongly preferred.
  • Chemical dependency certification (CAC II, CADC II, CCS) is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of clinical experience with substance use and trauma populations.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care, addiction treatment modalities, and EMDR protocols.

Preferred Attributes

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Empathetic, professional, and committed to patient safety and recovery.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and sign-on bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision).
• Paid time off and continuing education opportunities.
• Supportive work environment with opportunities for growth.

About EMDR Requirement

EMDR training eligibility requires a master’s degree in a mental health field and licensure or active pursuit of licensure. Individuals with only a chemical dependency license do not qualify for EMDR training, as EMDR is a mental health scope of practice

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Conduct group and/or family sessions, under supervision, as scheduled and documents as required.

· Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions and assist with modifying problem behaviors.

· May be responsible for initial assessments, as well as follow up assessments for patients.

· May prepare individual treatment plan for each assigned patient.

· Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.

· May act as a liaison between referral sources and patients.

· Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.

· May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.

· May act as a liaison with insurance carriers, as requested.

· May provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care.

· Evaluate the need of the patient and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities is needed.

· Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

· Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

· High School diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree in social or health services field preferred.

· Experience in counseling field instruction/internship or similar practicum through education or certification process required.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

· Licensure or certification for counseling, as required by the state in which the facility operates; OR state license or certification eligible within the timeframe designated by the facility.

· CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).

· First aid may be required based on state or facility.

ADDITIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:

· Completion of ongoing education and training, as required by the state in which the facility operates and applicable accrediting body.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.