Certified Addiction Counselor II (CAC II)

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary:

Job Description: Certified Addictions Counselor II (CAC II)

Location: Washington, DC (Onsite)
Organization: Universal Healthcare & Serenity Pathways LLC
Type: Full-Time (Part-Time Considered)

About Us

Universal Healthcare & Serenity Pathways LLC is a licensed behavioral health agency providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. Our services include outpatient treatment, individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and long-term recovery support.

Our mission is to empower individuals to achieve lasting recovery, stability, and wellness within their communities.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Certified Addictions Counselor II (CAC II) to provide advanced substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services within our outpatient program.

The CAC II will play a key role in delivering comprehensive clinical care, including assessments, treatment planning, counseling, and care coordination. This position requires a higher level of clinical judgment, documentation accuracy, and collaboration with licensed clinicians and medical providers.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical & Counseling Services

• Conduct comprehensive substance use and psychosocial assessments, including screening for co-occurring disorders.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans with measurable, clinically appropriate goals.
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling using evidence-based practices (MI, CBT, relapse prevention).
• Deliver trauma-informed and culturally responsive care to diverse populations.
• Monitor client progress and adjust treatment interventions as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention, risk assessment, and safety planning when appropriate.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and Medicaid-compliant documentation including:
  • Biopsychosocial assessments
  • Treatment plans and updates
  • Progress notes
  • Discharge summaries
• Ensure documentation meets DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and payer standards.
• Participate in internal audits, chart reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.

Care Coordination & Case Management

• Coordinate care with psychiatrists, primary care providers, case managers, and external partners.
• Connect clients to community resources including housing, employment, and social services.
• Advocate for clients to support continuity of care and successful recovery outcomes.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case consultations.
• Provide guidance and support to CAC I staff or interns, as appropriate.
• Contribute to program development, workflow improvement, and best practices.

Education & Prevention

• Facilitate psychoeducational groups on substance use, relapse prevention, coping skills, and life skills.
• Support community outreach and prevention initiatives.
• Educate clients and families on recovery, treatment expectations, and available resources.

Qualifications

Education & Certification

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associates or Bachelors degree in behavioral health or related field preferred
• Active CAC II certification in Washington, DC (required)
• CPR/First Aid certification (preferred)

Experience

• Minimum 24 years of experience in substance use disorder treatment
• Experience working with co-occurring mental health disorders
• Familiarity with DC DBH regulations and Medicaid documentation requirements strongly preferred

Skills

• Strong clinical skills in:
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles
  • Relapse prevention strategies
• Ability to manage caseloads independently
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Proficiency in EHR systems (e.g., InSync)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Attributes

• Compassionate, nonjudgmental, and client-centered
• Strong clinical judgment and ethical decision-making
• Team-oriented with leadership capability
• Committed to continuous learning and professional growth