Counselor I/ II/III

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC•Alondra Park, CA

1d•$24 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves providing counseling services to clients with substance use disorders. The role encompasses screening, care planning, evidence-based treatment delivery, and client support. Responsibilities include coordinating with external providers, maintaining accurate records, responding to crises, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The specific level (I, II, or III) will depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience, with higher levels involving more advanced knowledge, potential leadership, and training responsibilities.

Requirements

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalency.
Counselor I: 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 II: 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 III: Certified by a state-recognized substance use counselor certification body, with at least 5 years of substance abuse experience. Maintain certification in good standing.

Nice To Haves

Counselor III: Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferred.
Counselor III: AA degree plus related experience in lieu of 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 (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.
Perform toxicology testing, take and record vitals as needed, and 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 (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, 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.
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.
Provide coaching, consultation, training, or development of new or entry-level staff (Counselor III).
Participate in a lead capacity in treatment team meetings, case conferences, and program planning (Counselor III).
Maintain and model professional boundaries and standards (Counselor III).