JOB TITLE | Lead Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor

REPORTS TO | Regional Director of Tulare County Programs

EMPLOYMENT STATUS | FULL-TIME, Exempt

POSITIONS SUPERVISED | No

LOCATION | Tulare County Sheriff Office (TCSO) Inmate Programs | South County Detention Facility

SALARY RANGE | $21.00 - $25.00

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Champions’ Regional Programs Director for the Tulare County Jail Program and direction from the TCSO Inmate Program Specialist, the RSAT Lead SUD Counselor provides individual and group counseling services to program clients; oversees the implementation of administrative procedures, quality assurance and workloads; trains, orients, instructs, and provides lead direction to counseling staff and volunteers; provides instruction to clients and community on SUD treatment; conducts orientations about RSAT program; and performs related work as required. Ensures proper and ethical documentation for the SUD treatment program according to Champions’ standards. Facilitates client treatment planning and progress tracking while guiding them through each phase of treatment; conducts process groups, psychoeducation, behavioral interventions, and works in coordination with shared agencies (e.g., medical, mental health, probation and parole, etc.).

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

  • Provides lead direction to counseling staff in absence of Regional Programs Director.

  • Provides orientation and training to counseling staff in program procedures and SUD counseling theories and techniques.

  • Assists in the coordination of program activities and staff schedules to ensure effective service delivery.

  • Monitors and conducts Quality Assurance of client files and caseloads.

  • Coordinates monthly reports and billing reports with the Regional Programs Director.

  • Serves as liaison between Drug Courts, Child Welfare Services, community treatment providers and other authorized parties.

  • Provides information about the RSAT program to individuals, the general public, and community groups.

  • Maintains a caseload of clientele and provides active and comprehensive case management services ensuring biopsychosocial needs are attended to, including SUD, mental illness, social, physical, family, financial, and employment.

  • Interviews applicants for SUD counseling services to obtain personal, social, and emotional history.

  • Completes comprehensive assessment using assessment tools assigned by the funding source, including ASAM and ASI assessments as required.

  • Provides initial orientation and develops individualized treatment plan as required.

  • Facilitates day treatment group sessions, covering topics including relapse prevention, Thinking for a Change, RDAP Journaling, MATRIX, sober living skills, alcohol and drug pharmacology, stress/anger management, family violence, job readiness, and related issues.

  • Speaks clearly and concisely before large groups of people.

  • Conducts individual sessions and collateral services to assist clients’ recovery process.

  • Utilizes evidence-based practices including Motivational Interviewing techniques and relapse prevention model.

  • Provides appropriate referrals, linkages, and case management to other resources and services.

  • Serves as a member of an interdisciplinary team, participates in program planning, treatment and goal development, and discharge planning.

  • Adheres to all client confidentiality requirements and standards, including updates of the shared Release of Information (ROI) to ensure that information is current and accurate.

  • Receives referrals from criminal justice system, Child Welfare Services, various providers, and community members; may involve providing crisis intervention and case management.

  • Consults with professional staff of public and private agencies involved in client’s case history or treatment.

  • Conducts gender-specific, observed drug testing to clients as mandated by the referral source and/or the individual treatment plans, followed by proper documentation and reporting. Alcohol and drug testing may include patch, urine analysis (UA), and Breathalyzer following appropriate procedures.

  • Writes clear, accurate, and concise reports, and interprets data.

  • Prepares and keeps all assigned written documentation including progress notes, treatment plan, and medical necessity notes, in compliance with Drug Medi-Cal standards and service requirements.

  • Ensures appropriate and comprehensive documentation in client files. 

  • Attends staff meetings and other meetings as assigned, completes special projects in a timely manner, and maintains strict confidentiality regarding sensitive or proprietary information or materials.

  • Provides and promotes excellence in customer service for both internal and external customers.

  • Acknowledges and respects cultural and linguistic differences of the Champions diverse population.

  • Represents Champions in meetings with TCSO and outside agencies.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

  • Certified as a SUD counselor by one of the DHCS-approved certifying organizations (OR)

  • Must be registered by one of the DHCS-approved SUD counselor certifying organizations and attain their SUD counseling certification within 6 months of hire. Will receive formal supervision from an on-site qualified staff as recognized by the State of California. (OR)

  • Master’s degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or related field and registered with the California Board of Behavioral Science. (OR)

  • Enrolled as a current student in a Master’s degree program in social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or related field and willing to register with California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) as a Registered Graduate Student Intern (RGSI) within 30 days of hire.

  • Two years of leadership experience in a program serving individuals with justice-involvement, SUD, and/or mental illness. Examples of work experience that may count include but are not limited to: working in an outpatient or residential drug treatment setting, working at a sober living environment or aftercare housing, working in jails, working in other peer-to-peer recovery programs, working in a DUI program or other psychoeducational program.

  • Must maintain their required SUD counseling certification and registration throughout their employment.

  • Must have valid California Class C Driver’s License; maintain a good safety record (verified by DMV at hire and periodically) and a reliable vehicle; proof of comprehensive auto insurance if driving personal vehicle. Must be able to drive (when needed) their own vehicle for business purposes to other program locations in Kings and Tulare County.

  • Must be drug tested prior to hire, with drug test results negative for illegal drug use and marijuana.

  • Must pass background check (Live Scan Fingerprint - MANDATORY).

  • Must have TB clearance within 60 days prior to hire (MANDATORY).

  • First Aid and CPR certifications obtained within 90 days of employment and maintain current thereafter.

  • Ability to understand and interpret information, follow instructions, and manage workflow.

  • Basic knowledge and skills with computer keyboarding and computer programs. Advanced office management practices and operating procedures.

  • Able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, apply professional judgement in solving difficult issues, and to communicate in a clear, precise, and professional manner. Strong Interpersonal skills: ability to work effectively with people in a constructive manner within a community-based treatment setting.

  • Must have flexibility to work weekend hours during scheduled client activities.

  • Applicant must submit appropriate background check clearance and be able to pass AND maintain Tulare County’s Sheriff jail clearance to provide in custody services for coverage needs.

  • Must be free of probation or parole supervision for a minimum of five years.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bilingual in Spanish and able to conduct counseling sessions, assessments, and treatment planning in Spanish.

  • Experience with evidenced based practices for Substance Use Disorder treatment services, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

  • Experience with in-custody programs and criminal justice population preferred.

PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must have the visual, physical, and technical ability to independently operate a variety of office equipment, including the use of a computer. Will also require bending, stooping, filing, lifting of at least 25 lbs. or more, and ability to interrupt physical altercations. Ability to verbally communicate well with others.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Services may involve travel to offsite locations for trainings, assessments, service provision, and crisis management.  Services will be provided in a correctional setting. 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

FULL-TIME, Non-Exempt

ANTICIPATED HOURS

Monday thru Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. This position may include working non-traditional business hours or weekends.