JOB TITLE | Substance Abuse Counselor- II (Certified) (Bilingual)

REPORTS TO | Outpatient Program Manager

PROGRAM | Outpatient

LOCATION | Hanford, CA

EMPLOYMENT STATUS | FULL-TIME, Non-Exempt

SALARY RANGE | $26-29/hour plus Hiring Bonus

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision and direction of Outpatient Program Manager the Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD) Counselor-II provides responsible individual and group counseling services to clients. trains, orients; provides instruction to clients and community on treatment of substance abuse and conducts orientations about substance abuse programs; and performs related work as required. Ensures proper and ethical documentation for the alcohol and drug treatment program according to Champions standards. Facilitate client's treatment issues and progress while guiding them through each phase of treatment, conducting process groups, education, behavioral interventions, and working in coordination with shared agencies (i.e. medical, mental health, probation and parole, etc.) 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

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

  • Assists in assigning individual cases to SUD counselors.

  • Conducts counseling sessions for individuals, groups and family members.

  • Interviews and assesses people requesting for SUD services to obtain personal, social and emotional history.

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

  • Provides information about the substance abuse program to individuals, the general public and community groups and conduct outreach to promote program services.

  • Perform and apply the techniques used in individual and group counseling.

  • Write clear, accurate and concise reports and to interpret data.

  • Speak clearly and concisely before large groups of people.

  • Provide and promote excellence in customer service for both internal and external customers.

  • Acknowledge and respect cultural and linguistic differences of the Champions diverse population.

  • Maintains a caseload of clientele and provides active and comprehensive case management services.  Ensuring all area needs are attended to (mental, substance abuse, social, physical, and family).

  • Ensures appropriate and comprehensive documentation within an EHR system. 

  • Comply with Drug Medi-Cal requirements in documentations and services.

  • Provide comprehensive assessment using assessment tools assigned by the funding source including ASAM.

  • Provide initial orientation and develop Problem Lists as required.

  • Facilitate ODF and/or IOP day treatment group sessions covering topics including relapse prevention, sober living skills, alcohol and drug pharmacology, stress/anger management, family violence, job readiness and related issues.

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

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

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

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

  • Prepare all assigned written documentation including progress notes, Problem List, and medical necessity notes and keep all assigned documentation in compliance with applicable standards and requirements.

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

  • Attend staff meetings and other meetings as assigned, complete special projects in a timely manner, and able to maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive or proprietary information or materials.

  • Conduct 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.

  • Provides guidance and orientation to new staff and interns in program procedures and basic substance abuse and counseling theories.

  • 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.

  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION AND/OR WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Current licensure or registration with State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) as clinical psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, or clinical counselor; OR

  • Current SUD counselor certification by one of the DHCS-approved certifying organizations

  • Drug and Alcohol or related certification and American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Trained.

  • 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 liability insurance if driving personal vehicle. 

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

  • Experience with culturally diverse population.

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

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

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

  • Must pass background check (Live Scan Fingerprint).

  • Must be able to drive (when needed) for business purposes to other program locations in Kings County.

  • Strong Interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with people in a constructive manner within a community-based treatment setting.

  • Basic and routine computer keyboarding, programs and software and 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.

  • Bilingual (English and Spanish speaking) REQUIRED.

  • 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.

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

  • Interfaces with all levels of management, staff, clients, residents, and families including community partners.  Services may involve travel to offsite locations.

  • The SUD counselor is expected to work Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM with the expectation of working later 1-2 days per week to assist with evening groups in Hanford and Avenal. This position will work in Avenal at least 3 days per week.  SUD counselor may also be asked to participate in community collaboratives and events, which may occur at nights and on weekends.