Lead SUD Counselor (PM Shift)

Mission Edge•San Diego, CA

11h•Onsite

About The Position

Stepping Stone of San Diego is a nonprofit specializing in LGBTQIA+ addiction recovery, mental health, and housing programs. Its 31-bed, County-funded Drug Medi-Cal residential treatment program provides 24-hour care through counselors, peer support, mental health services, and wrap-around services. The Lead SUD Counselor helps manage the residential facility alongside the Co-Lead SUD Counselor, supporting daily operations and compliance with DMC-ODS health and safety guidelines. The role supervises and trains frontline SUD counselors, leads staff meetings, manages treatment and staffing schedules, and supports resident care. The position reports to the Program Manager and has an assigned caseload of 2–3 residents. The role is based at Stepping Stone’s Central Avenue location in San Diego and works the PM shift. Work is primarily indoors, with some client work outdoors. Flexible hours, on-call crisis management, and evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience supervising a team.
Maintain active registration through CCAPP, CAADE, or CADTP, with completion and certification within 5 years of hire.
Assure timely renewal of credentials.
Current CPR/First Aid certification, or obtain it within 90 days of hire.
ASAM training, or complete it within 10 days of hire.
Cultural competency and understanding of social determinants of health affecting LGBTQI+ communities.
Strong verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and in a group setting.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and shifting priorities in a residential setting.
Ability to work productively in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent time management skills and ability to complete tasks and documentation on time and meet program, state, and county deadlines.
Ability to work flexible hours, including days, nights, and weekends as needed, and be on call.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Ability to regularly lift 15 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising an SUD team.
Experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
1–2 years of experience serving clients in a human services setting.
Previous experience working in an SUD residential program.
Experience with SmartCare or other electronic health records.
Experience with Optum SUDPOH county forms used for AOD documentation.
Written and spoken bilingual fluency in Spanish and English.
Completion of SUD credentialing educational requirements.

Responsibilities

Supervise SUD counselors and residential support staff, directing daily operations, workflow, staffing, and group coverage.
Ensure the residential environment meets health, safety, clinical, DMC-ODS, and organizational standards.
Oversee residential staff duties, medication audits, room searches, transportation, and other daily program operations.
Develop and manage weekly SUD staffing, medication call, residential testing, and program group curriculum schedules, with support from the Co-Lead SUD Counselor and Program Manager.
Arrange or provide staff coverage for call-outs, vacations, and holiday leave.
Provide addiction recovery counseling, case management, and SUD assessments for an assigned caseload of 2–3 residents, and maintain current residential problem lists.
Conduct weekly Treatment Team meetings and Leadership Groups to support resident progress, accountability, and recovery.
Communicate with the multidisciplinary team to support coordinated resident care and program integrity.
Address and resolve resident and staff concerns, interpersonal conflicts, and behavioral issues; escalate safety or clinical concerns to the Program Manager as needed.
Participate in on-call crisis management.
Process and review UA results, report findings, maintain associated files, and maintain in-house UA supplies.
Coordinate approved off-site activities, including at least one structured house activity per quarter, and manage resident outside meeting schedules and transportation with approved drivers.
Review and approve weekly payroll for direct reports.
Support county and state audits, inspections, and compliance reviews, and ensure practices and documentation meet applicable requirements.
Train, coach, and mentor staff on policies, procedures, clinical practices, and program expectations; support onboarding of new SUD staff.
Maintain client confidentiality and Protected Health Information in compliance with HIPAA, applicable laws, and organizational policies.
Attend required meetings and trainings, perform additional duties as needed, and model professional leadership, accountability, ethical conduct, and sound clinical judgment.