Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor I/II
About The Position
At Father Joe’s Villages, detox and recovery services provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment for individuals taking their first steps toward recovery from substance use. This is meaningful, hands-on work at a critical moment in someone’s life - when compassion, clinical skill, and steady support can make a lasting difference. Our Detox team helps clients safely navigate withdrawal, stabilize physically and emotionally, and begin building a foundation for long-term recovery. Through counseling, care coordination, and connection to ongoing services, we meet people where they are and help them move forward with dignity and hope. As an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor, you will provide direct counseling and recovery support services to individuals in detox and early recovery, helping clients navigate stabilization and take the first steps toward lasting recovery.. You will conduct intake assessments, provide individual and group counseling services, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support treatment planning and client care. This position may be filled at either the AOD Counselor I or AOD Counselor II level based on the selected candidate's qualifications, certification status, experience, and demonstrated ability to perform the responsibilities of the role. Candidates who are early in their counseling careers, as well as experienced substance use disorder treatment professionals, are encouraged to apply.
Requirements
- Associate's degree, completion of substance use disorder counselor education requirements, or an equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience
- Current registration or certification with CADTP, CAADE, or CCAPP (or eligibility and active progress toward registration and certification requirements)
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, or residential/high-acuity clinical settings.
- Familiarity with the 12 Core Functions and/or 8 Practice Dimensions of substance use counseling
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic health record systems
- CPR certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
- Valid California Driver's License
- Ability to conduct intake assessments, support treatment planning, and maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation
- Working knowledge of substance use disorder treatment principles, recovery models, and client-centered care approaches
- Ability to apply counseling techniques in both individual and group settings to support early recovery and engagement
- Skill in de-escalation and maintaining a calm, grounded presence in crisis or high-stress situations
- Ability to build trust and rapport with individuals in vulnerable and transitional stages of recovery
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary care team
- Organized and detail-oriented, with strong follow-through in a structured clinical environment
- Commitment to professional ethics, confidentiality, and maintaining appropriate boundaries
- Openness to feedback, clinical supervision, and ongoing professional development
Nice To Haves
- Candidates with three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience may be considered for placement at the AOD Counselor II level.
- Experience providing individual and/or group counseling services in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, residential, or other high-acuity settings preferred
Responsibilities
- Conduct intake assessments and support determination of appropriate level of care
- Provide individual counseling focused on stabilization, engagement, and recovery goal-setting
- Facilitate or co-facilitate group sessions using structured, recovery-oriented curricula
- Support the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and the care team
- Document services and client progress accurately and in a timely manner within the EHR system
- Collaborate with nursing, case management, and behavioral health staff to deliver coordinated care
- Support clients in moments of crisis using calm, trauma-informed de-escalation techniques
- Connect clients to ongoing treatment, community resources, and recovery supports
- Participate in clinical supervision, team meetings, and case reviews to support high-quality care
- Maintain compliance with all program, licensing, and documentation standards
Benefits
- medical
- dental
- vision coverage
- retirement plan options
- paid time off
- professional development opportunities
- wellness programs
- employee assistance resources
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
