You did it. You made the decision to become a substance abuse counselor. It was a big one. After all, the role you are aspiring to fill has one of the strongest impacts on individualss recovering from and coping with addiction and behavioral disorders. You could be the reason someone succeeds. It’s a daunting but incredibly rewarding profession, and Absolute Advocacy is here to help aspiring substance abuse counselors like you succeed.
There is no better time to pursue the role of substance abuse counselor. According to the U.S. News, the employment growth rate for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is projected to increase by 22% over the next decade. The Affordable Care Act requires insurance providers to cover treatment for mental health. As a result, many people who previously lacked the resources to seek professional help are now able.
A shift in attitudes is also underway. Instead of pushing jail time on offenders suffering from substance abuse issues, treatment-oriented services are now being offered. Over the next ten years, some 21,200 new counselor positions are forecast to need capable, qualified applicants. The U.S. News also reports that:
- The median salary for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is $39,270.
- The unemployment rate in the field is 3.3%.
- Substance abuse counselors rank first in Best Social Services Jobs and 51st in The 100 Best Job.
While trends suggest many companies actively seek applicants with a Master’s level degree and preferred experience, a firm academic threshold is not set. Certification is required, and you will have to complete a supervised internship, which is where we start to help aspiring substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors.
We Offer Clinical Supervision and Internship Satisfaction
If you are an aspiring counselor, either you do or will need supervision to become a licensed substance abuse professional. Becoming certified demands 3 years or 6,000 hours’ worth of internship hours/experience. Why not put that time to the best possible use?
Absolute Advocacy is approved by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) to offer a Clinical Supervision Program designed to supply needed supervision and meet the requirements of your internship. Not only do we provide the needed internship hours, but we also focus heavily on helping you gain valuable experience.
We take pride in focusing heavily on the quality of care our clients receive. Through our supervision program, you will learn the ethics that have allowed us to provide exceptional care—the kind of care that generates results.
You need a certain amount of book smarts to succeed as a counselor. However, nothing can replace real-world experience, which is one of the most valuable benefits you stand to gain through our supervision program.
As a Clinical Supervisor, we work with aspiring counselors seeking licensure work in the areas of treating, preventing, and reducing the conditions that put individuals at risk of developing addictive disorders and diseases while also aiding in relapse prevention. Our supervision offers three major benefits:
- Our specialization in alcohol abuse and DWI services makes our program ideal for counselors seeking to enter the same niche.
- We take a well-rounded supervision approach.
- We introduce proven methods and skills that visibly make a daily difference.
Our program includes the Twelve Core Functions as outlined by the State of North Carolina’s Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board. It includes:
- Screening
- Intake
- Orientation
- Assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Counseling
- Case Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Client Education
- Referrals
- Report and Record Keeping
- Consultations
We Focus On Keys to Success
Success isn’t accidental. To succeed as a substance abuse counselor, you must focus on what is important. We help aspiring counselors by focusing on:
- Knowing industry standards and staying up-to-date with changes
- Knowing your clients’ right to privacy and HIPPA
- Knowing how to keep good records
- The importance of evidence-based practices
- Knowing the importance of family
- Knowing how to embrace cultural diversity
- Understanding the power of referrals
- Mastering your area of focus to become the best provider in your community
- Gaining critical knowledge of the State and National certification process
- The ethical guidelines vital to a substance abuse professional’s every day
Our Proven Success
What about our success? As a group offering assistance to aspiring substance abuse counselors, do we have the credentials to back our claims?
We are proud to say that our services coupled with substance abuse counselors have helped hundreds of people recognize and overcome their substance addiction and abuse habits. Through programs like the Drug Education School, we have seen firsthand how and where our approach has made a positive impact on the lives of dozens upon dozens of local community members.
We have assisted youth, young adults, adults, and their families. We have made a visible impact on the lives of our clients; a difference those around them see and report. And the difference made even affects us. Check out Drug Education School: A Life Changing Program in Charlotte, NC for just a small glimpse into the far-reaching impact your career choice can have.
Substance Abuse Resources by Absolute Advocacy
Finally, we continually aid aspiring counselors by providing constantly refreshed resources. We believe in education and feel it is important to our current and potential clients as well as substance abuse professionals.
Absolute Advocacy’s blog is a growing resource bursting at the seams with tips, advice, and educational pieces covering a board range of substance abuse, addiction, DWI, and behavioral topics. It is a strong resource to reference and follow as it contains topics that can help your clients and improve your skills.
Our Goal and Yours
Enhanced quality of care. Real results. Life changing turnarounds. These are our goals, and they should be yours, too.
Are you ready to get to the heart of caring for people in need? If you have initiative, dependability, empathy, and are ready to become a long-term provider, we are ready and able to assist you in achieving your career goals. Contact us today to find out how we can help you go from an aspiring substance abuse counselor to a successful substance abuse and behavioral disorder professional.