Counselor I

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC•Pomona, CA

2d•$24 - $26•Onsite

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 position conducts substance use screening, care planning, and treatment; provides individual and group services; supports relapse prevention and recovery; coordinates with providers and community resources; and maintains accurate treatment records. Counselors may perform additional duties in residential programs, including withdrawal-management rounds and observing client self-administration of medication. The role also supports client safety, responds to crises within scope of practice, contributes to quality improvement, and maintains confidentiality and professional standards.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Registered and/or enrolled in a state-recognized substance use counselor certification program.
Six months of substance abuse experience.
Completion of the 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, electronic timekeeping, and electronic learning management systems, 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, move about the facility to observe clients and staff, and physically perform other job duties.
Complete annual TB testing and maintain good standing.
Ability to demonstrate professional judgment and decision-making, including recognizing when supervision or consultation is needed.
Ability to demonstrate familiarity with and practice the 12 core competencies for SUD counselors.
Ability to document effectively using required note structures such as SOAP and 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 protocols, 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 when working with diverse populations, maintain cultural sensitivity, and adhere to professional standards.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive substance use screening, care planning, and treatment activities.
Develop individualized care plans collaboratively 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.
Develop general knowledge of evidence-based practices, medications for addiction treatment, co-occurring disorders, community resources, self-help support, and treatment philosophies.
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, conduct rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours for withdrawal-management clients and document and record withdrawal symptoms.
For residential assignments, observe and document clients’ 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—or acute intoxication.
Occasionally transport clients, including for DPSS and other linkages.
Report and record observed changes in client condition or behavior, including unusual incidents.
Identify, report, and assist with managing emergencies; participate in safety programming and maintain facility health and safety standards.
Attend supervision, clinical meetings, continuing education, treatment team meetings, case conferences, program planning, meetings, and trainings; participate in assigned committees.
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 and follow BHS policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
Represent BHS professionally, courteously answer and direct phone calls, take messages, and facilitate client external communication as approved by a supervisor.
Perform other duties as assigned.