Today, the behavioral health industry is one of the fastest-growing job markets, with an expected 23% growth by 2030. Job candidates interested in learning how to become an addiction counselor will need to complete several years of education and clinical experience to succeed as an addiction counselor. Addiction counselor jobs offer a rewarding and challenging career where you will directly impact people’s lives.
At Behavioral Health Jobs, we help job seekers connect with employers looking for qualified candidates in the behavioral health industry. Job seekers have access to thousands of jobs in the healthcare and mental health fields in several industries, such as treatment facilities, schools, hospitals, and community centers around the country. If you are interested in a career in the behavioral health industry, check out the available addiction counselor jobs on the Behavioral Health Jobs website.
Soft Skills Requirement for Jobs in Addiction Care
There are several different types of jobs in addiction care available today where you can directly impact improving the lives of hundreds of patients. Working in the behavioral health industry is a gratifying and challenging career. It requires a thick skin and quick thinking to keep up with the sometimes hectic or stressful pace.
To succeed in an addiction care position, you will need the following soft skills:
- Be an active listener
- Able to show empathy and compassion
- Have patience
- Be open-minded
- Have a sympathetic nature
- Be authentic
Many people choose a career as an addiction counselor because of their personal experience with addiction or other mental health disorders. They know first-hand how devastating addiction can be to individuals and their families and feel compelled to help them. This knowledge provides them with continuing support for their mental health and gives them a tremendous sense of satisfaction as they help others lead happy and sober lives.
How to Become an Addiction Counselor?
Here are some of the steps necessary if you are interested in learning how to become an addiction counselor:
- Education requirements – Many jobs in addiction care have different education requirements. While some entry-level positions only require a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree, others will require a master’s or doctoral degree from a university accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP).
- Training and clinical requirements – After completing the education requirements, you will need to gain clinical experience working at a treatment facility. Many universities offer internship programs where students can start gaining clinical experience while finishing their education. Those with a bachelor’s degree will need between 4,000 and 10,000 hours of supervised experience, while those with a master’s degree will only need to complete 1,000 hours.
- Examination and certification requirements – After completing a certain amount of hours, you must pass an exam to become licensed. Typically, it will take you two years of full-time counseling experience before you can take the exam.
- Continuing education – Once completing all of the requirements and obtaining a full-time addiction counseling job, you will need to complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education every two years and pass a renewal exam.
The National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP) offers three certifications for addiction counselor jobs:
- National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level One (NCAC I)
- National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level Two (NCAC II)
- Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
Behavioral Health Jobs Has a Database of Rewarding Jobs in Addiction Care
If you are interested in an exciting career in the behavioral health industry, check out the available jobs in addiction care on the Behavioral Health Jobs website. We have positions open for all experience and education levels with part-time, full-time, contract, and telehealth jobs. To learn how to become an addiction counselor, browse the Behavioral Health Jobs website today for a challenging and rewarding career path.
