CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY COUNSELOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Pharmaceutical testing never stops. A Chemical Analyst keeps product release moving by generating the HPLC, GC, and spectrophotometric data that QC decisions depend on - every batch, every shift. This role holds direct responsibility for GMP-compliant sample testing, OOS and OOT investigation, and the documentation that survives regulatory inspection. It operates within the Quality function, working alongside QA, production, and regulatory teams across biologics, plasma derivatives, and solid-dose manufacturing. Getting it wrong means product holds, compliance gaps, and failed audits.

As the Chemical Analyst, you execute quantitative and qualitative testing across raw materials, in-process samples, and finished pharmaceutical products, ensuring every result meets cGMP standards and documented specifications before release. You work within the QC laboratory, contributing directly to CAPA resolution, method verification, and audit readiness under the supervision of the QC Manager or Laboratory Lead.

Career Impact: Deep hands-on experience with OOS investigations and regulatory inspection preparation builds the technical credibility that opens doors to method development, validation, and QC leadership roles in regulated pharmaceutical environments.

Business Impact: Every product batch released or held traces back to your results - accurate, timely testing directly determines whether patients receive compliant medicines on schedule.

Growth Opportunity: Proficiency gained across HPLC, GC, and biologics-specific techniques, combined with CAPA and method transfer experience, positions the analyst for advancement into senior QC, validation specialist, or analytical development roles.

• Test raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products using HPLC, GC, spectrophotometry, and related analytical techniques to approved SOPs.
• Investigate Out of Specification and Out of Trend results, identify root cause, and document findings in compliance with cGMP requirements.
• Perform instrument calibration checks and routine maintenance, escalating faults outside self-authority to ensure laboratory readiness at all times.
• Review and prepare QC documentation including batch records, change requests, and logbooks in full compliance with regulatory standards.
• Support method verification, validation, and technical transfer activities in coordination with analytical development and production teams.
• Prepare for and participate in regulatory and internal audits, maintaining the laboratory area in a continuous state of inspection readiness.
• Participate in CAPA processes related to QC findings, contributing to corrective action planning and preventive measure implementation.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of hands-on QC laboratory experience in a pharmaceutical or regulated life sciences environment, with direct exposure to cGMP standards.
• Proficiency in quantitative analytical techniques including HPLC and GC, with demonstrated ability to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of GMP, GLP, and applicable regulatory guidelines governing pharmaceutical quality control testing.
• Experience investigating OOS or OOT results and preparing thorough, audit-ready investigation reports.
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to accurately complete and review batch records, SOPs, and change control documentation.

• Experience with method transfer, verification, or validation projects in a regulated pharmaceutical setting.
• Familiarity with biologics or protein-based therapeutics and associated analytical techniques such as immunoelectrophoresis or flame photometry.
• Experience with statistical analysis software used for quality data review and trend monitoring.
• Knowledge of laboratory information management systems in a GMP-regulated environment.

• OOS investigation closure rate, tracking timely resolution of non-conforming results within defined CAPA timelines.
• First-pass documentation accuracy rate, measuring how often batch records and test reports are completed correctly without correction.
• Instrument uptime percentage, reflecting the analyst's contribution to calibration compliance and routine maintenance scheduling.
• Audit observation count attributable to the QC lab, measuring inspection readiness across documentation, housekeeping, and procedural compliance.
• Method transfer completion against project milestones, tracking on-time delivery of verified analytical procedures.
• Typical tools: Chromatography data systems (commonly Empower or Chromeleon); LIMS platforms (commonly LabWare or Veeva Vault QMS).

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience and seniority
• Bonus: Annual performance-based bonus, typically 5 to 10% of base salary
• Equity: Generally not offered at this level in pharmaceutical QC roles
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution standard
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus federal holidays and sick leave
• Common Perks: Tuition reimbursement, professional certification support, shift differential for non-standard hours

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for this position. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, a drug screening consistent with regulatory requirements.

The Chemical Dependency Counselor owns the full continuum of substance use disorder care across multiple MHMR Tarrant sites, conducting intake assessments using the Addiction Severity Index, facilitating individual and group therapy, and developing evidence-based educational programming. Working under the CD Program structure and coordinating with treatment teams, clients, and families, this role ensures billable direct care reaches at least 50% of available work time while supporting clients with co-occurring disorders toward measurable recovery outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide counseling, information, referral, and screening to persons requesting help with substance abuse, and document this service.
• Conduct assessments using the Addiction Severity Index, face-to-face with the client at first contact or as soon as possible, ensuring documentation meets required standards and quality management requirements.
• Make recommendations for outpatient or inpatient treatment, and coordinate inpatient treatment referrals when indicated.
• Develop SUD treatment plans jointly with the client, family, and team members, including problems, goals, and measurable objectives within one day of the initial assessment.
• Ensure all required paperwork is completed and signed by all team members, and complete treatment plan reviews halfway through the treatment stay.
• Provide ongoing case coordination services, including documentation of client follow-up and interactions with other service providers.
• Participate regularly in clinic staffings and team meetings, maintain consistent communication with the treatment team and client, and present client reviews in staffing at least once during the treatment stay.
• Follow all approved discharge procedures, develop discharge plans and summaries, and refer clients to community resources as clinically indicated.
• Update discharge records continually, and complete discharge summaries within five working days of discharge.
• Conduct group and individual sessions as assigned or as indicated by the client's treatment plan.
• Develop all educational programming and use evidence-based practices in service delivery.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of addiction services operating procedures.
• Knowledge of treatment and quality management standards.
• Knowledge of the treatment of substance abuse.
• Knowledge of family, vocational, legal, cultural, and other sociological problems associated with substance abuse.
• Ability to provide counseling in substance abuse and mental health in individual and group settings.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.

Embedded within Adventist Behavioral Health and Wellness Services, the Chemical Dependency Counselor delivers comprehensive therapeutic services to patients navigating addiction recovery, including individual and group counseling, family education, and psychosocial assessments. Working closely with an interdisciplinary treatment team, the Chemical Dependency Counselor supports patients in developing long-term recovery management plans that promote sustained abstinence and positive community reintegration.

Core Functions

• Initiate and implement complete, comprehensive psycho-social assessments.
• Provide individual, group, and family therapies to clients and their families.
• Participate in an interdisciplinary treatment team to propose and develop strategies and interventions that promote excellent therapeutic outcomes.
• Assess and intervene in cases of suspected or disclosed child and adult neglect and abuse issues.
• Document services provided and disseminate information and reports to community referral sources and agencies.
• Coordinate with the interdisciplinary team, referral sources, and community resources on aftercare and supportive services to ensure a successful discharge planning process.
• Promote positive patient, family, and community relations.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to de-escalate psychotic and behavioral crises to ensure client, unit, and staff safety and stability.
• Record accurate documentation in an electronic medical record system.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Science in a human services field.
• Master of Arts or Master of Science in Counseling or Social Work.
• Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor or equivalent credential.
• Clinical license or certification in good standing with the relevant board.
• Minimum of a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor or Licensed Master Social Worker credential.
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor or Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Conflict resolution, crisis management, and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain self-control in volatile or hostile situations.
• Ability to set therapeutic limits and maintain therapeutic distance with clients.

Reporting to program leadership, the Chemical Dependency Counselor conducts client screenings, develops individualized treatment plans, and facilitates both individual and group substance abuse counseling within an electronic health record environment. Partnering with parole officers and leveraging strong interpersonal rapport-building skills, this role advances client recovery outcomes and ensures program compliance for an adult offender population.

Primary Duties

• Interview, screen, and assess clients for service needs and potential program participation.
• Provide substance abuse individual and group counseling, and monitor the operation of peer support and twelve-step recovery groups.
• Develop and implement treatment plans, and participate in educational groups in compliance with substance abuse treatment program standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, and other documents, and maintain client records and reports about services provided and client progress within an electronic health record system.
• Communicate and build rapport with parole officers as it relates to client treatment and progress.
• Establish client rapport by demonstrating warmth, realness, and empathy.
• Observe confidentiality requirements.

Skills & Qualifications

• Full-time experience as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor.
• Full licensure as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, with no intern status.
• Experience working within an electronic health record system.
• Experience working with adult offender populations preferred.
• Strong computer skills.
• Superior time management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Sitting at the intersection of clinical counseling and case management, the Chemical Dependency Counselor at New Season completes intakes, psychosocial assessments, and individualized treatment plans while delivering a minimum of 20 hours of direct one-on-one patient contact per week. Operating across individual, group, and family counseling modalities, this role ensures federal confidentiality compliance and supports patients with opiate addiction in rebuilding their lives through dignified, structured treatment.

Duties

• Complete all intakes, admissions, discharges, and transfer paperwork with patients.
• Document patient progress through counseling and group interactions.
• Complete patient psychosocial assessments and individualized treatment plans within the required time frame.
• Identify clinical and case management needs and work to address those needs.
• Report patient abuse, neglect, and exploitation as required.
• Educate patients in all aspects of treatment, corresponding health issues, and steps to recovery.
• Obtain urine drug screens and initial patient photo identification.
• Assist in monitoring all patient activities on premises.
• Participate in community relations activities as directed.
• Ensure compliance with federal confidentiality regulations and applicable privacy standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Counseling certification in a related field, at minimum a Level II credential.
• Experience in the substance abuse field preferred.
• Minimum of 500 hours of substance abuse experience preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and demonstrate dependability and reliability.
• Basic mathematics skills.

A key member of the multidisciplinary treatment team, the Chemical Dependency Counselor conducts clinical interviews, formulates measurable treatment outcomes, and delivers motivational interviewing-based individual and group counseling to support client recovery. Collaborating across physical, cognitive, and psychosocial care domains, this role shapes individualized treatment plans and modifies them using established Washington State Chemical Dependency Professional placement criteria to achieve lasting recovery goals.

Functions

• Conduct individual and group counseling, facilitate client engagement in the treatment and recovery process through motivational interviewing approaches, and document and assess client responses to therapeutic intervention.
• Observe and document patient treatment progress, and establish realistic, achievable goals with clients to achieve and maintain recovery.
• Formulate and document concise, descriptive, and measurable treatment outcomes.
• Interview, evaluate, and develop treatment plans using established placement criteria, and apply those criteria to documentation when making treatment recommendations.
• Recommend modifications to treatment plans by recognizing and implementing strategies appropriate for individualized care, and reviewing treatment progress through staffing files and supervisor consults.

Experience & Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling.
• Coursework or training in Chemical Dependency Counseling.
• Knowledge of established placement criteria for substance abuse treatment.
• Knowledge and application of applicable state administrative codes.
• Active involvement in a 12-step program.
• Minimum of four years of continuous abstinence for candidates in recovery.
• Comfortable working with diverse client populations.
• Multidisciplinary team involvement and interaction experience.