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CV Template · Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselor CV template.

A Substance Abuse Counselor CV should show how you support clients through assessment, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery planning. Employers want to see the populations you’ve served, the counseling methods you use, and the documentation standards you can meet.

Writing a strong Substance Abuse Counselor CV

Hiring managers look for evidence that you can manage a caseload safely, document care accurately, and work within clinical, legal, and ethical guidelines. Your CV should name relevant credentials such as CADC, LADC, CASAC, LPC, or LMHC where applicable, along with experience using ASAM criteria, DSM-5 diagnoses, motivational interviewing, CBT, relapse prevention planning, and crisis intervention. Include the settings you have worked in, such as residential treatment, outpatient programs, MAT clinics, correctional facilities, or community health agencies, and reference tools like EHR systems, treatment plans, discharge summaries, and utilization review notes.

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Three things that matter most

  • Specify the level of care and client population you served, such as IOP, PHP, detox, residential, adolescents, veterans, justice-involved clients, or clients with co-occurring disorders.
  • Include the clinical frameworks and documentation standards you use, including ASAM placement criteria, biopsychosocial assessments, individualized treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge planning.
  • List addiction counseling credentials clearly near the top of your CV, including license level, state, credential number if appropriate, and any supervision status for associate or trainee roles.

Skills hiring managers look for

ASAM criteria Motivational interviewing Relapse prevention planning Biopsychosocial assessments Co-occurring disorder treatment Group therapy facilitation Medication-assisted treatment coordination DSM-5 substance use diagnosis

Frequently asked

How do I write a Substance Abuse Counselor CV with no experience?

Use practicum, internship, volunteer, or peer support experience to show direct exposure to clients in recovery. Include supervised hours, group facilitation, intake shadowing, case note writing, crisis line work, or community outreach related to substance use treatment. If you are working toward CADC, LADC, CASAC, or another credential, list your status and expected completion date.

What credentials should I include on a Substance Abuse Counselor CV?

Include any addiction counseling licenses or certifications required in your state, such as CADC, LADC, LCDC, CASAC, CAC, LPC, LMHC, or LCSW. Add related training in naloxone administration, trauma-informed care, suicide risk assessment, HIPAA, mandated reporting, and MAT coordination. Make sure the credential name matches the wording used by your state board or certifying body.

Should a Substance Abuse Counselor CV include caseload numbers?

Yes, caseload details help employers understand the scope of your work. Mention the number of individual clients or groups you managed, the level of care, and the types of documentation you completed, such as treatment plans, progress notes, utilization reviews, and discharge summaries. Avoid sharing any identifying client information.

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