Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA)/ Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)

Position Summary

As an LSAA or LADAC, you will provide direct support services to clients experiencing substance use disorders under appropriate supervision. You will assist in intake, education, intervention and support of treatment plans in accordance with New Mexico regulatory requirements for the LSAA/ LADAC license. The role contributes to a multidisciplinary treatment team and works within your authorized scope of practice as defined by the state of New Mexico.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct intake screenings, substance use history, social history gathering, and assessments within the LSAA or LADAC scope.
• Assist in development of intervention or treatment plans related to substance use, under supervision.
• Provide individual and group counseling/education sessions focused on substance use disorders and recovery supports (within LSAA or LADAC scope).
• Facilitate relapse prevention planning, client education, and peer support coordination.
• Collaborate with licensed supervisor (LADAC or other approved supervisor) to ensure services are within the scope and supervision requirements.
• Document services accurately, timely and in compliance with federal (HIPAA) and state regulations and clinic policies.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, case management, referral processes and after-care support.
• Maintain professional ethical standards and abide by the New Mexico Licensing \& Regulation Department rules for LSAAs.
• Engage in continuing education and supervision to maintain licensure eligibility and advance toward higher certification (e.g., LADAC) if applicable.

Qualifications

Mandatory:

• Active LSAA or LADAC license in New Mexico.
• Ability to work under supervision as required by New Mexico Administrative Code: for example, “A licensed substance abuse associate must practice under supervision at all times.”
• Understanding of substance use disorder treatment practices, group work and individual support.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage diverse populations.
• Basic computer literacy and experience documenting in electronic health records.

Preferred:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in human services, counseling, addictions, psychology, social work or a related field. Note: State rule: “Holds at minimum an associate degree in counseling, counseling related field, or a substance abuse related field … and has a total of 90 clock hours of education and training in the areas of … substance abuse counseling.”
• Experience working in outpatient or residential substance use disorder treatment in New Mexico.
• Bilingual Spanish/English (or other language relevant to your community).
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for SUD).

Supervision \& Scope Requirements

• The LSAA must operate under supervision at all times. Supervisors may include licensed professionals such as LADACs with at least three years of alcohol and drug abuse experience post-licensure, licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed independent social workers (LISW/LCSW), or others as defined in 16.27.13.8 NMAC.
• The scope of practice for an LSAA under New Mexico statute: “the associate may be involved in taking social histories or conducting home studies. The associate utilizes the basic problem-solving process … developing an intervention plan. The associate may implement the plan and conduct follow-ups pertaining specifically to alcohol and drug abuse counseling. The associate may provide client education and assist a licensed counselor-therapist with group or individual counseling sessions. A substance abuse associate shall not practice independently as a private practitioner.”
• Supervision and experience plan must be in place before/license application or practice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person