Substance Use Counselor

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services•Culver City, CA

13d•$21 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Substance Use Counselor provides comprehensive intake assessments, individual, family, and group counseling to adults with substance use issues, and coordinates support services for clients’ case management needs. The counselor collaborates with other professionals to provide integrated mental health, physical health, and substance use treatment that is culturally congruent with clients’ needs. The role includes assessing, facilitating, and documenting counseling sessions and client progress and outcomes, while ensuring compliance with agency, state licensing, and other regulatory requirements. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Culver City, California, with work at Exodus Recovery Westside Mental Health Urgent Care Center. Candidates are required to be on site four to five days per week. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The pay range is $21.38–$24.59 per hour. Didi Hirsch invites candidates to ask about loan repayment programs for which they may qualify.

Requirements

Certified Substance Use Counselor with limited professional experience, or Registered Substance Use Counselor with 1–2 years of experience in the behavioral health field; experience focused on substance use is preferred.
Certification through a state-approved substance use certification agency.
Experience working with youth and adults in group presentations and process.
Sensitivity to ethnic and cultural differences.
Experience with community organization, program planning, and implementation.
Knowledge of substance use prevention and community resources.
Working knowledge of case management and the ability to conduct or facilitate individual and group counseling sessions for appropriate clients.
Support Didi Hirsch’s values and mission and comply with its policies and procedures, HIPAA, DMH and Child and Family Services policies and documentation guidelines, and applicable state and federal regulations.
First Aid and CPR certification is required for all Residential counselors. Non-certified individuals hired into the position must be willing to complete a certification course within 30 days of employment and maintain current certifications throughout employment.
Current knowledge of job-specific skills, including mental health programming, psychiatric crisis intervention, documentation, group and individual counseling, and multicultural and socioeconomic issues.
Basic advocacy skills.
Ability to present ideas, information, and viewpoints clearly, verbally and in writing.
Ability to use a personal computer, word-processing software, and electronic chart system software efficiently.
Ability to work varied hours, including evenings, nights, and weekends, and to arrange the schedule to benefit the program.
Ability to use analysis, experience, and judgment to make decisions within policies and practices.
Commitment to team objectives and Didi Hirsch philosophies, and ability to adapt to changing needs by acquiring new skills and knowledge.
Current California driver’s license, car insurance, and a driving record acceptable to the Agency’s insurance carrier.
Ability to work on site four to five days per week at Exodus Recovery Westside Mental Health Urgent Care Center.

Nice To Haves

Behavioral health experience focused on substance use is preferred.
Ask about loan repayment programs for which you may qualify by working at Didi Hirsch.

Responsibilities

Conduct and facilitate individual and group substance use prevention education, awareness, and counseling sessions for adults or adolescents with a history of substance use.
Provide routine case management, including assessment, intake, crisis intervention, and exit interviews.
Coordinate and exchange client-related information with the Department of Mental Health, Department of Child and Family Services, criminal justice services, public health, and other community agencies and resources.
Maintain documentation of counseling and substance use and other services, ensuring compliance with Didi Hirsch policies, procedures, contracts, and regulatory requirements.
Supervise program participants and assist with conflict resolution and medication compliance as needed.
Develop and refine program curricula and materials.
Maintain and develop counseling skills through seminars, workshops, training, and education.
Attend and actively participate in team, staff, and community meetings, as well as supervision and consultation.
Collaborate with professionals to support integrated mental health, physical health, and substance use treatment that meets clients’ cultural needs.
Assess, facilitate, and document group and individual counseling sessions, including client progress and outcomes.