AOD Counselor

Phoenix Houses of California•Sylmar, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The AOD Counselor provides individual service coordination and counseling for patients enrolled in Phoenix House Adult/Adolescent Residential/Outpatient Services, supporting their treatment and transition back into the community. In collaboration with the Clinical Manager, the counselor manages a patient caseload and helps integrate medical care, substance abuse treatment, and other services into individual treatment plans. The work site is in Lake View Terrace, California, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The position reports to the Clinical Manager.

Requirements

For AOD Counselor 1: high school diploma or equivalent and registration as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor recognized by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
For AOD Counselor 2: at least a high school diploma or equivalent and certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor recognized by DHCS.
At least one year of prior experience in a related field.
Maintain a valid credential during employment if required for the position.
Obtain TB test clearance and update it annually.
Proficiency with MS Office systems and ability to use an electronic healthcare record.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment and consistently maintain appropriate boundaries with patients.
Understanding of addiction, co-occurring models, treatment modalities, patient development, and family systems.
General understanding of residential medical-model treatment, substance use disorder treatment practices, evidence-based group facilitation, and continuing-care practices supporting successful discharge transitions.
Strong time-management and organizational skills, crisis management, conflict resolution, and de-escalation skills.
Ability to be flexible, solve problems, work independently, provide customer-oriented service, collaborate, and build rapport with patients and families from varied backgrounds.
Demonstrated commitment to Phoenix House’s mission, vision, and values.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Coordinate initial assessments, service authorization requirements, treatment plans and reviews, and related supportive services.
Provide individual counseling and facilitate evidence-based treatment groups for assigned cohorts.
Provide crisis intervention, identify crises that may affect treatment, and use negative events to support treatment where possible.
Maintain an appropriate caseload and meet agency productivity and billable-hours expectations.
Submit timely progress notes, assessments, treatment plans, chart notes, and other required documentation; maintain clinical records, group notes, communication logs, reports, and discharge summaries.
Provide clinical consultation to referral resources, family members, and others supporting clients’ recovery.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, case conferences, community meetings, program and family gatherings, and required training.
Monitor client access to and involvement with treatment and other providers, addressing barriers to treatment and recovery.
Assess suitability for services using ASAM criteria for substance abuse and/or dependence.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary treatment team to deliver clinical services; coordinate with nursing and consulting physicians to support timely medical care.
Communicate with approved family members and encourage family participation in parent education, Sunday Family Group, and visitation.
Model and support health and wellness activities and healthy coping skills.
Orient clients to the facility, including explaining applicable rules, service hours, client rights, grievance procedures, and potential costs.
Use appropriate assessment forms and instruments to identify client strengths and needs; develop treatment plans with clients, rank problems, establish goals, and determine treatment processes and resources.
Explore identified problems and related attitudes and feelings, examine alternatives, and develop plans of action with clients.
Coordinate services and advocate for clients’ access to needed supports; communicate with referral agencies, including Substance Abuse Prevention and Control, County and Federal Probation Departments, and the Department of Health Care Services.
Identify program needs and suggest improvements to the Clinical Manager and/or VP and Clinical Director.
Comply with local, state, and federal confidentiality requirements and applicable Phoenix House and state licensing requirements.
Adhere to and promote Phoenix House’s mission, vision, and values, serving as a role model; perform other duties as assigned.