Substance Abuse Counselor Resume Sample and Example

Resume Objective

Empathetic and evidence-informed Substance Abuse Counselor with 6 years of experience supporting individuals in recovery from alcohol and drug dependence in Ontario community and residential treatment programmes. Seeking a counselling role where I can help clients build lasting recovery and address the underlying factors of addiction.

Key Skills to Highlight

• Substance use disorder assessment and diagnosis
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Cognitive behavioural therapy for addictions
• Individual and group counselling
• Recovery planning and relapse prevention
• Harm reduction strategies
• Crisis intervention and overdose response
• Collaboration with mental health and medical teams

Sample Work Experience Bullets

• Provided individual and group counselling for clients with alcohol, opioid, cannabis, and stimulant use disorders in a residential treatment setting.
• Conducted substance use and mental health assessments using standardised tools to inform treatment planning.
• Facilitated evidence-based group sessions including cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and 12-step facilitation groups.
• Developed personalised recovery plans with clients, incorporating harm reduction, relapse prevention, and community support strategies.
• Collaborated with medical staff to coordinate opioid agonist therapy (OAT) monitoring and concurrent disorder treatment.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Addictions Studies; postgraduate certificate in Addictions and Mental Health preferred.

Relevant Certifications

• Registered Social Worker (RSW) or Registered Psychotherapist (RP) — Ontario regulatory college
• Certified Addictions Counsellor (CAC) — CACCF
• naloxone training and Overdose Prevention Certification