Safety Stabilization Counselor (SSC)

Whole Person Care Clinic•Heber, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Safety & Stabilization Counselor is a frontline behavioral health, SUD-focused role responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, recovery-oriented environment within a medical respite / recuperative care setting. This position integrates behavioral health and substance use disorder support, post-acute care stabilization, and safety monitoring for vulnerable clients. Clients served often present with co-occurring medical conditions, behavioral health needs, and substance use disorders. The Safety and Stabilization Counselor plays a key role in supporting recovery engagement and safe healing environments following hospital discharge. This role requires strong judgment, emotional regulation, and the ability to balance awareness with safety oversight in a high-acuity care setting. The ideal candidate is someone who: Has experience working with behavioral health, SUD, co-occurring conditions, and medically vulnerable populations Applies a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, harm reduction approach Demonstrates strong professional boundaries, communication, and reliability Remains calm and effective in high-acuity or crisis situations Supports both clinical goals and program safety expectations This position works closely with case managers, SUD counselors, medical providers, and behavioral health staff to support client stabilization and recovery.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Minimum 1 year of experience in SUD treatment, recuperative care, residential programs, or behavioral health settings
Experience with homeless populations, medical vulnerability, and co-occurring disorders
Knowledge of recovery principles, crisis intervention, and post-acute care support
CADTP Registration or Certification (SUDRC or SUDCC) – Required at time of hire
California Guard Card or PSO Registration – Required at time of hire
BLS Certification – Required
Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, EHR systems)

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Addiction Studies, or related field
Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Responsibilities

Create a safe and welcoming environment with clients using empathy, professionalism and cultural humility
Maintain a safe and orderly environment through consistent monitoring of facility grounds
Observe and report changes in medical or functional status to clinical staff
Identify and respond to medical, behavioral, and safety risks proactively
Utilize de-escalation and non-violent crisis intervention techniques
Respond to emergencies in coordination with clinical staff and emergency services
Enforce program expectations consistently and therapeutically
Provide recovery-oriented support, reinforcing treatment goals, relapse prevention, and harm reduction strategies
Monitor for withdrawal symptoms, relapse risk, or substance use activity and escalate concerns appropriately
Encourage participation in SUD services, groups, and recovery planning
Support development of coping skills, structure, and recovery routines
Work closely with medical and behavioral health providers, nurses, SUD counselors, and case managers to support care plans
Communicate relevant updates on client status, risks, and engagement
Participate in team huddles and care coordination meetings
Complete timely and accurate documentation (shift logs, incident reports, client observations)
Maintain compliance with HIPAA, and program policies
Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct in all interactions