Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) - Healing Center

Come join the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Healing Center as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)! The Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) provides individual and group counseling, assessment, and care coordination for adult clients in residential treatment at the Healing Center. This role supports the recovery of Native American clients—especially members of the four Dakota tribes—through culturally informed, trauma-responsive, and evidence-based practices. The LADC maintains accurate clinical documentation, ensures client safety, and works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team. The position requires the ability to uphold strict confidentiality standards, pass a driving history check, and transport clients when necessary.

Job Overview: The Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) provides individual and group counseling, assessment, and care coordination for adult clients in residential treatment at the Healing Center. This role supports the recovery of Native American clients—especially members of the four Dakota tribes—through culturally informed, trauma-responsive, and evidence-based practices. The LADC maintains accurate clinical documentation, ensures client safety, and works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team. The position requires the ability to uphold strict confidentiality standards, pass a driving history check, and transport clients when necessary.

Create Your Path: The Work You’ll Do:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments and interpret diagnostic tools to determine substance use disorder diagnoses and treatment needs.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in accordance with client goals, cultural values, and clinical best practices.
• Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions that promote recovery, self-awareness, and cultural reconnection.
• Provide care coordination, referrals, discharge planning, and follow-up in collaboration with case managers, families, and other providers.
• Maintain timely, complete, and accurate clinical records in accordance with Tribal Licensing and Joint Commission standards.
• Collaborate with other team members to support integrated, culturally responsive, and client-centered care.
• Educate clients and families about addiction, relapse prevention, and wellness strategies.
• Participate in clinical staffing, supervision, and professional development activities.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and ensure compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.
• Transport clients in Healing Center motorpool vehicles as needed, including for off-site appointments or cultural programming.
• Uphold the values of the Healing Center, including respect for Dakota traditions and the Wellbriety movement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Job Requirements

• Current licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in good standing.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing SUD counseling, preferably in a residential or Native-serving setting.
• Strong understanding of recovery principles, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of and respect for Dakota culture and other Native American traditions, or a willingness to learn.
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality of client and program information at all times.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, be insurable under the organization’s policy, and pass a motor vehicle records check.
• Must be able to drive clients using Healing Center motorpool vehicles as assigned.
• Must pass a background check and meet all tribal and facility credentialing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Dual licensure as a mental health professional (e.g., LPCC, LICSW, LMFT), or experience working with co-occurring disorders.

This position is subject to testing for drugs (THC included) and alcohol in accordance with Federal Department of Transportation regulations, as well as the SMSC Drug/THC and Alcohol Policy.

Outstanding Benefits & Awesome Perks: Enjoy competitive weekly pay, outstanding benefits and advancement opportunities. Generous benefits include medical, dental, life and disability insurance, onsite medical clinics and pharmacy, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, wellness programs and more. Plus, take advantage of perks like discounts on childcare, fuel, bus passes and fitness membership, free uniforms, free uniform cleaning and tuition reimbursement.

Who We Are: The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contributes both time and financial resources across the region, state, and country. The SMSC has donated more than $400 million to organizations and causes, provided $500 million in economic development loans to other tribes, and contributed millions more to support regional governments and infrastructure. The SMSC's Native Green initiative annually diverts hundreds of tons of waste from landfills, has implemented compostable containers throughout our properties, and restored hundreds of acres of prairie land. Team members are eligible to participate in SMSC Gives, a community outreach initiative that organizes various opportunities in the local community. To empower its team members to take part in the Dakota tradition of giving, the SMSC provides paid hours to team members to volunteer at events. Learn more at shakopeedakota.org