AOD Counselor

Phoenix Houses of California•Sylmar, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The AOD Counselor works at the Phoenix House site in the City of Commerce, California, and reports to the Clinical Manager. The role provides individual service coordination and counseling for patients in adult and adolescent residential and outpatient services, supporting treatment and successful transitions back into the community. In collaboration with the Clinical Manager and multidisciplinary team, the counselor manages a patient caseload and coordinates medical care, substance abuse treatment, and other services included in individual treatment plans. The counselor assesses patient needs, develops and reviews treatment plans, facilitates evidence-based treatment groups, provides crisis intervention, and coordinates access to supportive services. The position also involves maintaining clinical records and timely documentation, communicating with families and referral agencies, and helping patients address barriers to treatment and recovery. The role requires adherence to confidentiality requirements, agency policies, and Phoenix House’s mission, vision, and values. The position offers a shift of either 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. or 11:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Saturday or Sunday coverage is needed.

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 one is required for the position.
Obtain TB test clearance and update it annually.
Demonstrated commitment to Phoenix House’s mission, vision, and values: Integrity, Collaboration, Appreciation, Respect, Excellence, and Forward-Thinking.
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.
Ability 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, and family systems.
General understanding of residential medical-model treatment, substance use disorder treatment practices, evidence-based group facilitation, and continuing care practices that support successful discharge transitions.
Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
Strong crisis-management, conflict-resolution, and de-escalation skills.
Ability to be flexible, solve problems, work independently, provide customer service, and collaborate.
Ability to engage and develop rapport with patients and families from varied backgrounds.

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 treatment goals with supportive services.
Provide individual counseling services and facilitate evidence-based treatment groups for assigned cohorts.
Provide crisis intervention to clients, residents, and families, and respond to crises that may affect treatment.
Maintain an appropriate caseload and meet agency productivity and billable-hours expectations.
Submit timely progress notes, assessments, treatment plans, and other required clinical documentation.
Maintain progress notes, reports to referral agencies, discharge summaries, clinical case records, group notes, and communication logs.
Provide clinical consultation to referral resources, family members, and others supporting clients’ recovery.
Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, community meetings, and program and family gatherings.
Monitor client access to and involvement with treatment and other providers, and address barriers to treatment and recovery.
Determine clients’ appropriateness for services using ASAM criteria for substance abuse and dependence.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary treatment team to deliver clinical services.
Communicate with approved family members and facilitate family involvement 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 its rules, service hours, rights, grievance procedures, and potential costs.
Use appropriate assessment forms and instruments to identify clients’ strengths and needs.
Develop treatment plans with clients, rank identified problems, establish immediate and long-term goals, and determine treatment resources and processes.
Explore clients’ problems, associated attitudes and feelings, alternative solutions, and plans of action.
Coordinate service delivery and advocate for clients’ 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.
Coordinate with nursing staff and consulting physicians to support timely, quality medical services.
Identify program needs and suggest improvements to the Clinical Manager, VP, and/or Clinical Director.
Comply with local, state, and federal confidentiality laws and regulations.
Attend required staff training and complete training on time.
Adhere to and promote Phoenix House’s mission, vision, and values while serving as a role model.
Perform other duties as assigned.