CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY COUNSELOR RESUME EXAMPLE

Updated: Aug 4, 2024 - The Chemical Dependency Counselor specializes in providing individual psychotherapy and substance use diagnostic assessments under clinical supervision, adhering to productivity and quality standards set by the Agency. This role involves conducting intensive outpatient, dual diagnostic recovery, and standard outpatient group counseling for substance use disorders. The counselor also develops individualized service plans and discharge criteria with measurable goals, ensuring all services are authorized and documented according to agency protocols.

Tips for Chemical Dependency Counselor Skills and Responsibilities on a Resume

1. Chemical Dependency Counselor, Harmony Wellness Center, Portland, OR

Job Summary: 

  • Performs Company-approved chemical dependency assessments on members 
  • Determine the necessity for chemical dependency treatment and the appropriate level of care.
  • Telephonic outreach with members and family support system to implement the treatment plan.
  • Occasional face-to-face meetings with members at the point of care for care plan education.
  • Monitors active treatment plans and supports members and families with education, community resources, or other care needs.
  • Collaborates with other members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) for case input on medical issues.
  • Provides prevention and intervention services to youth and families.
  • Develops and organizes alcohol and other drug prevention activities that are innovative and culturally relevant.
  • Performs advocacy role at juvenile court hearings and community agencies.
  • Coordinates services for youth with other agencies and makes appropriate referrals.
  • Identifies and establishes working relationships with federal, state and community resources for clients.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Chemical Dependency Assessment (Hard Skills)
  • Treatment Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Communication Skills (Soft Skills)
  • Case Management (Hard Skills)
  • Collaboration (Soft Skills)
  • Prevention and Intervention (Hard Skills)
  • Advocacy (Soft Skills)
  • Resource Coordination and Referrals (Hard Skills)

2. Chemical Dependency Counselor, Serenity Path Inc., Bismarck, ND

Job Summary: 

  • Substance Use Disorder assessment, counseling and case management
  • Resource navigation for participants, ensuring effective communication with those involved in the recovery process
  • Ensure all documentation is submitted following state requirements
  • Take responsibility for the facilitation of support groups
  • Responsible for the identification of new and existing resources for participants
  • Take responsibility for the coordination with additional recovery support services
  • Establishes and maintains effective therapeutic relationships with clients and/or families and significant others
  • Demonstrates skills in individual, family, and group settings as they apply to primary substance abuse issues.
  • Conducts chemical dependency assessments and evaluations to include a complete biopsychosocial assessment process.
  • Keeps clinical records to include orientation, assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, treatment plan update/staffing reviews, discharge plans, etc.
  • Provides educational lectures to both clients and their families in areas specific to substance abuse and prevention.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Substance Use Disorder Assessment and Counseling (Hard Skills)
  • Case Management (Hard Skills)
  • Resource Navigation and Coordination (Hard Skills)
  • Support Group Facilitation (Hard Skills)
  • Therapeutic Relationship Building (Soft Skills)
  • Educational Lectures (Hard Skills)
  • Group Counseling Skills (Hard Skills)
  • Documentation and Compliance (Hard Skills)

3. Chemical Dependency Counselor, Renewal Health Group, Reno, NV

Job Summary: 

  • Works collaboratively with the medical team to develop treatment planning strategies.
  • Responsible for making appropriate referrals and discharge planning of patients.
  • Ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient records.
  • Participate in daily group counseling and individual counseling on the unit.
  • Responsible for facilitating psychoeducation groups for patients
  • Counsel and advise individuals or groups with substance abuse problems
  • Develop and implement individual treatment plans
  • Establish treatment goals and milestones with clients
  • Prepare progress reports and letters for relevant parties
  • Educate families and groups on substance abuse treatments and prevention programs
  • Facilitate referrals to other healthcare or counseling professionals


Skills on Resume: 

  • Treatment Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Referral and Discharge Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Documentation (Hard Skills)
  • Counseling Skills (Hard Skills)
  • Psychoeducation (Hard Skills)
  • Treatment Plan Development (Hard Skills)
  • Goal Setting and Monitoring (Hard Skills)
  • Communication and Education (Hard Skills)

4. Chemical Dependency Counselor, Clearview Treatment Programs, Madison, WI

Job Summary: 

  • Offer chemical dependency education meetings for group-appropriate dually diagnosed patients
  • Provide diverse chemical dependency educational and support experiences appropriate to a dually diagnosed population
  • Produce and maintain monthly progress notes and all other required documentation on time
  • Create and maintain current and accurate records of the number of clients served and the issues
  • Attend and participate in Dual Diagnosis Staff meetings, designated committee meetings, and resident care plan conferences.
  • Coordinate and supervise on-site and offsite events and outings while encouraging residents to become active members of the 12-step community.
  • Take responsibility for 1:1 interventions with Dual Diagnosis staff including in-service training.
  • Attend weekly in-service meetings and all mandatory staff meetings.
  • Actively engage and encourage patients toward their treatment goals


Skills on Resume: 

  • Chemical Dependency Education (Hard Skills)
  • Documentation and Reporting (Hard Skills)
  • Record Keeping (Hard Skills)
  • Event Coordination (Hard Skills)
  • Supervisory Skills (Hard Skills)
  • Meeting Participation (Hard Skills)
  • In-service Training (Hard Skills)
  • Patient Engagement (Soft Skills)

5. Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Recovery Connections, Asheville, NC

Job Summary: 

  • Provide brief consultation to patients of medical providers who exhibit or report symptoms of substance use or mental health disorders. 
  • Assess patients with suspected or known substance use disorder using ASAM criteria to determine the most appropriate level of care.
  • Establishing strong therapeutic rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds with varying diagnostic profiles. 
  • Provide an outpatient level of SUD and MH care to patients participating in medication-assisted treatment both in person and via telehealth.
  • Connect patients who need care beyond outpatient services to the most appropriate resource in the community.
  • Collaborate with primary care practitioners in the integrated care of patients participating in the LCH&D Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program
  • Assisting in the determination of the course of care that is best for harm reduction. 
  • Use motivational interviewing to increase patient participation in all aspects of the MAT Agreement
  • Consult with and collaborate with medical providers regarding patients with SUD or Mental Health conditions that impact physical wellness. 
  • Complete encounters per policy, and respond to requests within EHR i.e. PAQ, tasks, and patient messages. 
  • Participate in Peer Review, and maintain accurate records. 


Skills on Resume: 

  • ASAM Criteria Assessment (Hard Skills)
  • Therapeutic Rapport Building (Soft Skills)
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) (Hard Skills)
  • Community Resource Referral (Hard Skills)
  • Collaboration with Primary Care (Hard Skills)
  • Harm Reduction Strategies (Hard Skills)
  • Motivational Interviewing (Hard Skills)
  • Electronic Health Record (EHR) Management (Hard Skills)

6. Chemical Dependency Counselor, New Beginnings Recovery, Mobile, AL

Job Summary: 

  • Adhere strictly to the laws and ethics related to confidentiality and documentation at all times.
  • Allow for and provide access to alternative Drug and Alcohol treatment and recovery activities, (i.e. traditional practices/Spiritual beliefs, sweat lodges, etc.)
  • Provide specific outcomes in the form of statistical reports 
  • Promote increased awareness of drug and alcohol issues, outreach, life skills, and recovery efforts, to the Program Director and Board of Directors
  • Track collaboration and partnership development by the program to the Program Director, and Board of Directors
  • Comply with ethical standards of the profession, HIPAA and 42 CFR guidelines at all times.
  • Maintain infection control standards at all times per company policy. 
  • Provide input and recommendations to enhance the growth and success of the organization.
  • Make every attempt to meet daily goals and objectives as defined by the organization. 
  • Assume all other reasonable duties and responsibilities as directed by the organization's leadership. 


Skills on Resume: 

  • Ethical Compliance (Hard Skills)
  • Cultural Competency (Soft Skills)
  • Statistical Reporting (Hard Skills)
  • Program Advocacy (Soft Skills)
  • Partnership Development (Soft Skills)
  • Infection Control (Hard Skills)
  • Organizational Enhancement (Soft Skills)
  • Goal Orientation (Soft Skills)

7. Chemical Dependency Counselor PRN, Horizon Services, Chico, CA

Job Summary: 

  • Support the mission of the hospital is to provide patients with the highest quality of healthcare in a caring atmosphere.
  • Provide individual, group, marital/family CD counseling
  • Provide chemical dependency assessments, treatment planning, discharge planning, linkage to community resources, and referrals to extended treatment.
  • Conduct aftercare groups, psychoeducational groups and classes for patients and families.
  • Function as a member of the interdisciplinary team.
  • Ensure and maintain appropriate confidentiality, privacy and privileged communication.
  • Remains free from citations by other providers or by consumers for unethical practice and meets the standard for own profession.
  • Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies, including compliance with all behavioral and ethical expectations.
  • Participates in weekly supervision with the manager.
  • Deliver care and services following the organization’s philosophy of "partnership" with patients and integration of the organization's values of Respect, Quality, Compassion and Hope. 


Skills on Resume: 

  • Clinical Counseling Skills (Hard Skills)
  • Assessment and Treatment Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Discharge Planning and Referrals (Hard Skills)
  • Group Facilitation (Hard Skills)
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration (Hard Skills)
  • Confidentiality and Ethical Practice (Hard Skills)
  • Compliance and Ethical Standards (Hard Skills)
  • Supervision and Professional Development (Hard Skills)

8. Chemical Dependency Counselor, Healing Solutions, Lexington, KY

Job Summary: 

  • Assessment, Individualized Service Plan, Progress Notes and other documentation identify the consumer’s input in services
  • Completes progress notes at the end of each session and turns in within 24 hours of completion.
  • Notifies consumer and referral source before completion of the discharge summary and documents this notification on discharge
  • Develops and maintains quality, accurate clinical charts for all clients served.
  • Develops and maintains positive collaboration with other social service agencies serving clients, and provides consultation
  • Have no unexcused absences from assigned clinical and administrative committee meetings and training.
  • Maintains license or registration appropriate to the profession and appropriate to the job requirement
  • Makes referrals for additional services and follows up to assess client acceptance of/or appropriateness of referral
  • Actively involves the client in assessing progress on treatment goals and develops a workable plan for continuing recovery.
  • Maintains agency-required annual training including, but not limited to, client rights and grievances, safety training, infection control, and others


Skills on Resume: 

  • Documentation Skills (Hard Skills)
  • Client-Centered Approach (Soft Skills)
  • Interagency Collaboration (Soft Skills)
  • Referral Management (Hard Skills)
  • Compliance and Licensing (Hard Skills)
  • Meeting Attendance (Hard Skills)
  • Quality Assurance (Hard Skills)
  • Training and Development (Hard Skills)

9. Chemical Dependency Counselor, Pathway to Sobriety, Springfield, IL

Job Summary: 

  • Works collaboratively with the medical team to develop treatment planning strategies.
  • Responsible for making appropriate referrals and discharge planning of patients.
  • Ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient records.
  • Participate in daily group counseling efforts of the unit.
  • Responsible for acting as the primary Individual Counselor for patients in their recovery process.
  • Offers off-site educational presentations on Strong Recovery services and access to care. 
  • Ensures that prescribed schedules, policies, and procedures are followed.
  • Provides support for junior staff.
  • Develops and maintains a working relationship with the department staff and with community agency staff.
  • Attends rounds on assigned medical floors.
  • Keeps current with trends, developments, and practices in the field as they relate to this work assignment.
  • Incorporates principles of teamwork in the resolution, completion, and follow-up of responsibilities.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Collaborative Treatment Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Referral and Discharge Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Documentation (Hard Skills)
  • Group Counseling (Hard Skills)
  • Individual Counseling (Hard Skills)
  • Educational Presentations (Hard Skills)
  • Compliance and Policy Adherence (Hard Skills)
  • Teamwork and Relationship Building (Soft Skills)

10. Chemical Dependency Counselor, Wellness Recovery Clinic, Salt Lake City, UT

Job Summary: 

  • Review results of all assessment components and develop a summary of needs
  • Develop a treatment plan, which addresses problems identified through the assessment
  • Develop a treatment plan and goals
  • Actively involves the client and the family in the development of a treatment plan
  • Communicate/consult with internal and external members of the treatment team.
  • Utilizes family and community resources to enhance the client’s recovery plan
  • Regularly reviews and updates to reflect client status.
  • Produces reports/summaries documenting client progress
  • Uses community resources in making discharge plans
  • Plans activities that bring services, resources and/or people together within a planned framework of action toward the achievement of established goal


Skills on Resume: 

  • Assessment Review (Hard Skills)
  • Treatment Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Client and Family Engagement (Soft Skills)
  • Communication and Consultation (Soft Skills)
  • Resource Utilization (Hard Skills)
  • Progress Monitoring and Reporting (Hard Skills)
  • Discharge Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Strategic Planning (Hard Skills)

11. Chemical Dependency Counselor, Hope Springs Wellness, Fargo, ND

Job Summary: 

  • Ensure clients attend scheduled activities and required Groups.
  • Provide appropriate help during emergencies.
  • Build positive relationships with other staff
  • Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility to changes in the work environment.
  • Provide a safe, therapeutic environment for staff and clients.
  • Provide a daily report to management.
  • Facilitate client’s rules and responsibilities, and report noncompliance to management.
  • The ability to collect urine samples from clients
  • Assist and complete intake assessments.
  • Perform Searches and/or Random Searches when drug activity/suspicion is reported
  • Provide strong Case management services to assist with discharge planning.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Crisis Intervention Skills (Hard Skills)
  • Interpersonal Skills (Soft Skills)
  • Adaptability (Soft Skills)
  • Safety Management (Hard Skills)
  • Reporting and Documentation (Hard Skills)
  • Client Compliance and Monitoring (Hard Skills)
  • Medical Assistance (Hard Skills)
  • Case Management (Hard Skills)

12. Chemical Dependency Counselor, Freedom Recovery Center, Tampa, FL

Job Summary: 

  • Conducts initial evaluations to determine the appropriate level of care treatment for inmates
  • Provides educational sessions for inmates.
  • Leads group counseling sessions with patients.
  • Coordinates with treatment providers upon inmate’s release.
  • Provides case management to assigned inmates and community outreach calls.
  • Provides chemical dependency case consultation on assigned cases/units.
  • Conducts staff education and training programs.
  • Participates in assigned outpatient, intensive outpatient, and inpatient program duties.
  • Attends weekly team meetings staffs assigned cases and makes referrals as indicated.
  • Maintains treatment assessment, progress and planning records, statistics, and other appropriate reports.
  • Participates in program evaluation and development.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Clinical Assessment and Evaluation (Hard Skills)
  • Educational Program Development (Hard Skills)
  • Group Counseling and Facilitation (Hard Skills)
  • Case Management (Hard Skills)
  • Chemical Dependency Expertise (Hard Skills)
  • Training and Education (Hard Skills)
  • Program Participation and Coordination (Hard Skills)
  • Record Keeping and Reporting (Hard Skills)

13. Chemical Dependency Counselor, Lifeline Professional Counseling, Boise, ID

Job Summary: 

  • Participates as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team involving intake evaluation treatment
  • Coordinates care management services for patients, particularly with the various Addiction Psychiatry Program (APP), ambulatory programs, CPEP, PHP
  • Evaluate drug and alcohol usage and determine the level of care needed.
  • Completes evaluations on significant other and or family members to determine placement in the family program.
  • Provides direct family therapy to patients, family members and significant others.
  • Provides direct clinical services to assigned patients for extended dispositional evaluation
  • Taking a primary therapist and/or case management role, i.e. group and 1:1 therapy in the form of intensive groups or aftercare groups.
  • Give lectures/talks on specific topics to patients and their families.
  • Documents evaluation, disposition, and treatment in the patient's chart in compliance with APP, Department, Hospital, and NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) policy, CPS, Justice Center, Education/Vocation programs, and partner with local school systems.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration (Soft Skills)
  • Care Coordination (Hard Skills)
  • Substance Use Assessment (Hard Skills)
  • Family Program Evaluation (Hard Skills)
  • Family Therapy (Hard Skills)
  • Clinical Services Delivery (Hard Skills)
  • Therapeutic Role (Soft Skills)
  • Educational Outreach (Soft Skills)

14. Chemical Dependency Counselor, Phoenix Rising Behavioral Health, Albany, NY

Job Summary: 

  • Offer culturally appropriate outpatient substance abuse treatment or alcohol and other drug treatment prevention and recovery services. 
  • Understand and have a working knowledge of multiple modes of treatment working with individuals and groups, in the areas of substance abuse and recovery, domestic violence dynamics and interventions
  • Remain trauma-informed and provide services to clients that recognize the impact of trauma. 
  • Focus on client safety, respect and acceptance, and build on the client’s strengths and resiliency.
  • Offer services and referrals related to achieving wellness including alcohol and other drug education, assessment, etc. 
  • Make referrals for a type or level of service outside the bounds of the practice of KWC, SIHC, and its available providers
  • Assist in the development and provide outreach services and education to the community
  • Assist and support clients in their interactions with the court, legal proceedings, SARMS, probation and parole departments, CPS, drug and alcohol programs/counselors, and other professional organizations and entities.
  • Systematize, prioritize, and handle a caseload taking into account the schedule, acuity of the patients, and program requirements.
  • Professionally and respectfully represent the Health Council and Kumeyaay Wellness Center in the community, clinical, and legal arenas.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Substance Abuse Treatment Expertise (Hard Skills)
  • Trauma-Informed Care (Hard Skills)
  • Client-Centered Approach (Soft Skills)
  • Referral Management (Hard Skills)
  • Community Outreach (Hard Skills)
  • Legal and Court Support (Hard Skills)
  • Case Management (Hard Skills)
  • Professional Representation (Soft Skills)

15. Chemical Dependency Counselor, Beacon of Hope Services, Olympia, WA

Job Summary: 

  • Provides individual psychotherapy under clinical supervision that meets productivity and quality requirements set by the Agency and that is within the limits of services permitted by license and scope of practice.
  • Provides mental health and substance use diagnostic assessments under clinical supervision that meet productivity and quality requirements set by the Agency.
  • Provides SUD group counseling - intensive outpatient, dual diagnostic recovery, or standard outpatient group
  • Meets or exceeds standards about services provided.
  • Meets or exceeds standards for assessments and documentation.
  • Provides only those services that have been authorized by Utilization Management
  • Provides services within the authorized frequency and duration of services. 
  • Requests additional services when initial authorization has been met.
  • Written assessment of individual’s history, mental status, strengths, needs and resources
  • Assessment and other documentation will provide sufficient reasoning for diagnosis and the type, frequency, and duration of services provided.
  • Individualized Service Plans and Discharge Criteria with specific goals and objectives that are measurable are developed with the consumer and signed at the time of the initiation of services and at the time of each update.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Clinical Psychotherapy (Hard Skills)
  • Diagnostic Assessments (Hard Skills)
  • Group Counseling (Hard Skills)
  • Compliance with Standards (Hard Skills)
  • Authorization Management (Hard Skills)
  • Documentation Expertise (Hard Skills)
  • Service Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Client-Centered Approach (Soft Skills)