Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor

Job Title: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

Job Code: CADC

Department: ANA Outpatient

Division: Behavioral Health

Salary Level: Exempt 1

Reports To: MAT Supervisor

Last Revised: February 2022

Primary Function

Located in Cherokee. The position will provide essential services, under supervision, according 

to the Twelve Core Functions, including screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment 

planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, report and record 

keeping, consultation with other professionals in regard to client treatment and services, and 

referral to treat addictive disorder or disease and help prevent relapse. This position will 

primarily serve residents of the residential support program in Cherokee. The CADC will 

provide high quality, compassionate care through various mediums, which include treatment 

planning, intake/orientation, crisis intervention and individual and group counseling sessions. 

The person in this role will plan, oversee, facilitate and document the patient’s recovery as well 

as provide leadership and guidance for the activities of other personnel. This position will 

primarily serve women or women with children. 

Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of high school diploma

• Must show competence in working with individuals who have substance use disorders. 

• Must have CADC licensure, or registered/Intern from the NC Addiction Specialist 

Professional Practice Board and obtain full licensure within 2 years. 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license

• Specific experience working with Native Americans is preferred. 

Job Knowledge

• Ability to learn electronic medical record and have ability to maintain electronic files 

on computer.

• Knowledge of principles, techniques, and practices and their application to complex 

casework, group work and community problems

• Knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community.

2

• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies, which govern the program. 

• Knowledge of substance abuse to include diagnostic criteria for abuse, dependence, 

intoxication and withdrawal of all drug classifications, methods of evaluation and 

assessment, impact of behavioral health issues on patient’s ability to negotiate 

treatment recommendations, current treatment approaches, modalities of care and 

substance abuse and other programs or services available to patients. 

• Willingness to learn more about Cherokee culture/population and to have 

considerations of this when appropriate. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of 

caseload and their families, other professional disciplines, and a variety of 

governmental and private resources and organizations within the community. 

• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct individual counseling sessions, under supervision, as scheduled and document 

as required;

• Conduct group and/or family sessions, under supervision, as scheduled and document 

as required;

• May co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions;

• Responsible for initial assessments as well as follow up assessments for residents;

• Prepare individual treatment plans for each resident;

• Ensure all documentation regarding resident care, treatment and incidents is completed 

timely and in a clear, concise manner

• May act as a liaison between referral sources and residents;

• Plan aftercare for residents;

• Provide crisis intervention to residents as needed;

• May provide case management duties for clients for residents

• Evaluate resident needs and determine if referrals to other programs/facilities are 

needed

• Perform other duties as assigned.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement:

The health and safety of our employees, clients and patients is our top priority. All offers of 

employment are contingent on verifying that candidates are fully vaccinated, or willing to 

become fully vaccinated, against COVID-19, in accordance with federal mandates. Individuals 

may submit a request for exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical reasons or 

religious beliefs. 

Complexity of Duties

This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing the available resources to meet the 

behavioral health needs of the community. Must have the ability to interpret policy, laws and 

regulations in order to make decisions when a precedent is not available. Duties require the 

application of clinical judgment and problem-solving skills in order to be effective. Judgment 

often involves decisions that may have life or death results. 

Supervision Received

Works under the supervision of the MAT Supervisor but must use judgment in application. 

3

Responsibility for Accuracy

Failure to provide adequate clinical services or to properly manage and direct activities could 

result in poor client outcomes, delays in patient treatment, and negative patient and 

community relations. Ineffective health planning could have adverse effects on the health 

status of the community by limiting access to necessary resources. Accuracy of data and 

research is critical in the allocation of tribal resources. Employee is responsible for the 

adherence to policy and procedure. Inappropriate actions or inaccuracies in judgment could 

result in improper diagnosis and treatment, serious liability for the tribe, or serious health risks 

to patients.

Confidential Data

The provision of medical care requires that the incumbent maintain strict appropriate 

confidentiality regarding all patient information. The employee will have access to 

patient records and highly confidential information and must function with utmost 

integrity to safe guard this information. The employee complies with EBCI policy on 

confidentiality of patient records, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Confidentiality 

policy and HIPAA requirements. Violations of confidentiality regulations may result in 

disciplinary action and other action as allowed by federal regulations. 

Mental/Visual/Physical

Job duties can be mentally and emotionally stressful at times given the complexity of the 

duties, management and supervision of staff and the clinical areas being addressed with 

the people being served. Close mental concentration and attention to detail are required. 

Physical activities require the ability to be mobile, sit, reach, bend, and be in front of 

groups and deliver training for extended periods of time. Some physical exertion and 

stamina is required such as required to transport training materials or to travel. Must have 

visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. Must be able to lift 30 

lbs. 

• Position requires: stand (under 1/3 time); walk (under 1/3 time); sit (to 2/3 time); 

talk or hear (over 2/3 time).

• Weight lifted or force exerted: none.

• Special vision requirements: Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less).

Environment

The employee works primarily in a hospital, outpatient clinical and residential 

environment but may be required to work at other offices and locations. The work 

environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, 

electrical hazards, and irritant chemical and explosive gases. Employee must strictly 

adhere to OSHA guidelines and protocol for maintaining sterile conditions.

Some travel is required. Infrequent overnight travel may be required for meetings or to 

attend training. 

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by 

4

demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. 

Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out 

opportunities to be of service. 

Emergency Privileges

In the case of an emergency, any member of the Medical Staff, to the degree permitted by 

his/her license shall be permitted to do everything possible to save a patient’s life or save 

a patient from serious harm, regardless of the individual’s clinical privileges. This shall 

be defined as those situations in which a delay could result in serious harm or death and 

in which a more qualified member is not immediately available.