Substance Use Counselor I

COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTERS INC•Stockton, CA

11d•$22 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

Community Medical Centers (CMC) is seeking a Substance Use Counselor I to support patients experiencing substance use and dependence issues. Using a patient-centered approach, effective communication, and close supervision while learning to apply substance abuse counseling principles, the counselor helps patients cope with substance-related challenges and practical arrangements related to illness. The role uses social engagement strategies to establish trust and address barriers such as isolation, stigma, and mental health or substance use symptoms, along with sustained support and trauma-informed services. As part of the healthcare team, the counselor provides assessments, coordination, treatment planning, information and referrals to community resources, and other social work services. Services include mental health and substance use assessment, health-system navigation, housing and benefits advocacy, health coaching, referrals, brief treatment, pharmacy consultation, and supportive counseling. The counselor reports to the Associate Director of Substance Use. The position is located at CMC Mobile Unit #101 in Stockton, California, and is performed in an office environment within a clinic setting. It involves frequent contact with staff and the public and may be stressful, including interactions with upset people. The role may require sitting for long periods, stooping, bending, stretching, lifting up to 25 pounds, and driving to identified areas for presentations and other activities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Completion of an Alcohol and Substance Use Program, or current enrollment as a Registered Alcohol and Drug Trainee or Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician through an acceptable Substance Use Counselor organization.
Knowledge of chemical dependency, substance use, and the personality dynamics of substance users.
Microsoft Office program skills.
Valid California Driver’s License.
Current BLS Certificate or ability to obtain a BLS Certificate.
Knowledge of counseling principles and practices, community resources and referral agencies, and group dynamics.
Counseling, interviewing, communication, public speaking, and support-group facilitation skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, staff, and the public.
Ability to write reports that accurately reflect interventions and document progress.
Vision correctable to 20/40 and hearing within the normal range for telephone contacts.
Ability to drive to identified areas for presentations and other activities.

Responsibilities

Conduct individual counseling related to substance use, substance use treatment, and recovery services.
Transport or escort patients to and from hospital grounds for patient care activities.
Interview patients and families and conduct assessments to obtain psychosocial histories.
Conduct environmental and patient safety rounds.
Participate with the multidisciplinary treatment team in developing, implementing, and evaluating treatment or therapy approaches for patients and families across phases of substance use and/or mental health programs.
Maintain communication among patients, families, the care team, and other employees through appropriate channels, and help coordinate patient linkage with substance use recovery services.
Monitor and document client and patient progress in substance use and mental health recovery.
Promote interest in substance use and/or mental health fields by speaking before community groups.
Use effective communication and motivational interviewing techniques to obtain relevant psychosocial information from patients and families.
Identify financial, environmental, emotional, and social factors that contribute to a patient's condition or affect the ability of the patient and family or caregiver to benefit from care.
Create and implement social work treatment plans for patients and families or caregivers based on psychosocial factors and the patient's medical illness.
Conduct home visits to identify needs for equipment or services and arrange supportive services as appropriate.
Collaborate with primary care providers, the behavioral health clinician, the pharmacist, and other treatment-team members using a multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary approach.
Perform other duties as assigned.