Counselor I

Behavioral Health Services•Pomona, CA

12h

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director/Supervisor, the Counselor I provides treatment and recovery services to participating clients, monitors and documents treatment progress, supports clients, maintains ethical and evidence-based care, and participates in treatment team activities. The role includes substance use screening, individualized care planning, evidence-based group and individual services, recovery support, coordination with providers and community resources, and accurate treatment documentation. The Counselor I may perform toxicology testing, take and record vital signs, and, when assigned to residential programs, monitor withdrawal management clients and observe medication self-administration. The role also includes responding to crises and emergencies within scope of practice, supporting clients with practical needs, promoting safety, maintaining regulatory compliance and confidentiality, and participating in supervision, training, treatment planning, and quality improvement activities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency.
Registered and/or enrolled in a state-recognized substance use counselor certification program.
Six months of substance abuse experience.
Completion of required 80 hours of continuing education in accordance with AB 2473 when applicable.
Maintain registration in good standing.
Obtain an NPI number and EMR system enrollment within 30 days of employment.
Ability to operate required computer programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, an electronic timekeeping system, and an electronic learning management system, upon hire or demonstrate competency within 90 days of employment.
Valid California driver’s license and liability insurance if driving a personal or company vehicle on BHS business.
Adequate vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination to perform job duties.
Ability to sit at a desk, use a keyboard, write, perform other physical job duties, and move about the facility to observe clients and staff.
Complete annual TB requirements and maintain good standing.
Ability to demonstrate professional judgment and decision-making, including recognizing when to seek supervision or consultation.
Familiarity with and practice of the 12 core competencies for SUD counselors.
Ability to document effectively using required note structures, such as SOAP or GIRP.
Ability to recognize symptoms and develop knowledge of appropriate treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders, including mental and medical health conditions.
Ability to identify and respond appropriately to crises within scope of practice, including overdose, behavioral challenges, contraband protocol, and emergency codes.
Ability to screen and/or assess acute intoxication and withdrawal symptoms within scope of practice.
Ability to meet assigned productivity standards.
Ability to recognize personal biases with diverse populations and maintain cultural sensitivity.
Ability to adhere to professional standards.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive substance use screening, care planning, and treatment activities.
Develop individualized care plans with clients and the treatment team.
Provide evidence-based services, such as 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 and take and record vital signs as needed; chart relevant information.
For residential assignments, make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours for withdrawal management clients and document and record withdrawal symptoms.
For residential 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 administering anti-overdose medication as needed), and acute intoxication.
Occasionally provide client transportation, including for DPSS and other linkages.
Report and record observed changes in client condition or behavior, including unusual incidents.
Identify, report, and assist with the management of emergencies.
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, and program planning.
Contribute to agency quality assurance and improvement initiatives.
Maintain professional boundaries and standards; treat clients with respect, care, and concern; and comply with confidentiality requirements.
Maintain familiarity with BHS policies, procedures, and applicable regulations and perform duties accordingly.
Represent BHS professionally, answer phones courteously, direct calls appropriately, and take messages.
Facilitate client external communication as approved by a supervisor.
Attend meetings and trainings and participate in committees as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.