LADC Intern

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 INTERN

Reports To: SUD Program Manager or Designated LADC Supervisor

Position(s) Supervised: None

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt, Hourly

Work Location: On-Site, Saint Cloud

Hours: Daytime hours, Monday - Friday

Pay Range: $16.50 per hour

JOB SUMMARY:  

Partners Behavioral Healthcare is seeking a LADC Intern to work in our outpatient SUD program in Saint Cloud during spring semester, starting in January of 2027. The LADC/ADC-T Intern works within a treatment setting alongside an Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LADC) to provide addictions treatment services. Interns gain hands-on experience across program services and tasks required to meet the 12 Core Functions including, screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referrals, record keeping, and consultation.  

Interns assist the LADC in providing daily care for clients, coordinating and delivering clinical services within a therapeutic community, and developing professional skills such as flexibility, time management, and ethical practice. Interns learn to apply theoretical and ethical principles of addiction counseling in practice settings under supervision.

TRAINING:

• Orientation within 24 hours covering specific job functions, policies and procedures, client confidentiality, client ethical boundaries, HIV minimum standards, client needs, and emergency procedures.

• Training on Mandatory Reporting as specified in MN Statutes (245G, 626.556, 626.5561, 626.5563, 626.557, 626.5572) and PBH policies for obtaining client Release of Information (ROI).

• Observe comprehensive assessments and learn documentation procedures.

• Close out charts ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.  

• Observe and/or co-facilitate classes based on curriculum knowledge. 

• Review treatment plans with client and document in chart (under supervision). 

• Learn all duties and responsibilities of an LADC Counselor.

• Become familiar with referral sources in client's local community and assist with providing numbers or making contact as needed on client-by-client basis. 

• Meet Weekly with Program Manager or Treatment Director for Clinical Reviews. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Interns gain experience in the 12 Core Functions:

1. Screening: The process by which the client is determined appropriate for admission to Partners Behavioral Healthcare. 

1. Intake: Gain familiarity with Intake manual and review with client obtaining all necessary signatures. 

1. Orientation: Describing to the client the general nature and goals of the program using the Orientation Manual and being familiar with mandatory postings. 

1. Assessment: The process of gathering relevant information which determines the level of need for treatment and levels of care and problems associated with use. 

1. Treatment Planning: Process by which client and counselor identify and rank problems; establish goals initially and on an ongoing basis. 

1. Counseling: (Individual and Group, Significant Other): Assisting clients, groups in exploring problems/solutions, i.e., observing, co-facilitating, and facilitating. 

1. Case Management: Activities which bring services, agencies, resources together, i.e., Clinical Team review meetings; meeting with psychologists; probation; mental health workers. 

1. Crisis Intervention: Responding to needs during acute emotional or physical distress, i.e., 1-1, group, class sessions, personal life. 

1. Client Education: Providing information to individuals and groups concerning alcohol and drug abuse. Observation - class and groups; co-facilitate; treatment plan reviews. 

1. Referral: Identifying needs of the client that cannot be met by the counselor or agency and assisting client to access services, i.e., identifying needs and scheduling for psychologists; outside mental health; legal, education, transportation, employment, etc. 

1. Reports and Record Keeping: Charting the results of assessment, treatment planning, written reports, progress notes, and other client related data, i.e., filing; charting; weekly treatment planning. 

1. Consultation: Relating with other professionals to assure comprehensive quality care for clients, i.e., psychologists, outside mental health, educational, legal issues; church and spiritual related. 

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Basic knowledge of substance use disorder and mental health treatment principles.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Effective listening, empathy, patience, and professional demeanor.

• Ability to multi-task, manage time effectively, and handle stressful situations.

• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and solution-focused approach.

• Ability to maintain client confidentiality and ethical boundaries.

• Ability to interact respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Familiarity with documentation practices and electronic health record systems (training provided).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least I8 years of age. 

• Successful completion of MN DHS Background Study. 

• Enrolled in an ADC education program at an accredited school or educational program and is earning a minimum of 9 semester credits per calendar year toward the completion of an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree requirements. Degree requirements must include an additional 18 semester credits or 270 hours of alcohol and drug counseling related course work and 440 hours of practicum. 

• Maintain professional standards of conduct and appearance with co-workers and the public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Primarily office- and treatment-center based.

• Frequent interaction with clients, counselors, and staff in a therapeutic setting.

• Fast-paced environment with occasional high-stress situations.

• Exposure to confidential client and healthinformation;requires adherence to HIPAA and agency policies.

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 full-time employees 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.