Counselor I/ II

Behavioral Health Services•Pomona, CA

About The Position

The Counselor I/II conducts substance use screening, care planning, and treatment activities, working with clients and the treatment team to develop individualized care plans. The role provides evidence-based services to individual and group caseloads and supports clients with relapse prevention, coping and life skills, discharge and aftercare planning, and recovery support. Counselor I develops general knowledge of evidence-based practices, addiction medications, co-occurring disorders, community resources, self-help support, and treatment philosophies; Counselor II applies working knowledge of these areas. Counselors coordinate with medical providers, social services, and community resources; monitor client progress; and maintain accurate, timely treatment documentation. Duties may include toxicology testing and taking and recording vitals. In residential programs, counselors conduct rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours for withdrawal-management clients and document withdrawal symptoms, and observe and document clients’ self-administration of medications. The position includes responding safely and within scope to behavioral crises, medical emergencies, suicidal ideation, overdose, and acute intoxication. Counselors assist clients with benefits, housing, vocational, and community reintegration needs, and may occasionally transport clients for DPSS and other linkages. They maintain facility health and safety, follow regulatory and accreditation requirements, protect confidentiality, uphold professional boundaries, participate in supervision, meetings, training, quality improvement, and safety programming, and carry out other assigned duties.

Requirements

Counselor I: Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency.
Counselor I: 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: Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency.
Counselor II: Certified 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, including 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 and take and record vitals as needed; chart relevant information.
In residential programs, make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours for withdrawal-management clients and document withdrawal symptoms.
In residential programs, observe and document client 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 medications as needed—or acute intoxication.
Occasionally provide transportation for clients, including 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, care, and concern; comply with confidentiality requirements.
Maintain familiarity with BHS policies, procedures, and applicable regulations, and perform duties accordingly.
Represent BHS professionally, answer and direct phone calls courteously, 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.