Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Role: Certified Substance Abuse Counselor/Therapist 

FLSA: Full Time | Hourly | Non-Exempt

Location: Remote in Virginia, specifically within the Hampton Roads area (Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Yorktown)

Why Join Virtual Peace of Mind (VPM)?

Transforming Access to Youth Mental Health through Virtual Care

Virtual Peace of Mind (VPM) is a fast-growing, fully remote private mental health practice dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care across multiple states. Our mission is to empower clinicians with the flexibility, resources, and support they need to deliver exceptional care — while advancing equitable mental health access for all.

Role Overview:

The Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) Therapist is responsible for providing comprehensive assessment, counseling, and case management services to individuals struggling with substance use and co-occurring behavioral health disorders. This role involves developing individualized treatment plans, facilitating individual and group therapy sessions, and supporting clients through all phases of recovery. The CSAC Therapist collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams, including medical and mental health professionals, to ensure coordinated and effective care. Additional responsibilities include maintaining accurate clinical documentation, monitoring client progress, and providing education on relapse prevention and coping strategies to promote sustained recovery and wellness.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

We are seeking compassionate, skilled clinicians who are:

• Deeply passionate about improving youth mental health outcomes
• Comfortable working in a virtual care environment
• Committed to collaboration, clinical excellence, and measurable results

Key responsibilities include but limited to:

Direct Client Care

• Deliver individual tele-therapy sessions for K–12 students referred by participating schools, specific with substance abuse. 
• Utilize short-term, evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, and solution-focused therapy
• Address a range of concerns including anxiety, grief, trauma, academic stress, and family or peer conflict
• Provide services to diverse student populations, including multilingual learners and those without insurance

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate with school counselors, family resource managers, and administrative teams
• Engage in family outreach when appropriate to promote continuity of care
• Participate in case consultations, supervision, and ongoing professional development
• Maintain responsive and professional communication with both school and internal VPM partners

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete all clinical documentation (intake, progress, and discharge notes) within 48 hours
• Ensure compliance with all licensure board requirements, HIPAA, FERPA, and program-specific standards
• Contribute to quarterly outcomes reporting through standardized metrics and case summaries

Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications & Preferred Experience:

Licensure

• Active License by the Virginia Board of Counseling - CSAC

Experience

• Minimum of 5 year's  of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, or school-aged youth
• Prior experience in school-based therapy, community mental health, or tele-health required; specifically with those dealing with substance abuse. 
• Completion of specific coursework or training hours in addiction studies.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in evidence-based interventions (CBT, DBT, solution-focused, narrative therapy)
• Strong time management, organization, and documentation skills
• Commitment to culturally responsive, strengths-based, and trauma-informed care
• Self-directed with strong virtual presence and professionalism in remote settings

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation

• Salary Range: $62,000 – $80,000 FT; based on licensure, experience, and caseload
• Part-Time / Contract Roles available with prorated compensation

Benefits:

• Retirement: 401(k) with up to 3% employer match
• Health: Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA) stipend up to $300/month toward health insurance premiums
• Paid Time Off:
  • 10 days of PTO annually
  • 6 paid holidays
  • 3 wellness/sick days per year

What Makes VPM Different - Our Values 

• Mission-Driven Impact: Join a pioneering, VDOE-endorsed initiative transforming school-based mental health delivery across Virginia — ensuring access, equity, and positive outcomes for every student.
• Leadership & Growth: Contribute to shaping and scaling an innovative, state-supported care model. Licensed clinicians may take on leadership or consulting roles as the program expands.
• Flexible Remote Environment: Enjoy a fully remote, flexible work model that allows you to balance meaningful clinical work with personal well-being.
• Collaborative, Supportive Culture: Be part of a multidisciplinary, mission-driven team that values integrity, empathy, and shared learning.
• Professional Development: Access ongoing CEU opportunities, leadership training, and exposure to state and national initiatives advancing youth mental health.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: VPM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

ADA Accommodation Statement: VPM is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to complete the application process, participate in an interview, or perform essential job functions, please contact HR at to request assistance. All accommodation requests are handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable law. If qualified for a role, our talent acquisition team will contact you. Please only reach out if accommodation with the application/interviewing process is required. 

Employment Eligibility & Compliance: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, verification of licensure (as applicable), and eligibility to work in the United States without company-sponsorship. 

VPM complies fully with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination, confidentiality, and data privacy, including HIPAA, FERPA, and state-specific clinical/employment regulations.