The interview process is jarring only as long as we do not prepare.
As soon as we go through typical questions that may be asked in an interview, this feeling of hopelessness diminishes.
To help you along, here is a set of interview questions and answers for a substance abuse counselor position:
Substance Abuse Counselor Interview Questions and Answers
1. What do you like the most about working as a substance abuse counselor?
The fact that I can help people who are unable to help themselves, and lead normal lives is what keeps me going in this work. This feeling about being a messiah is what makes this work worth my while.
2. And what is your least favorite thing about working as a substance abuse counselor?
I wouldn’t call it my least favorite, but I do feel a bit disappointed when I fail to help a certain client because the stakes are just too high, or when cooperation and resources are low.
3. What have been your prime duties while working as a substance abuse counselor?
I have worked as a substance abuse counselor for over 6 years now, and I have been actively assessing and evaluating clients to determine their specific drug abuse conditions, and providing interventions as necessary. One of my main duties in the role has been to create, develop, and implement core treatments plans to meet the individual needs of each client. Acquiring and arranging resources to help clients with recovery and rehabilitation is also an area that I have worked in quite extensively. Moreover, I have been diligently providing both one on one, and group counseling to clients, based on their specific requirements and needs.
4. What is the one fundamental skill that you rely on when dealing with a client? And why is this skill so important?
It is all very well to say that one needs to possess experience in handling substance abuse cases, but it is compassion that I rely on when dealing with a client. That is important because a lack of understanding leads to plans that are not specifically well-structured, and that do not help clients at all.
5. What has been your most challenging case so far?
Last year, I was presented with a case of a 10-year-old child, who was hopelessly addicted to cocaine, because her parents deemed it alright to smoke in front of her, and at times, force her to smoke as well. Social services brought this little girl to me, and it took all the expertise that I had to get her to leave this habit and start all over again. But it was a successful case.
6. What are your long-term plans?
I intend to train myself in handling drug abuse cases in children and young adults.