Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor/SUD Assessor

MISSION STATEMENT: 

Partners Behavioral Healthcare finds and restores individuals struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. We provide behavioral health services for justice-involved individuals that need to break free from addiction and criminal thinking, manage mental health, and take control of their lives amidst the complexities of the justice system. Partners Behavioral Healthcare provides compassionate, individualized programs and a community invested in helping clients achieve long-term, lasting recovery giving them the opportunity for reconciliation with self and others, hope in a better life, and a purpose to explore and achieve.

LADC/ADC-T SUD Assessor

Reports To: SUD Admissions Manager

Position(s) Supervised: None

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Work Location: On-site, Minneapolis/Saint Paul

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm

Pay Range: $60,000 - $68,000 annually

JOB SUMMARY:  

The Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) / SUD Assessor plays a key role in determining the appropriate admission for clients who struggle with substance use disorder. They provide daily supervision of clients and coordinate and provide clinical services to clients on an individual basis and in group settings.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:

The Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) / SUD Assessor is responsible for performing substance use disorder assessments, participating in, and contributing to interdisciplinary treatment and discharge plans and providing individual and group substance use disorder counseling services. They are expected to carry out the 12 Core Functions and all other counseling duties identified by Minnesota statute 245G.  

SUD ASSESSOR ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Schedule and conduct assessments (remote and in-person) to evaluate client substance use and treatment needs.

• Determine the extent of the client’s substance use in establishing a baseline to create an individual treatment plan that is well suited for a client’s specific needs and situation.

• Perform Rule 25 Assessments and/or Comprehensive Assessments using ASAM criteria to facilitate admissions, intake, and orientation.

• Determine appropriate level of care and make recommendations for SUD services.

• Coordinate referral with clients and other interested parties for SUD service placement. 

• Complete county/funder forms and agreements to secure authorization for SUD services.

• Engage clients in the decision-making process and help them understand the benefits of assessment and accessing the appropriate level of care as indicated. 

• Collect and review referral information upon assignment of clients from the referral source and consult with others as needed to support coordination of services and scheduling of client interviews. 

• Coordinate with the Intake Coordinator as needed to contact clients to confirm appointment dates, times, and assessment locations. 

• Obtain information from collateral sources to support diagnosis and treatment planning.

• Work collaboratively with client's funding sources to obtain initial authorizations for reimbursement for intervention and recovery support services.

• Work cooperatively with the legal system to ensure coordination of services including court appearances when appropriate.

• Complete paperwork requirements and maintain quality, up-to-date clinical records.

• Other duties as assigned.

LADC COUNSELOR ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

• Upon service initiation, ensure that each client has an initial service plan which addresses the client’s immediate health, safety, and preliminary service needs. 

• Generate an Individual Treatment Plan after completion of the comprehensive assessment which is subject to amendment until services to the client are terminated. The Individual Treatment Plan must include treatment goals, objectives and interventions used to address identified problems, resources to which the client is being referred, and client goals. 

• Accurate and timely documentation of client treatment notes, referencing the individual treatment plan for assigned caseload, to include assessment of substance use and mental health issues. 

• Provide individual and group counseling, client education strategies to prevent inappropriate substance use and health problems related to substance use, transition services, and services to address issues related to co-occurring mental illness. 

• Facilitate and lead psycho-educational and therapeutic process groups, addressing substance use disorder and mental health issues as an integral part of the recovery process. 

• Participate in the weekly treatment team meetings to review and update client progress notes.

• Initiate and maintain ongoing communication with client referral, probation, and social service agencies.

• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Independent, self-motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Preparedness to work with clients experiencing mental health challenges.

• Knowledge of Minnesota Statute 245G and the 12 Core Functions.

• Familiarity with industry best practices and behavioral health treatment standards.

• Competence in facilitating individual and group counseling, including crisis intervention.

• Understanding of HIPAA and other industry-specific privacy and compliance regulations.

• Proficiency with electronic health record systems (e.g., Ritten).
  
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age: 18 years

• Active Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)

• 2+ years of experience as a LADC / SUD Assessor

• Experience with Ritten or similar EHR platform

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 3+ years of experience as a LADC / SUD Assessor

• Master’s degree in a related field

• Additional licenses (LPC, LPCC, LICSW, LP)

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Combination of office-based, remote, and in-person client sessions

• Must be able to communicate effectively both in-person and virtually

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while completing documentation or leading groups

• May involve occasional lifting (up to 20 pounds) of materials or supplies
  
  

CONTINUED EDUCATION AND TRAINING: 

• Maintain LADC licensure and complete all required continuing education courses

• Participate in in-house training, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities

• Stay current with research, treatment methods, and industry standards

WHAT WE OFFER:

Partners Behavioral Healthcare provides free clinical supervision for qualifying trainees and staff, and Clinician AI for charting support. All of our locations have complimentary off-street parking and ongoing professional development, including structured training for SUD groups.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, career growth, and work-life balance. You’ll receive robust health coverage choices—with medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Our retirement plan includes a 401k with Roth and pre-tax deferral options with up to a 3.5% employer match. We value your time with generous paid time off, six company holidays and your birthday off.

Loan Forgiveness Available!

Partners Behavioral Healthcare offers services in health professional shortage areas, making them eligible sites for Minnesota's Health Professional Loan Forgiveness Programs, which offers loan forgiveness to some licensed professionals.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position. 

Partners Behavioral Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.