AOD Counselor (Intake)

Ruby's Place•Alameda, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The AOD Counselor — Intake & Engagement provides intake appointments, participant engagement, outreach support, group facilitation, relapse prevention education, and documentation support for Riley Recovery Centers’ substance use disorder programs. A significant portion of this role will focus on conducting intake appointments with prospective participants seeking admission into the program. The AOD Counselor will help gather required intake information, assess participant readiness, support orientation into services, and ensure participants are connected to the appropriate program track and next steps. This position will also support outreach and engagement efforts within Restorative Pathways programs and may participate in outreach with outside referral partners and community organizations. From time to time, this role may provide substitute group facilitation coverage for other AOD Counselors as program needs require. The AOD Counselor delivers trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive SUD services consistent with DHCS Title 9, CARF, Medi-Cal, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and ASAM requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma required
Must be registered with a DHCS-approved certifying organization CCAPP, CADTP, or CAADE prior to first day of employment.
Full AOD certification required within 12 months of hire Riley Recovery Centers standard.
CE requirements per certification board: 40 hours every 2 years.
TB/Health screening annually.
In possession of a valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance, and be approved by RP insurance as a driver in order to drive agency vehicles.
Able to complete all required background checks. Additional requirements may be deemed necessary, including fingerprinting Live Scan, completion of all Community Care Licensing CCL documents, and ability to meet CCL licensing requirements.

Nice To Haves

associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.
Experience conducting intake appointments, screenings, assessments, or participant engagement calls preferred.
Experience working in admissions, outreach, case management, or participant engagement within behavioral health, SUD, mental health, or social services preferred.
Experience facilitating SUD groups for youth or adults preferred.
Training or experience in relapse prevention, group facilitation, and trauma-informed care preferred.
Strong ability to build rapport with prospective participants, especially individuals who may be ambivalent, hesitant, or new to treatment.
Strong documentation skills and ability to complete intake notes, screenings, progress notes, and participant records accurately and on time.
Comfortable conducting outreach presentations, program introductions, or participant engagement activities within partner organizations.
Ability to provide substitute group facilitation coverage as program needs require.
Ability to work effectively with adolescents, adults, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
Fully certified AOD counselors are strongly preferred at time of hire.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake appointments with prospective youth and adult participants seeking admission into SUD programming.
Gather required intake information, including participant demographics, substance use history, treatment needs, readiness for services, and relevant psychosocial information.
Support participant screening, orientation, and engagement to help determine program fit and appropriate next steps.
Help prospective participants understand program expectations, schedules, services, and next steps in the admissions process.
Document intake appointments, participant contacts, screenings, and engagement efforts accurately and timely in the EMR.
Coordinate with Program Directors, AOD Counselors, case managers, licensed clinicians, admissions staff, and other team members to support smooth participant entry into services.
Support warm handoffs from Restorative Pathways programs into Riley Recovery Centers’ SUD services.
Conduct outreach and engagement within Restorative Pathways programs to educate staff and participants about available SUD services.
Participate in outreach efforts with outside organizations, referral partners, and community-based programs as assigned.
Facilitate evidence-based SUD group sessions for youth and/or adults when assigned.
Provide substitute group facilitation coverage for other AOD Counselors at other Resorative Pathways locations when needed due to staff absence, schedule changes, or program needs.
Provide relapse prevention coaching, early recovery skills, psychoeducation, and participant support.
Support treatment plan development by providing recovery-focused input and participant goal tracking.
Document group notes, progress notes, intake notes, and other service documentation in compliance with DHCS Title 9, Medi-Cal, CARF, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2 requirements.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and support coordination of services.
Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards at all times.
Deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive, gender-affirming, and participant-centered SUD services.
Support overdose prevention and emergency procedures, including Naloxone readiness.
Participate in quality improvement activities, staff training, and program development.
Complete functional timesheets by assigned due dates in compliance with time allocations.
Actively participate in reflective supervision sessions.
Create and maintain documentation of processes and procedures related to job duties.
Other duties as assigned.