Counselor I/ II/III

Behavioral Health Services•Gardena, CA

About The Position

This role involves providing comprehensive substance use screening, care planning, and treatment activities. Counselors will develop individualized care plans in collaboration with clients and the treatment team, and provide evidence-based services such as CBT, MI, DBT, and Seeking Safety to their caseload. Responsibilities include supporting clients with relapse prevention, life and coping skills, discharge and aftercare planning, and recovery support. Counselors will also coordinate with medical providers, social services, and other community resources, monitor client progress, and maintain accurate and timely treatment records. Depending on the program assignment, duties may include performing toxicology testing, taking vitals, making rounds on withdrawal management clients, observing medication self-administration, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. Counselors will assist clients with benefits, housing, vocational, and community reintegration needs, and respond to behavioral crises and medical emergencies. They may also provide transportation for clients and participate in safety programming. Continuous learning through supervision, clinical meetings, and continuing education is expected, along with participation in treatment team meetings and quality assurance initiatives. Maintaining professional boundaries, treating clients with respect, and complying with confidentiality requirements are paramount. The role also includes general administrative duties such as answering phones and facilitating client external communication.

Requirements

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalency.
Registered and/or enrolled in a state-recognized substance use counselor certification program, with six months of substance abuse experience, with completion of required 80 hours of continuing education in accordance with AB 2473 when applicable. Maintain registration in good standing. (Counselor I)
Certified by a state-recognized substance use counselor certification body, with at least 2 years of substance abuse experience. Maintain certification in good standing. (Counselor II)
Certified by a state-recognized substance use counselor certification body, with at least 5 years of substance abuse experience. Maintain certification in good standing. (Counselor III)
Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferred. AA degree plus related experience in lieu of degree. (Counselor III)

Nice To Haves

Develop general knowledge of evidence-based practices, medications for addiction treatment, co-occurring disorders, community resources, self-help support, and treatment philosophies. (Counselor I)
Apply working knowledge of evidence-based practices, medications for addiction treatment, co-occurring disorders, community resources, self-help support, and treatment philosophies. (Counselor II)
Apply advanced working knowledge of evidence-based practices, medications for addiction treatment, co-occurring disorders, community resources, self-help support, and treatment philosophies. (Counselor III)
Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferred. (Counselor III)

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive substance use screening, care planning, and treatment activities.
Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with clients and treatment team.
Provide evidence-based services (e.g., CBT, MI, DBT, Seeking Safety) to assigned group and/or individual caseload.
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 (e.g., daily activities, service entries, intake and discharge documentation, etc.).
Perform toxicology testing, take and record vitals as needed; chart relevant information.
For Counselors assigned to residential programs, make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours on withdrawal management clients, document and record withdrawal symptoms.
For Counselors assigned to residential programs, observe and document client self- administration of medications.
Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including but not limited to DMH, DHCS, SAPC, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, CARF, etc.
Assist clients with benefits, housing, vocational, and community reintegration needs.
Respond to behavioral crises, medical emergencies, suicidal ideation, overdose including administration of anti-overdose medications as needed, or acute intoxication safely, within scope of practice.
Occasionally provide transportation for clients including DPSS and other linkages.
Report and record any changes observed in client condition or behavior, including unusual incidents.
Identify, report, and assist with the management of emergencies.
Participate in safety programming to promote client and staff safety.
Maintain health and safety standards of facility.
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.
Comply with confidentiality requirements at all times.
Maintain familiarity with BHS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations; perform job duties accordingly.
Represent BHS well in all contacts.
Courteously answer phones, appropriately directing calls and taking messages.
Facilitate client external communication as approved by supervisor.
Attend meetings and trainings and participate in committees as assigned.
Other duties as assigned.
Provide coaching, consultation, training, or development of new or entry-level staff within their scope of practice (Counselor III only).