Certified AOD Counselor II OTP Program, Shift: 5am-1:30pm

Clare Foundation, Inc.•Santa Monica, CA

20h•$25 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

CLARE|MATRIX (CM) is a nonprofit organization providing effective and compassionate treatment, recovery, and prevention services for alcoholism and substance use to individuals, families, and the community. Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, CLARE|MATRIX maintains multiple facilities in the Southern California region. Since 1970, CLARE|MATRIX has provided quality substance use and mental health treatment to individuals in treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in Southern California. Under general supervision, the AOD II Counselor provides proficient, trauma-informed Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counseling services to participants each day, guiding them through the early stages of recovery by providing assessments, counseling, education, crisis intervention within scope, and delivers structured education to support participant growth. The AOD II Counselor collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team, ensures clear and timely documentation, and contributes to a stable, recovery-oriented treatment environment.

Requirements

Successfully completed the requisite minimum hours of DHCS-approved SUD counselor education.
Maintains active certification through an approved California certifying body such as CCAPP.
Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.
Must meet all additional requirements mandated by applicable state or local regulations governing Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment services.
Demonstrates practical application and experience working with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) recovery models, evidence-based counseling approaches, and co-occurring mental health disorders as they apply to AOD counseling and treatment planning.
Demonstrates professionalism while providing proficient counseling, communication, organizational, and documentation skills, including the completion of accurate, timely clinical notes, facilitating group and individual counseling, and engaging participants in a trauma-informed and culturally responsive manner.
Maintains effective professional boundaries, sound judgment within scope, cultural humility, and adherence to ethical and regulatory standards.
Collaborates effectively with multidisciplinary team members and contributes to a positive, recovery-oriented treatment environment.
Applies the emotional maturity, resilience, and interpersonal awareness necessary to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals in recovery.
Effectively supports group dynamics, navigates challenging interactions, and works with diverse populations in a treatment setting.
Must be able to perform all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
All employees who have or may have contact with participants, or who work in food preparation, are required to complete a Health Screening Report or Health Questionnaire as part of onboarding.
The Health Screening Report must be completed and signed by a licensed medical practitioner to confirm the employee’s ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position.
All employees will also complete a confidential self-report health questionnaire in accordance with ADA/FEHA requirements.
A TB test must be completed under licensed medical supervision no more than 60 calendar days prior to hire or within 7 calendar days after hire and must be renewed annually based on the date of the last TB screening.
Employees with a known history of tuberculosis infection or a prior positive TB test are not required to undergo repeat TB skin or blood testing. Unless they have documentation confirming completion of at least six months of preventive therapy, they must obtain a chest X-ray within 45 calendar days of hire (a chest X-ray completed within the prior six months is acceptable) and provide a physician’s statement confirming they do not have active tuberculosis. This physician’s statement must be renewed annually. Repeat chest X-rays are not required unless clinically indicated.

Nice To Haves

May require transportation of participants between but not limited to program sites, partner locations, or medical services as needed.

Responsibilities

Conduct initial screenings to determine participant appropriateness and eligibility for SUD services.
Complete intake documentation and required consent forms, explain program expectations, and ensure all information is accurately entered into the Electronic Health Record.
Provide participants with clear explanations of program rules, schedules, participant rights and responsibilities, confidentiality requirements, and the overall goals and structure of treatment.
Gather information related to substance use history, social functioning, strengths, risks, and treatment needs, and assist with completing assessment tools.
Develop individualized, goal-oriented treatment plans with participants and update them as needed.
Facilitate group counseling and educational groups, and conduct goal-oriented individual counseling sessions.
Provide immediate support during participant crises within the counselor scope and notify supervisory or clinical staff when escalation is required.
Deliver educational content on substance use, recovery principles, wellness, community resources, and related topics.
Collaborate with supervisors, case managers, peer support staff, and other professionals regarding participant needs and treatment progress.
Perform medication observation by monitoring participant self-administration of prescribed medications, verifying accuracy, documenting in the Medication Administration Record (MAR), ensuring proper storage and preventing diversion, and promptly reporting any errors, irregularities, or concerns to clinical or nursing staff.
Act as an advocate for participants by assisting with problem-solving, identifying needs, and supporting access to appropriate services and supports.
Communicate and coordinate with internal staff, external providers, and community partners to support continuity of care.
Maintain regular contact with participants while in program according to guidelines and contract requirements.
Manage an assigned caseload of participants, ensuring timely contact, session frequency, treatment plan updates, and documentation requirements are met.
Participate actively in case conferences, staff meetings, multidisciplinary meetings, and collaborative discussions regarding participant needs, progress, and service plans.
Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant case management documentation in the Electronic Health Record.
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the Electronic Health Record, including progress notes, treatment plan updates, group notes, participant contacts, and all required service entries.
Ensure all participant charts meet contractual, regulatory, and CLARE|MATRIX standards.
Complete documentation in real time or within required timeframes.
Ensure all documented services meet billing requirements and accurately reflect the service provided.
Provide clear and concise shift reports or service summaries as required.
Adhere to all CLARE|MATRIX Policies and Procedures, program guidelines, and all state, county, local, and federal regulations.
Protect participant information by maintaining strict confidentiality and ensuring all records, conversations, and electronic data meet HIPAA and organizational privacy standards.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with participants in accordance with agency policies and ethical standards.
Follow all CLARE|MATRIX, OSHA, and CAL-OSHA health and safety regulations.
Complete incident reports accurately and in a timely manner.
Demonstrate effective and appropriate workplace communication.
Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, case conferences, one-on-one supervision meetings, training sessions, and team-building activities.
Work collaboratively with counselors, peers, case managers, nursing staff, and other program team members.
Maintain positive and professional relationships with community partners and collaborate with outside agencies.
Maintain a working knowledge and understanding of CLARE|MATRIX’s mission, vision, philosophy, and operating principles.
Contribute to a positive, safe, and team-oriented work environment.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.