Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Special Service for Groups- HOPICS•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

Under the direction of the DMC Program Supervisor, the Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor provides individual and group services to Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) clients. The role includes conducting intakes and assessments, treatment planning, individual counseling within the counselor’s scope of practice, and recovery services through discharge. Services are provided using evidence-based practices and may be delivered in English and Spanish according to client needs. The counselor documents services and client progress, enters information into the designated EHR/PCNX system, administers drug tests in accordance with required protocols, and maintains client records in compliance with HIPAA, CFR 42, and funding requirements. The position requires collaboration with clients and community partners, participation in supervision, meetings, training, and behavioral health team activities, and the ability to work with people experiencing homelessness and clients with diverse and complex needs. This is a non-exempt, full-time position with a stated pay range of $29.00–$33.00 per hour. Overtime, holiday, or weekend work may be required as assigned. The role has no supervisory duties. The work may involve high-crime areas, possible exposure to infectious diseases, and interaction with aggressive or hostile clients. It also requires readiness to work through crises and situations that may trigger personal trauma. The incumbent may need to sit, stand, type, write, walk, drive, listen, and speak, and must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Five years of substance use disorder counselor work experience.
Certification as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor through an approved certifying board: CAADE, CCAPP, or CADTP.
Knowledge of DSM-V substance abuse criteria.
Knowledge of 12-step programs.
Ability to manage group settings.
Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.
Annual TB test clearance.
Valid driver’s license and proof of current car insurance.
Reliable transportation.
If in recovery, at least three years free from drugs and alcohol is mandatory.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally in Spanish to provide treatment to Spanish-speaking clients.
Ability to work effectively with adults with co-occurring substance use, histories of abuse, and mental, physical, or developmental disabilities.
Ability to work with clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to motivate and communicate effectively with individuals receiving substance use disorder counseling or treatment.
Ability to perform effectively in unpredictable situations, crises, constant distractions, interruptions, and changing priorities or schedules.
Ability to process information, think, and conceptualize, and to deal effectively with personal trauma that may be triggered.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Verification of employment eligibility and successful background check.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in providing substance use disorder treatment in both English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide individual and group substance use disorder counseling using evidence-based practices.
Provide case management and care coordination services.
Collaborate with clients to develop and complete treatment-planning documents and implement treatment plans.
Collaborate with clients to develop and implement relapse-prevention plans.
Provide services in English and Spanish as required by client needs.
Document progress notes within 24 hours of service and maintain daily documentation in accordance with standards of care.
Enter client data into the designated EHR/PCNX system.
Administer drug tests, urinalysis, and toxicology testing according to applicable protocols and procedures.
Meet or exceed the agency’s 70 percent productivity standard.
Maintain client service files and records in compliance with HIPAA, CFR 42, and other funding and audit requirements.
Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to SSG’s Code of Ethics, HOPICS’ Core Values, and agency policies and principles.
Represent the agency professionally at meetings and community events.
Participate in weekly individual or group supervision.
Participate in required meetings, training, collaborations, and Behavioral Health Team meetings; discuss, educate, present, or evaluate presenting issues as needed.
Attend other meetings, training sessions, and seminars as needed to perform the role.
Provide support for administrative and data-related information technology functions.
Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or designated agency leaders.
Work with people experiencing homelessness and adults with co-occurring substance use, histories of abuse, and mental, physical, or developmental disabilities.
Communicate and collaborate with staff, courts, the Department of Children and Family Services, law enforcement, and community agencies.
Work overtime, holidays, or weekends when assigned.