William J. Henne discusses his journey back to college at CCV to pursue a career in substance abuse counseling, highlighting his prior education and personal experiences. He provides insights into the roles and demands of substance abuse counselors and clinical directors, including education requirements and job outlook. Interviews with professionals in the field, such as Kendra Yakovleff and Benjamin Fox, illustrate the personal motivations and challenges faced within this transformative career path.

1. Career Development
Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Summer semester 2014
By William J. Henne

2. Background
• I will first inform viewers about myself. My name is William Jonathan Henne,
28 years old and a Vermont native. I have decided to continue my education
here at CCV after taking years off from the schooling system to find myself
while working on personal issues within my life. I began my college career at
the University of Vermont, completing five semesters within the school of the
business administration bachelors program. The business school at UVM has
exquisite credentials, yet through much work, experience, and dedication I
found myself uninterested within this field of study. I took some time off from
school in the meantime to establish a basis and understanding of what
direction that I would like to take in finding a career or occupation to my liking.
• Years later ,here I am back in college interested in recovery and drug and
alcohol counseling, something that is personal to me. I am a passionate and a
caring person, truly feeling that I can listen and relate to people well on many
different levels. I have enrolled in the drug and alcohol certification program
here at the Community College of Vermont. This is my first semester back at
college, a new start in my search for a career in which I can help and empower
people to live healthier and happier, and more accomplished lives. It is vital
first to build a foundation and network for future success!

3. Social Work Positions Investigated
Substance Abuse Counselor
• Substance abuse counselors help people who have problems related to alcohol and
other drugs. They counsel addicts as well as those who are afraid they might become
addicts. They also help former addicts. Sometimes they counsel the families, friends,
and loved ones of addicts, whose lives are inevitably affected by the problem.
Substance abuse counselors provide information, treatment and support to people
suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, and similar disorders. Counselors evaluate a
client's physical and mental health while determining his /her willingness to undergo
treatment. Counselors help clients develop and implement treatment goals,
recommend treatment options, and educate people and their families on the nature of
addiction. Counselors also help clients access services such as support groups, legal
assistance and job placement services. Overall, they help the client recover from the
grips of addiction and help modify possible problematic behaviors.
Clinical Director for Habit Opco (outpatient facility)
• The Clinical Director is responsible for the management and direction of the clinic and
functions collaboratively with the Nurse Manager and Medical Director to plan,
implement and evaluate treatment.

4. Substance Abuse Counselor - About
• Where we work – Rehabilitation Centers (Inpatient,
outpatient), Jails/Prisons, Hospitals, Private practice setting
(office), halfway houses, government
• Education required for position - Educational
requirements vary from a high school diploma with on the job
training/experience to a masters degree with 2,000 to 4,000
hours of supervised clinical experience and a state certification
for a counselor to open a private practice. I looked over
various ads for substance abuse counselors and was surprised
to see that most positions required a master’s degree.
• Important Attributes- Counselors should be
compassionate so they are capable of empathizing with their
clients. They should have good listening so they can
understand the client’s problems and values and put forth
their full attention. Counselors should have good
interpersonal skills, as they will be working with a range of
different people and developing relationships. Substance
abuse can be a tough and touchy subject so a successful
counselor must have patience and remain calm even in a
distressing environment. Counselors will also have good
speaking skills so they can convey messages and communicate
effectively and express ideas on a manageable level for the
client.

5. Substance
Abuse
Counselor cont.
Outlook - Projected 31% growth rate
from 2012 to 2022 while all occupations
within the U.S. will only grow by a 11%
rate and particular community and other
social service occupations will grow by
17%. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.) In
2012 there were 89,600 substance abuse
and behavioral disorder counselors in the
workforce in the U.S.
Demand for substance abuse counselors
is on the rise and may continue to increase
as more facilities and more jobs are
created and open to combat addiction.
Pay scales – May of 2012 reports the
mean national annual wage for substance
abuse and behavioral disorder counselors
at $38,520. The lowest earning 10% of
people made less than $25,120 and the
top earning 10% earned $60,000+.
(Bureau of Labor Statistics.) In 2013,
according to the Vermont Department of
Labor, the median pay was $41,390, about
$19.90 per hour for substance abuse and
behavioral disorder counselors.

6. Interview with Substance Abuse Counselor : Kendra Yakovleff,
(personal communication, July 10, 2014)
I personally interviewed Kendra Yakovleff, a licensed substance abuse counselor for the state of New
Hampshire. Kendra’s inspiration is her mother who was a wonderfully caring person, an orphan from a
broken home, putting herself through college who became a very successful woman. She volunteered
often and worked as a probation officer. Her father was a world war 2 veteran that was a closet drinker
(alcoholic) that she described as a “shut down person.” She mentioned that much of her mother’s caring
side is found within her as she always wanted to work with people and dreamed of helping individuals.
Kendra has had a variety of jobs ranging from a dental assistant to a substance abuse counselor. She went
back to school as a 38 year old single mother when she attended Norwich University majoring in
psychology and minoring in sociology. She expressed that she was interested in art therapy as well. Kendra
worked for the state of N.H. while attending college for a program that kept track of children on welfare
and people with aids making sure that they get adequate treatment and immunizations that are needed
called TRACK. She graduated from Norwich with a bachelors degree in psychology. She then worked for
DCYF for 10 years monitoring families and participating in gaurdianship programs. Kendra viewed this job
as a major “eye opener”. From here she worked at a center called Crotchet Mountain for eight years where
she was in charge of case management. From my understanding this was a facility for people with brain
disabilities. Here she counseled many alcoholics, drug users, PTSD victims, and sexual abuse victims as
well. Kendra admits feeling “burnt out” at Crotchett Mountain, feeling a need to move on. Within one
month Kendra landed a job at a treatment facility as a substance abuse counselor. Kendra’s counseling
practice involves one-on-one communication and group counseling activities. She believes the one-on-one
connection is important, uses humor, and searches for strengths within people, acknowledging these
features and talents to “break the ice.” Kendra admits that this is the lowest paying job that she is retained
in quite some time making just over $34,000 per year but she also believes in what she is doing on a daily
basis and is happy where she is at. She stresses education, believing that “there is no time limit, going back
to school is the best thing I could have done. No one can take an education away from you.”

7. Advertisements: Work Needed
• The next few slides are
some positions that are
being advertised
pertaining to the
substance abuse counselor
field. These
advertisements give me an
idea of what
qualities/expectations/
and accreditation that
companies are looking for
in qualified candidates.

8. Advertisement for Substance Abuse Counselor
• Families First Health and Support Center Posted: 6/18/14
• Portsmouth, NH
Substance Abuse Counselor
Families First Health and Support Center is seeking a Substance Abuse Counselor
to work in our mobile health care for the homeless and prenatal programs. The
counselor provides substance abuse assessment, crisis intervention, education and
counseling, case management and referral to patients and their families who
access healthcare. He/she assists the Prenatal and HHC teams to develop health
care plans for patients.
• Masters in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or in a related field and M-LADC
licensure is required. Three or more years in human services and experience
working in the area of substance abuse is required. Knowledge of client-centered
practice, strong communication, teaching and problem solving skills are needed.
The person is this position must be well-organized, flexible and able to work
independently and in collaboration with others.
• This position is for 35-38 hours per week and includes full-time benefits. Flexibility
in work hours is required. To apply for this position send cover letter and resume
to wmcdonough@familiesfirstseacoast.org, fax to 603-422-8219 or mail to HR,

9. Advertisement for Substance Abuse
Counselor
• Phoenix House Keene
Posted 6/18/14
Mental Health/Substance Abuse Counselor
Phoenix House Keene Center has an exciting opportunity in a
dynamic, fast-paced multi-level treatment center for a Masters-
level clinician working towards licensure. Duties include managing a
caseload of clients from admission to discharge, with an emphasis
on group work. Fulltime w/benefits. Applicants are invited to
complete voluntary Applicant Self-ID form at
http://www.phoenixhouse.org/careers/employment-
opportunities/
Please e-mail resume and form to agooding@phoenixhouse.org or
fax to (603) 358-6527.EOE
• http://www.nhadaca.org/Job-Listings.html

10. Advertisement for Substance Abuse Counselor
• Keene State College Posted 6/18/14 http://www.nhadaca.org/Job-Listings.html
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor
Part-time Position
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center at Keene State College invites applicants for an Alcohol and Other Drug
(AOD) Counselor. This is a grant-funded, part-time, non-benefited, 20 hours/week position with a
preferred start date of August 18, 2014 and expiring in May of 2015. This position will be a new
addition to our eclectic, enthusiastic, and dedicated staff of 7 counselors, 5 graduate-level interns,
and 2 administrative support staff. As a grant funded position, there is a possibility that funding
may be extended; however, a grant-funded position has no guarantee of on-going and indefinite
employment.
Primary responsibilities include meeting with students referred by the Student Conduct Office for
AOD educational sanctions, delivery of the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College
Students (BASICS) program, and consulting with College personnel and other Counseling Center
staff.
The Counseling Center is an integral unit within the Division of Student Affairs at KSC and enjoys
strong support from the college as a whole. The College is in an exciting period of growth and
change in the area of alcohol and other drug prevention/intervention, and we seek practitioners
who have a team orientation and are looking to apply their skills in a flexible, creative, and
collaborative way. The Counseling Center is a very dynamic and rewarding place to work and our
strengths include our highly supportive relationships among the Center’s staff and our strong
dedication to student well-being.
• Minimum qualifications include a Master’s degree, from an accredited college or university, in
clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical mental health counseling, marriage and family
therapy, substance use treatment, or clinical social work, with New Hampshire State professional
licensure. Experience providing AOD intervention and prevention services is required while
experience working with college populations is helpful. Starting salary for the position is $20-
$30/hour commensurate with experience.•

11. Clinical Director
• Clinical directors are managers of a wide variety of
health care facilities. This career field is employed in
places such as nursing homes, rehabilitation
institutions, behavioral health care hospitals, and
health care clinics. The type and level of education a
person needs to become a successful clinical director
varies. However, the duties of a clinical director are
similar, regardless of the type of care facility or its
location. They must supervise, communicate
effectively, provide leadership and direction, have the
ability to resolve conflict, manage time, coordinate,
enforce regulations, and be resourceful with
computers.

12. Clinical Director- About
• Where We work – Clinical directors are found in a wide variety
of work environments such as rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes,
medical centers, health care clinics, research organizations, community
health organizations or academic institutions.
• Education required for Position – Clinical directors
may be able to attain an entry-level position with a bachelor’s degree but
most employer’s prefer their clinical director’s to have master’s degrees.

13. Clinical Director
continued
• Outlook -Clinical directors have a positive
career outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics, medical and health services
managers such as clinical directors are expected
to see employment opportunities increase by
22% from 2010-2020. This is not a profession
growing as fast as the substance abuse counselor
field, but it is still in great demand and growing
every year.
• Pay Scales - The Bureau of Labor and
Statistics also found a mean annual salary for
medical and health services managers at $98,460
in May of 2012. When I interviewed Benjamin
Fox, former clinical director for Habit Opco. In
West Lebanon, NH., he declined to comment on
salary. There is a wide range of pay for Vermont
clinical directors. Indeed.com states that the
mean salary for Vermont clinical directors is
around $71,000.

14. Interview with Clinical Director –
Benjamin Fox
• I have known Benjamin Fox for over four years now. He has been an intricate part of my life,
beginning as my substance abuse counselor when I first began attending an outpatient facility
in West Lebanon, NH called Habit Opco. At this period he was assigned as my one-on-one
counselor and what a counselor he was. Ben picked up on my abilities and interests and
related these attributes to the recovery process. He founded a music therapy group at the
facility to spark excitement within me. He spoke to me in a non-judgmental approach and
reminded me of my successes in life. He believes that “You have to have that one-on-one
connection for early on recovery and treatment, whether it is with a corrections guard, a
recovery coach, a counselor, etc., everyone needs that first mentor that gets through to you.”
Benjamin Fox worked hard every day. I found him passionate about his job, as he was
someone that I looked up to and found inspiration in. Benjamin Fox is the best counselor I
have ever retained. He shared an emotional story with me and gave me permission to share
it through this course. Originally Ben was mostly interested in expressive arts therapy,
attending various schools including Hamilton College where he received his bachelor’s
degree in art and geology. Approximately 10 years went by before Ben decided to attend
Lesley University in Boston, MA. for expressive arts therapy and mental health counseling.
The turning point for Ben was when his identical twin brother passed away from a substance
abuse overdose. This was the point in Benjamin Fox’s career when he decided that he would
change people’s lives through counseling.
- B. Fox (personal communication, June 16, 2014)

15. Benjamin Fox continued…
• Ben has worked for an bereavement center, has worked for a volunteer program
through suicide anonymous, and has had much schooling to provide the foundation
for where he is today. As previously mentioned, Ben received a double bachelor’s
degree in art and geology at Hamilton University, completed a masters program for
expressive arts therapy and mental health counseling at Lesley University, and from
there went on to internship for Habit Opco. He counseled clients for a few years
before being promoted to clinical director. Benjamin Fox identified that becoming a
substance abuse counselor which turned into clinical director was not one of his
early-on childhood dreams, rather an occupation that he deemed appropriate for
his personal motivations and aspirations to help, save, and transform individuals
that sought recovery. Ben served as clinical director for a few years before Habit
Opco. was purchased by CRC Health Group. Once this takeover occurred Ben felt
that he was slowly losing control of the outpatient facility. The facility is no longer
participating in one-on-one counseling, mandating that participants simply attend
one recovery group per week. Ben didn’t believe in this philosophy, so soon after
my interview he made the decision to resign and move on.
- B. Fox (personal communication, June 16, 2014)

16. Quotes from Benjamin Fox
• Question : Are there any suggestions that you could give someone that is
interested in this field of work?
-“Good supervision, demand it, find it, get a mentor, go look for it, this is the only
reason I am where I am. Hard-work, believing in people, and education.”
• Question: What works best for early-on treatment of individuals? Any particular
process you use?
-“You have to have that one-on-one connection with a person or counselor that
you trust and believe in that has your best interest in mind. People need each
other and their environments. Some clients can learn and rehabilitate in group
settings, yet I find that this is not the case in most situations.”
• Question: If you don’t mind speaking on this issue, I have heard that you are
resigning as clinical director. Is there any reason why you haven’t left yet or why
you took this position in the first place?
-“The reason I started as clinical director and stayed so long is because I like a
strong challenge. I enjoy my patient population that is underserved in society,
stigmatized, and misunderstood. I find them highly intelligent in various things,
as addicts are from all walks of life. The patients are awesome, the job is
challenging and fun. Every day is a different and new day. I thoroughly enjoy the
psychological and physical transformation that these people undergo.”
- B. Fox (personal communication, June 16, 2014)

17. Advertisement for Clinical Director –
Habit Opco
• Clinic Director Habit OPCO
• Habit OPCO is a private outpatient program dedicated to the treatment of substance abuse. We operate 21 sited and 2 mobile
programs and are a CARF accredited opiate treatment service. We operate programs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Vermont, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
We are currently seeking a Clinic Director for our Watsontown, PA programs. The Clinic Director is responsible for the
management and direction of the clinic and functions collaboratively with the Clinical Director, Nurse Manager and Medical
Director to plan, implement and evaluate treatment.
A good candidate for the Clinic Director position would have strong managerial skills and a proven track record of supervisory
experience and a working knowledge of addiction treatment services.
The Clinic Director is expected to provide effective and efficient leadership for all program staff; manage Human Resources
functions in order to maximize efficiency, and build an environment where all staff are accountable for meeting exceptional
customer service standards. He/she will coordinate and monitor the program quality improvement activities and maintains
timely and accurate documentation of all program activities.
Job Requirements
Skills/Qualifications:
Performance Management, Staffing, Management Proficiency, Coordination, Coaching, Developing Standards, Financial
Planning and Strategy, Process Improvement, Decision Making, Strategic Planning, Quality Management
This position requires that the candidate have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; a
Master's degree is preferred.Location:Watsontown, PA
United States
Job Post Created:5/11/2014
• Advertisement found at: http://www.startuphire.com/job/clinic-director-257490

18. Reflection
• Question: What surprised you about the information you found? What did you learn
that reinforced what you already knew?
Overall, this project was very informational for me. This career development project
with the integration of interviews and research has provided a framework and a basis of
knowledge for me to expand and research further upon. I was very excited to locate a
substance abuse counselor to conduct an interview with, as this is the career that I am
aspiring to fulfill. The one aspect of this career that caught me off guard was the
demand that employers have for future employee candidates with master’s degrees. I
would say that over 75% of the positions that I looked at requested candidates with
master’s degrees or demanded this credential.
I already knew that there is great demand within the human services field pertaining to
drug and alcohol counselors. This research provided the same insight into this field, as
it is an occupation that is greatly growing in demand. Currently here in Vermont,
Governor Peter Shumlin has recognized the rising opiate epidemic and the problematic
plague of drugs in Vermont and surrounding areas. I feel that this is a hot topic, as
more and more successful/trustful/relatable counselors will be needed in this field of
work.

19. Reflection
• Has doing this project changed your mind about the direction you may take in the
field of human services generally or social work more specifically? If so, how? If
not, how did this project help solidify your thinking about the direction you may
take in the field?
This project has not changed, but only reinforced my belief in the helping profession of
becoming a substance abuse counselor. I have personally dealt with counselors through
corrections and for substance abuse problems in the past. Having a network, people to trust
and confide in is huge in the recovery process. This is why I believe it is vital to find a one-on-
one coach or counselor. Through my research, I have concluded that both social workers also
support that initial one-on-one counseling relationship. Through Benjamin Fox’s experience
with education, it opened the door for him providing an internship that led to a career. I
realize that networks and reinforcement is helpful within this profession. I feel that I have
“got behind” in my workings and schooling toward a meaningful and successful career. At
times I have even become discouraged. Kendra was a motivational force for me, as she
stressed that it was never too late to “do what you want that makes you happy. There is no
timeframe on intelligence.” In her story she went back to college when she was 38 years old
to get her bachelor’s degree. I suppose this has made me feel a little better. Also, I am excited
about the outlook for this career as a substance abuse counselor. Clinical director is a position
that I could possibly attain after years in the field and after much more schooling. This job
looks as if it a very busy and authoritative position, as the pay grade reflects just that.

20. Reflection
• What challenges did you encounter through the completion of this project? What went
well? What would you have done differently were you to do this again? What
additional resources or supports might be helpful in the future?
The largest challenge that I encountered during this project was scheduling the second
interview with a substance abuse counselor. My counselor named Pam Ashton
canceled on me the first time we scheduled our interview and then called-in the day we
rescheduled it for. This is a counselor that I haven’t taken a particular liking to as I view
her as unreliable. She hasn’t been able to “break the ice” with me and form productive
and thorough counseling. Luckily, another substance abuse counselor at this facility
allowed me to interview her. Kendra was actually excited about recollecting her past
and reflecting upon her life, her occupations and career. I am now thinking about
requesting a change of counselor to Kendra Yakovleff. I support her counseling belief in
developing a connection where one feels trustful and cared for. Even though she has
been advised to take notes during counseling session in case files on her computer, she
declines to type during her sessions with a client. In my eyes this is a poor technique,
typing away, no development of eye-contact during sessions. This doesn’t convey a
message that “this counselor truly cares about my well being.” Kendra states that she
has a pen and small note pad handy for quick notes and reminders for clients. After
each session she follows up on her case files form the brief notes that she handwrites
during her sessions. When I counsel, I will partake in the same behavior if allowed.

21. Reflection
• In your opinion, what is social work? What does it mean to be a social
worker? What characteristics, traits, or values are important for an individual
working in this field? What evidence do you have to support your thinking here?
Social work is organized by individuals and directed toward the betterment of
social conditions within a community. Social workers help solve and cope with
problems in everyday lives. Social work is a career and academic discipline that
works to help and improve the quality of life for individuals, groups, and
communities through research, policy, community organizing, direct practice, crisis
intervention, and teaching.
Traits or descriptive words that I feel are important for this field of work are caring,
intelligent, open-minded, ability to relate, non-judgmental, personable “people
person”, integrity, respectable, patient, competent, hard-working, supportive,
believe in serving and volunteering, believe in the innate “good” found within
people.

22. References
Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook.
2014-15 Edition. Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors,
Retrieved from: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-
service/substance-abuse-and-behavioral-disorder-counselors.htm
Glasmyre, C. (2014). Information about substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder
Counselors. JobLand.us.
Retrieved from: http://jobland.us/careers/substance-abuse-and-behavioral-
disorder-counselors.
(April, 2014). Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors. Department of
Labor, State of Vermont.
Retrieved at: http://www.vtlmi.info/oic3.cfm?occcode=21101100
(July 17, 2014). Substance Abuse Clinician. Miracle Workers. CRC Health Group.
Retrieved at: http://www.miracleworkers.com/jobs/-
/JHN50N6XSQ9NPGTH8WX?Job_DID=JHN50N6XSQ9NPGTH8WX&siteid=cb001&TN
_DID=TN7F0G173G66B8KDXHSP&ipath=EXINDsep_google_feed
(2014). Clinic Director, Habit Opco. StartUpHire.
Retrieved at: StartUpHirehttp://www.startuphire.com/job/clinic-director-257490