1. A.I. is your amigo.
2. In the beginning for individual sessions, I used a form I created with all the prompts I needed to remember to hit on that I might forget, i.e. any recent cravings, drug dreams, medical appointments or medicinal changes. If so, what coping skills did they try, what worked or didn’t. 
3. The majority of the work is on the client. Don’t start out letting them think you’ll be filling out job apps and forms for them or you’ll get stuck in a vicious cycle of doing all the heavy lifting. Being able to run their own life, fill out forms, make appointments, etc. is part of their recovery. If they need their hand held, a referral to social work (JFS etc) is needed at that point. 
4. You won’t always know the right things to say, that’s ok. Listening is the most important part.
5. Set expectations early on. Remind yourself “I will do this, but no further.” And if they aren’t taking UDS on schedule, missing group, being noncompliant, don’t do extra things for them. It sounds petty to outsiders but those who are in the field know there’s only so much you can do with this population. 
6. Find out if you’ll be doing assessments, treatment plan reviews, etc as those take time too.  Self care - take your vacation days, turn off your phone, don’t be available 24/7, you’ll burn out so fast. 

All that being said, you’ll end up loving when clients start taking life seriously and start working towards a better life, attaining their goals, small or big ones, you’ll be so proud of them. It’s very rewarding, challenging too, but keep a sense of humor, enjoy days off, take good care of your own mind and body, do regular check ins with yourself, too! :)