Counselor I/ II/ III

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC•Gardena, CA

6d•$24 - $32

About The Position

The Counselor I/II/III provides substance use screening, care planning, and treatment to clients. The role includes developing individualized care plans with clients and the treatment team; providing evidence-based services such as CBT, MI, DBT, and Seeking Safety; and supporting relapse prevention, life and coping skills, discharge and aftercare planning, and recovery support. The level of knowledge expected varies by classification, from developing general knowledge at Counselor I to advanced working knowledge at Counselor III. Counselors coordinate with medical providers, social services, and community resources; monitor client progress; and maintain accurate treatment records. Duties may include toxicology testing and taking and recording vital signs. In residential programs, counselors conduct rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours for withdrawal-management clients and document symptoms, and observe and document clients’ self-administration of medications. The role also includes helping clients with benefits, housing, vocational, and community reintegration needs; responding safely and within scope of practice to behavioral crises and medical emergencies; and occasionally transporting clients. The position requires compliance with applicable regulatory, accreditation, and confidentiality standards; participation in safety programming, treatment meetings, clinical supervision, training, and quality-improvement activities; and maintaining professional boundaries and respectful client care. Counselor III additionally provides coaching, consultation, training, or development for new or entry-level staff and participates in a lead capacity in treatment team meetings, case conferences, and program planning.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency.
Counselor I: Be registered and/or enrolled in a state-recognized substance use counselor certification program; have six months of substance abuse experience; complete the required 80 hours of continuing education in accordance with AB 2473 when applicable; and maintain registration in good standing.
Counselor II: Be certified by a state-recognized substance use counselor certification body, have at least two years of substance abuse experience, and maintain certification in good standing.
Counselor III: Be certified by a state-recognized substance use counselor certification body, have at least five years of substance abuse experience, and maintain certification in good standing.

Nice To Haves

Counselor III: Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; an associate degree plus related experience may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

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 and 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 on 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 requirements.
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 medications as needed—or 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 managing 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 and care, and comply with confidentiality requirements.
Follow BHS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations, and represent BHS professionally.
Answer phones courteously, direct calls, 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.
Counselor III: Coach, consult with, train, or develop new or entry-level staff within scope of practice; attend and/or facilitate supervision and participate in a lead capacity in treatment team meetings, case conferences, and program planning; model professional boundaries and standards.