Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)

Job Title: Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)
Location: Washington, DC
Organization: Unity Health Care
Employment Type: Full Time

About Unity Health Care

Unity Health Care is a leading community health organization dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality, compassionate healthcare to individuals and communities throughout the Washington, DC area. Unity provides integrated medical, behavioral health, and supportive services to meet the diverse needs of the patients and communities it serves.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program Director, the Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) provides addiction-focused services to individuals receiving care within the DC Department of Corrections (DOC), including the Central Detention Facility (CDF) and Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF), collectively known as the DC Jail.

The CAC maintains a caseload and provides strength-based, evidence-based individual and group rehabilitation services using a multidisciplinary team approach. The position supports men and women experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring challenges, including mental health concerns, medical needs, homelessness, and involvement with the justice system.

The CAC provides case management, counseling, rehabilitation, discharge planning, and community referrals while serving as a resource to DOC staff and collaborating with peer navigators, social workers, nurses, psychiatrists, discharge planners, and other members of the care team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide case management services for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) patients at the Correctional Treatment Facility in collaboration with the SUD team and other clinical and community resources.
• Provide individualized services addressing relapse prevention, housing, entitlements, medication support, employment and training opportunities, activities of daily living, health and wellness, self-management, empowerment, problem-solving, family relationships, and integrated substance use treatment.
• Provide integrated addiction-focused services to adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in a compassionate, respectful, and recovery-oriented manner.
• Provide individual and group rehabilitation services.
• Lead or co-lead groups, workshops, and in-service meetings addressing identified client needs.
• Assist the SUD team in recognizing symptoms of substance use disorders, developing stage-based treatment approaches, and promoting individualized recovery strategies.
• Maintain comprehensive and timely progress notes and documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Complete documentation for assessments, counseling sessions, groups, interventions, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with discharge planners to develop discharge plans and appropriate community referrals prior to release.
• Coordinate and monitor referrals to community-based services following discharge from the CTF.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, treatment planning, supervision, and case consultation.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources and substance use treatment services.
• Attend required and professional development training to enhance effectiveness in the role.
• Demonstrate willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with applicable regulations, licensing requirements, and Unity Health Care policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the SUD Program Director, Director of Behavioral Health, and/or Assistant Director of Behavioral Health.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work.
• Licensed Professional Counselor or Certified Addiction Counselor I or II credential from the District of Columbia Department of Health.
• Minimum of three years of experience working with substance use and co-occurring disorders.
• Experience working with individuals with opioid use disorders is preferred.
• Counselors who are currently in recovery must have at least five years of continuous recovery.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Spanish-speaking ability is preferred.
• Strong clinical skills and the ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse individuals, teams, managers, supervisors, and external partners.
• Knowledge of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and harm reduction principles and practices.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of discharge planning and community resources.
• Working knowledge of the substance use treatment system and demonstrated commitment to the recovery community.
• Ability to understand and respect each individual's unique path to recovery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other business software.
• Knowledge of and ability to navigate electronic medical records (EMR/EHR) systems.

Why Join Unity?

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities in Washington, DC.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team providing integrated healthcare and behavioral health services.
• Support individuals on their path toward recovery, wellness, and successful community reintegration.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continued learning.
• Be part of an organization committed to accessible, compassionate, and equitable healthcare.