Substance Abuse Counselor for the Adult Mental Health (AMH) Program

About the role

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is seeking a Substance Abuse Counselor for the Adult Mental Health (AMH) Program at Georgia Regional Hospital – Atlanta in Decatur, GA. The role involves conducting substance‑use assessments and providing individual and group counseling to adults with co‑occurring serious mental illness and substance‑use disorders within an inpatient psychiatric setting.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct substance‑use assessments using clinical interviews and evidence‑based screening instruments.
• Develop and communicate treatment recommendations for both inpatient and outpatient contexts.
• Provide individual and group therapy employing motivational interviewing and recovery‑oriented techniques.
• Collaborate with inpatient recovery planning teams and connect clients to community substance‑use resources.
• Maintain confidentiality, monitor client progress, and document treatment records.
• Provide coverage for other Mall instructors and operations as needed.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in professional counseling, clinical/counseling psychology, or a closely related field (or Bachelor’s with required experience).
• Experience working with serious mental health issues and/or adults in an inpatient setting.
• Preferred certification such as CAADC, CADC I/II, or CAC I/II.
• Successful completion of state and national background checks.

Required skills

• Ability to select, administer, score, and interpret evidence‑based substance‑use assessment instruments.
• Ability to tailor assessment methods and therapeutic interventions for individuals with active psychiatric symptoms.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary treatment teams.