Prescription painkillers and heroin have a lot more in common in terms of their biochemical effects than most people appreciate. Both are opioids that act on the brain to relieve pain, rewiring neurochemistry and leading to addiction in the process. In Vermont, opioid overdose deaths have surged nearly 500% in the past decade, with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin, significantly contributing to this increase.
The Vermont Department of Health has implemented a comprehensive and holistic approach to tackle Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and prevent overdose deaths. This strategy involves raising public awareness, supporting community-based services, and enhancing the state’s health systems. These efforts are coordinated across various programs within the Health Department and in partnership with organizations throughout Vermont.
As Vermont faces an escalating opioid crisis, the need for skilled substance abuse counselors has never been more critical. These professionals are essential to providing the necessary support and treatment to individuals struggling with addiction. With the increasing prevalence of Opioid Use Disorder and related overdose deaths, there is a significant demand for counselors who can offer effective interventions, counseling, and support services.
Becoming a certified substance abuse counselor in Vermont puts you in a unique position to support individuals on their journey to recovery. And Vermont’s comprehensive approach to tackling substance use disorders highlights the critical need for skilled and compassionate counselors.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in VermontÂ
The Secretary of State’s Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) is the state agency that certifies substance abuse counselors in Vermont. Based on experience and education, counselors in the state can earn the following designations:
- Apprentice Addiction Profession (AAP)
- Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor (ADC)
- Licensed Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor (LADC)
For aspiring professionals at the beginning of their journey, becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (ADC) is the goal. This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming an ADC.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher in Substance Abuse Counseling or a Related Field
2. Complete 4,000 Hours (Three Years) of Supervised Work Experience
3. Apply to Become a Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor
4. Take and Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam
Ready to become an ADC in Vermont? We’ve made it easier than ever by outlining the certification process in clear, concise steps. Follow our guide to navigate the path to certification with confidence.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s or Higher Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling or a Related Field
To become a substance abuse counselor in Vermont, you must first earn a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field such as behavioral science, counseling, or psychology.
Your degree program should include the required 270 hours of substance abuse-specific education and training across four domains:
- Substance Use Disorder Counseling/Treatment (36 hours)
- Co-morbid Medical Disorders (6 hours)
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (6 hours)
- Professional and Ethical Responsibilities (6 hours)
If your degree program doesn’t satisfy these requirements, you may need to complete additional courses.
2. Complete 4,000 Hours (Three Years) of Supervised Work Experience
Once you’ve earned your degree, you’re ready to get out there and get some real work experience! Vermont requires you to have 4,000 hours (about three years) of work experience before you can earn your ADC. During this time, you’ll have one hour of supervision for every 40 hours of practice. This gives you the opportunity to gain real world experience under the guidance of skilled practitioners. Only experience gained under the supervision of an LADC or independent clinical social worker, psychologist, marriage/family therapist, or physician can be applied toward the 4,000 hour requirement.
These supervision sessions should occur face-to-face and are designed to provide ongoing feedback, support, and professional development. The sessions will help you refine your counseling techniques, address challenges, navigate ethical dilemmas, enhance your clinical skills, and ensure adherence to best practices in the field.
The school you earn your bachelor’s degree through will more than likely help you navigate the process of finding field training placements with a variety of local clinics, social services agency, and other employers throughout Vermont as part of your degree plan. The contacts you make could ultimately lead to employment after graduation. It’s at this time that you’ll be connected with a supervisor to begin accruing the hours you’ll need for certification.
It’s routine for area employers throughout Vermont to hire ADC certification candidates, fostering their growth and training in the field until becoming licensed. The end result is a loyal employee, fully credentialed and familiar with organizational culture and the types of clients the employer works with – a win-win situation for both you and your employer.
3. Apply to Become a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC)
Congratulations on getting this far in your journey to becoming an ADC in Vermont!
Once you’ve completed your required work experience and education, it’s time to apply for certification through the OPR Online Licensing System. If you haven’t done so already, you’ll need to register first and create an account.
You’ll need to request official transcripts from your college or university and submit any other certificates of completion if you completed substance abuse counseling courses outside of your program. You’ll also need to submit a signed Supervisor Report form that verifies you’ve met the experience requirements.
Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive formal authorization to sit for the exam via email.
4. Take and Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam
You must take and pass the IC&RC’s Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam to become a substance abuse counselor in Vermont. The email you receive from the OPR will provide you with instructions on registering for this exam. Once you take and pass the exam, you’ll receive your ADC certification.
With a Master’s Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options
The OPR also offers the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADC) credential that reflects a higher level of education and experience. To become an LADC in Vermont, you’ll need to:
- Earn a master’s degree or higher
- Complete at least 2,000 hours of post-degree supervision
- Take and pass the IC&RC Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) exam
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Burlington and Throughout Vermont
Vermont offers a surprising number of opportunities for substance abuse counselors to make a significant impact in the community. In Burlington, facilities like the Howard Center provide comprehensive treatment programs, while the Clara Martin Center in Randolph offers both inpatient and outpatient care. Other notable facilities include:
- Brattleboro Retreat, Brattleboro: Specializing in mental health and addiction treatment services.
- Centerpoint Adolescent Treatment Services, South Burlington: Offering a range of services focused on adolescents.
- Valley Vista, Bradford: Providing residential treatment services.
- Phoenix House, Barre: Offering outpatient services and recovery support.
- Northeast Kingdom Human Services, St. Johnsbury: Providing a broad spectrum of mental health and addiction treatment services.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Burlington and Throughout Vermont
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse counselors in Vermont earned a median salary of $56,980 as of May 2023. Entry-level professionals in this field earned approximately $44,960 annually, while highly experienced substance abuse counselors earned closer to $77,800.
As of May 2023, the BLS reported a median salary of $59,590 for substance abuse counselors in Burlington. Less experienced counselors earned about $49,080 during this time, while the top counselors earned about $85,600.
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Vermont
There are several academic pathways to becoming a substance abuse counselor in Vermont. If you do not yet hold a bachelor’s degree, pursuing a program like the BS in Substance Abuse Counseling from Northern Vermont University will provide the foundational education needed to meet the CADC certification requirements.
For those considering advanced certifications such as the LADC, master’s degree programs like the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Vermont offer specialized coursework in addiction counseling.
Numerous accredited programs from colleges and universities outside Vermont also fulfill certification requirements. Many of these programs are available online, offering flexibility and convenience. This allows you to earn your degree while balancing other commitments, ensuring you are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to make a significant impact as a substance abuse counselor in Vermont.
Whether you opt for a local institution or an online program, a degree in social work, counseling, or a related field will prepare you for a rewarding career in substance abuse counseling in Vermont.
Community College of Vermont
Accreditation: NECHE
Campus, Online
Associate Degrees
- AS in Behavioral Science with a focus area on Substance Use Disorders
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures shown here for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. Job growth projections are from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, CareerOneStop. Figures are based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2024.