JOB TITLE | Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor II

REPORTS TO | Program Manager

PROGRAM | Outpatient / Residential Facility

LOCATION | Hanford, CA

EMPLOYMENT STATUS | FULL-TIME, Non-Exempt

SALARY RANGE | $24 - $28

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor II will provide a variety of SUD treatment services to clients living in a residential addiction recovery program. The SUD Counselor II will provide support to clients who are experiencing homelessness, have alcohol and/or drug addictions, mental health, and social/legal/economic barriers. Ensure proper and ethical documentation for the alcohol and drug treatment program according to Champions standards. Ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, in addition to the Policies & Procedures set-forth by Champions and maintain appropriate documentation within the electronic health record system. The SUD Counselor II will work collaboratively with all divisions and provide integrative treatment services.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

  • Completes intake interviews, conducts assessments such as the ASAM and addiction severity index, prepares treatment plans in collaboration with client, observes client progress, conducts treatment plans reviews and updates, assists the client in preparing discharge plans, and prepares discharge summaries.

  • 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.

  • Complies with all program policies and procedures, including State/Federal or Certification/Licensure requirements.

  • Plans and conducts individual and group counseling sessions; discusses and evaluates individual and family behavioral, social and psychological issues which affect treatment and progress; determines most effective treatment plans, implements plans and evaluates progress.

  • Maintains client records, documents progress notes after each individual session and notable events, assists clients to schedule and attend doctor’s appointments, court appearances, etc.; prepares reports and correspondence.

  • Monitors clients participation in individual and group counseling.

  • Assists clients to establish plans to address social, cultural, familial, and personal factors contributing to SUD.

  • Identifies community resources to refer clients to appropriate resources.

  • Transport clients to various community resources.

  • Leads group discussions and education classes and participates in training programs to maintain group facilitator skills.

  • Utilizes interpretation resources to explain various written material and instructions for non-English speaking clients and families; assists staff in working with clients of other cultures.

  • May provide training to staff; may review work of other lower-level counselors; may schedule special activities for specific program components; may assume responsibilities of other counselors/ workers in their absence.

  • Ensures appropriate and comprehensive documentation within an EHR system and comply with Drug Medi-Cal and STOP Program requirements in documentations and services.

  • Participates in staff meetings, to address client needs, program issues, and assist in the integration of services for clientele.

  • Establish positive and nurturing relationships with the clients, within professional boundaries, in accordance with policies and procedures

  • Participate in applicable meetings, trainings, conferences, etc. as required both internally and externally.

  • Ability to get along with diverse personalities, understanding, mature, and flexible.

  • Provide treatment services to assist other Champions programs as needed.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

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

  • AA in social work, psychology, or related field plus 2 years of relevant experience; and/or 3 years of relevant experience may be substituted or a BA in social work, psychology, or related field plus 1 years of experience serving individuals with justice-involvement, SUD, and/or mental illness;

  • Professional license (i.e. LMFT, LCSW, etc.) or registration with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (i.e. AMFT or ASW);

  • Priority will be given to applicants with 1-2 years of work experience in a counseling or treatment setting with clients struggling with substance use, mental health, and criminal justice system involvement. Note: Personal lived experience may contribute to these years of experience. 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 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 maintain a waiver to provide treatment services with the CDCR STOP Program during employment with Champions.

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

  • First Aid and CPR certifications obtained within 30 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 Tulare County Sheriff jail clearance to provide in custody services for coverage needs.

  • Recovering individuals must have a minimum two years clean, sober, and abstinent to be considered for employment.

  • Must be free of probation or parole supervision for a minimum of one year.

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

Interfaces with all levels of management, staff, clients, residents, and families, including partner agencies.

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 assessments, service provision, and crisis management.

ANTICIPATED HOURS

Work hours can vary and may require some on-call scheduling including weekends, evenings, and holidays per program requirements.