Counselor I/ II
About The Position
The Counselor I/II conducts substance use screening, care planning, and treatment for clients, including individualized care plans and evidence-based group and individual services such as CBT, MI, DBT, and Seeking Safety. The role supports relapse prevention, life and coping skills, discharge and aftercare planning, and recovery support, while coordinating with medical providers, social services, and community resources. Counselors monitor client progress and maintain accurate treatment documentation, perform toxicology testing, and take and record vital signs as needed. Residential-program assignments include making rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours with withdrawal management clients, documenting withdrawal symptoms, and observing and documenting clients’ self-administration of medication. The position helps clients address benefits, housing, vocational, and community reintegration needs; responds safely and within scope of practice to behavioral crises, medical emergencies, suicidal ideation, overdose, and acute intoxication; and may occasionally transport clients. Counselors report changes in client condition and unusual incidents, help manage emergencies, maintain facility health and safety, and comply with applicable regulatory, accreditation, and confidentiality requirements. The role also includes supervision, clinical meetings, continuing education, treatment-team participation, quality-improvement activities, professional communication, and other assigned duties. Counselor I is expected to develop general knowledge of evidence-based practices, medications for addiction treatment, co-occurring disorders, community resources, self-help support, and treatment philosophies. Counselor II applies working knowledge in these areas.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalency.
- Counselor I: Be registered and/or enrolled in a state-recognized substance use counselor certification program.
- Counselor I: Six months of substance abuse experience.
- Counselor I: Complete the required 80 hours of continuing education in accordance with AB 2473 when applicable.
- Counselor I: Maintain registration in good standing.
- Counselor II: Certification by a state-recognized substance use counselor certification body.
- Counselor II: At least two years of substance abuse experience.
- Counselor II: Maintain certification in good standing.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive substance use screening, care planning, and treatment activities.
- Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with clients and the treatment team.
- Provide evidence-based services, including CBT, MI, DBT, and Seeking Safety, to assigned group and/or individual caseloads.
- Support clients with relapse prevention, life and coping skills, discharge and aftercare planning, and recovery support.
- Coordinate with medical providers, social services, and other community resources.
- Monitor client progress and maintain accurate, timely treatment records and progress notes, including daily activities, service entries, and intake and discharge documentation.
- Perform toxicology testing, take and record vital signs as needed, and chart relevant information.
- For residential-program assignments, make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours with withdrawal management clients and document withdrawal symptoms.
- For residential-program assignments, observe and document client self-administration of medications.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including DMH, DHCS, SAPC, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and CARF.
- Assist clients with benefits, housing, vocational, and community reintegration needs.
- Respond safely and within scope of practice to behavioral crises, medical emergencies, suicidal ideation, overdose, including administration of anti-overdose medications as needed, and acute intoxication.
- Occasionally provide transportation for clients, including DPSS and other linkages.
- Report and record changes in client condition or behavior, including unusual incidents; identify, report, and assist with emergency management.
- Participate in safety programming and maintain facility health and safety standards.
- Attend supervision, clinical meetings, and continuing education to maintain credentials.
- Participate in treatment-team meetings, case conferences, program planning, and agency quality assurance and improvement initiatives.
- Maintain professional boundaries and standards, treat clients with respect and concern, and comply with confidentiality requirements.
- Maintain familiarity with BHS policies, procedures, and applicable regulations, and perform duties accordingly.
- Represent BHS professionally, answer and direct phone calls courteously, take messages, and facilitate client external communication as approved by a supervisor.
- Attend meetings and trainings, participate in committees as assigned, and perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Health, vision, and dental insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Basic life and AD&D insurance
- Employee assistance program
- 401(k) plan
- Paid holidays plus one floating holiday
- Paid sick time
- Two weeks of paid vacation time
- Counselor sign-on and retention bonus
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
