Substance Abuse Counselor (Washington, D.C.) – Youth Residential Program

PsyPhyCare is hiring a full-time Substance Abuse Counselor (Washington, D.C.) – Youth Residential Program in Washington, DC to support young residents on their path to recovery and healthier decision-making.

The Opportunity

This full-time Substance Abuse Counselor (Washington, D.C.) – Youth Residential Program role places you at the center of a structured residential environment where adolescents receive focused help addressing substance use challenges. You will work side by side with a committed care team in Washington, DC to deliver consistent, ethical counseling that strengthens coping skills, builds accountability, and prepares youth for successful transitions. The position offers the chance to apply proven clinical methods directly with young people who need steady guidance, creating measurable progress that benefits both individuals and the wider community served by PsyPhyCare.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete thorough substance-use assessments for youth entering the residential program and identify co-occurring needs.
• Create, update, and carry out individualized treatment plans that set clear goals and measurable milestones.
• Lead one-on-one and group counseling sessions that incorporate evidence-based approaches such as motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral techniques.
• Document session notes, progress toward goals, and any critical incidents accurately and on schedule.
• Partner with residential staff, clinicians, families, and external agencies to coordinate care and support reinvention of daily routines.
• Facilitate educational discussions on relapse prevention, healthy peer relationships, and life-skills development.
• Respond calmly to crises using approved de-escalation strategies and ensure resident safety at all times.
• Uphold licensing standards, confidentiality rules, and all program policies governing youth residential care in Washington, DC.

What We're Looking For

• Solid understanding of adolescent development and the dynamics of substance use disorders in youth.
• Proven ability to deliver individual and group counseling that engages teenagers in a residential setting.
• Familiarity with common treatment modalities and the capacity to adapt them to the needs of each resident.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for thorough documentation and multi-team collaboration.
• Empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity when working with diverse young people and their families.
• Organizational skills that allow timely completion of assessments, plans, and progress records.
• Knowledge of ethical guidelines and regulatory requirements that apply to substance-abuse counseling and residential youth programs.
• Willingness to maintain any certifications or continuing-education needed for practice in the District of Columbia.

Why Join PsyPhyCare

PsyPhyCare is hiring for this role and offers a supportive team environment. Join the Substance Abuse Counselor (Washington, D.C.) – Youth Residential Program team in Washington, DC and contribute to meaningful change for young people in a stable full-time position surrounded by colleagues who value professional growth and collaborative care.

Apply Today

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