AOD Counselor (Full-Time) (Victorville, CA)

Phoenix Houses of California•Victorville, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The AOD Counselor coordinates individual services for patients enrolled in Phoenix House adult and adolescent residential and outpatient programs, helping patients integrate medical care, substance abuse treatment, and other services into their treatment plans and transition successfully back into the community. In collaboration with the Clinical Manager, the counselor carries a patient caseload and coordinates care with the multidisciplinary treatment team, families, and external providers. The role includes assessment, treatment planning, individual counseling, facilitating evidence-based groups, crisis intervention, service coordination, advocacy, and maintaining timely and complete clinical documentation. The counselor also supports family involvement, helps clients access treatment and recovery resources, contributes to program operations and meetings, and follows applicable confidentiality requirements, agency policies, and licensing requirements. This position is based in an in-office clinical and residential environment. Travel may be required depending on location. The work may involve extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, or being on one’s feet, lifting or moving objects up to 25 pounds, occasional repetitive tasks, and participation in outdoor or recreational activities with clients. The position requires the ability to conduct First Aid and CPR in an emergency and to undergo regular health screenings.

Requirements

For AOD Counselor 1: High school diploma or equivalent and registration as an Alcohol and Drug (AOD) 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 (AOD) 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 yearly.
Demonstrated commitment to Phoenix House’s mission, vision, and values: Integrity, Collaboration, Appreciation, Respect, Excellence, and Forward-Thinking.
Proficiency in 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 to establish and consistently enforce appropriate boundaries with patients.
Ability to model positive behavior and demeanor.
Understanding of addiction, co-occurring models, treatment modalities, patient development, family systems, residential medical treatment, substance use disorder treatment practices, evidence-based group facilitation, and continuing care practices.
Strong time management and organizational skills.
Strong crisis management, conflict resolution, and de-escalation skills.
Flexibility, problem-solving, self-direction, customer service orientation, and ability to collaborate.
Ability to engage and develop rapport with patients and families from various backgrounds.
Ability to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds, with or without assistance.
Ability to conduct First Aid and CPR in an emergency.
Ability to undergo regular health screenings, including TB tests, COVID testing, and vaccinations as applicable.

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, including medical care, counseling, education, crisis intervention, family, collateral, and discharge services.
Provide individual counseling and facilitate evidence-based treatment groups for assigned cohorts.
Provide crisis intervention and respond to crises that may affect treatment, using 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, group notes, records, and communications as required by policy and external stakeholders.
Provide clinical consultation to referral resources, family members, and others supporting clients’ recovery.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, case conferences, community meetings, program gatherings, family gatherings, and required training.
Monitor client access to and involvement with treatment and other providers, and help address barriers to treatment and recovery.
Determine client appropriateness for services using ASAM criteria for substance abuse and/or dependence.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary treatment team to deliver clinical services.
Communicate with approved family members and encourage family involvement in parent education, Sunday Family Group, and visitation.
Model and support health, wellness, and healthy coping skills for clients.
Orient clients to the facility, including explaining rules, service availability, client rights, grievance procedures, and costs for which they may be responsible.
Use appropriate forms and instruments to assess client strengths and weaknesses.
Develop treatment plans with client participation, rank identified problems, establish goals, and determine treatment processes and resources.
Explore problems and their effects, including clients’ associated attitudes and feelings; examine alternatives and develop plans of action with clients.
Coordinate service delivery and advocate for access to other needed services.
Interface with referral agencies, including Substance Abuse Prevention and Control, County and Federal Probation Departments, and the Department of Health Care Services.
Communicate with the Nursing Department and consulting physicians to support timely, appropriate medical services.
Identify program needs and suggest improvements to the Clinical Manager and/or VP and Clinical Director.
Comply with local, state, and federal confidentiality laws and regulations.
Adhere to and promote Phoenix House’s mission, vision, and values and serve as a role model.
Perform other duties as assigned.