Counselor I/ II

Behavioral Health Services•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Counselor I/II provides substance use screening, individualized care planning, and treatment to clients in individual and/or group settings. Counselors support recovery through evidence-based services, relapse prevention, life and coping skills, discharge and aftercare planning, and coordination with medical providers, social services, and community resources. The role includes monitoring client progress, maintaining treatment records, conducting toxicology testing and recording vitals as needed, and supporting clients with benefits, housing, vocational, and community reintegration needs. For residential assignments, counselors conduct 30-minute rounds for 72 hours for clients receiving withdrawal management, document withdrawal symptoms, and observe and document client self-administration of medications. Counselors respond within their scope of practice to behavioral and medical emergencies, suicidal ideation, overdose, and acute intoxication. They also help maintain facility safety, comply with regulatory, accreditation, and confidentiality requirements, participate in clinical supervision and treatment meetings, and contribute to quality improvement activities. Counselor I is expected to develop general knowledge of evidence-based practices, addiction medications, co-occurring disorders, community resources, and treatment philosophies. Counselor II applies working knowledge in these areas. Both levels are expected to maintain professional boundaries, treat clients respectfully, follow organizational policies and applicable regulations, and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Counselor I: 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: High school diploma or equivalency.
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, such as CBT, MI, DBT, and Seeking Safety, to assigned individual and/or group 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 vitals as needed, and chart relevant information.
For residential assignments, make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours for withdrawal management clients and document withdrawal symptoms.
For residential assignments, observe and document clients' self-administration of medications.
Ensure compliance with applicable 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 transportation for 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 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, program planning, and agency quality assurance and improvement initiatives.
Maintain professional boundaries, treat clients with respect and concern, and comply with confidentiality requirements.
Follow BHS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations, and 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.