Substance Abuse Counselor

BUILDING FUTURES • San Leandro, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The key responsibilities of the Substance Abuse Counselor include intake, assessment, treatment, documentation, and connecting clients with resources like support groups or housing, often with an emphasis on relapse prevention and supporting the client's family. This position will report to Program Director and work closely to ensure that proper service offerings are available for adult individuals referred to the program for substance abuse issues.  The Substance Abuse Counselor must be flexible in their schedule and proactively work with staff and clients. This position will be located at the Lewelling Site in San Leandro. This person must be detail-oriented, organized, skilled in conflict management, written and verbal communication, and be able to perform with multiple interruptions and multitask projects.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree or equivalent professional experience in social work or related field
• Substance Use Disorder Certification in the State of California
• Minimum of three years of experience working in the substance abuse field with strong knowledge of the Alameda County geography.
• Experience and knowledge of the challenges associated with working with the homeless.
• Knowledge of counseling theories and techniques.
• Well versed in conflict management tactics.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a face-paced environment, while maintaining calm under pressure.
• Some supervisory skills and the ability to manage and promote a positive work environment.
• Ability to build supportive and respectful working relationships with staff and clients alike.
• Possess an understanding of and practice cultural sensitivity through open dialogue and self-exploration with diverse groups, while providing direct services.
• Ability to effectively intervene in crisis situations, with de-escalation techniques.
• Proven ability to work independently and as a team, being an effective and collaborative.
• Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback, practice non-violent communication, and effectively utilize insight and self-reflection in a leadership role.
• Valid California Driver’s License and access to personal automobile.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to work with immigrant communities a plus.
• Bi-lingual skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Complete alcohol and drug assessments which meet program expectations.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate services
• Complete and actively monitor an Individual Service Plan for each client on the assigned case load.
• Provide individual counseling as assigned and according to program expectations.
• Facilitate weekly psychoeducation groups to clients/residents around mental health and substance use needs and ways to create healthy lifestyle 
• Ensure comprehensive case management for clients in partnership with case managers served on individual case load 
• Provide staff training as appropriate for agency needs
• Provide, or make available, crisis intervention for clients on assigned case load.
• Provide alcohol and drug counseling services off-site as assigned.  
• Complete professional documentation legibly and I a timely manner
• Attend and participate appropriately in required supervision. 
• Attend and participate in required agency/department/team meetings and case conference 
• Seek and participate in activities which promote best practices in alcohol and drug services. 
• Promote positive relations within the agency and community. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager/director.

Benefits

• Building Futures offers competitive salary based on experience and skills of employees. Additionally, the agency provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, employee self-managed 403b retirement benefits, ancillary benefits, access to Flexible Spending Accounts, and generous leave benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees