Substance Use Counselor

Acadia•Chula Vista, CA

19d•$29 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

Chula Vista Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers, provides medication-assisted treatment for people seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder. The Substance Use Counselor provides compassionate, high-quality care through individual and group counseling, supporting patients throughout treatment and recovery. The role is full time, Monday through Friday, from 5:30 AM to 2:00 PM, in Chula Vista, California. The stated hourly compensation range is $29.00–$38.00. The counselor plans and documents patient recovery, develops treatment plans, conducts assessments, evaluates needs and referrals, provides crisis intervention and case management, and coordinates with referral sources. The role may also include aftercare planning and co-facilitating family or group sessions. A high school diploma or equivalent and AOD registration from a California-approved counselor certification organization are required. AOD certification is preferred. A bachelor's or master's degree in a social or health services field is also preferred. Relevant experience and knowledge include addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, MAT, substance-use counseling, evidence-based practices, clinical documentation, regulatory standards, and multidisciplinary teamwork.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
AOD registration from a California-approved Counselor Certification Organization (CAADE, CADTP, or CCAPP).
Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient, residential, or correctional facilities.
Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
Experience conducting individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use recovery.
Knowledge of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention techniques.
Experience maintaining clinical notes, treatment plans, and progress updates in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
Familiarity with state regulatory standards, including 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, and Joint Commission standards.
Experience collaborating with a multidisciplinary team that includes medical staff, case managers, and peer support specialists.
Degree, if held, must be from an accredited college or university.

Nice To Haves

AOD certification from a California-approved Counselor Certification Organization (CAADE, CADTP, or CCAPP).
Bachelor's or master's degree in a social or health services field.

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate guidance in individual and group counseling sessions.
Plan, oversee, facilitate, and document patients' recovery.
Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
Complete documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents in a timely, clear, and concise manner.
Prepare individual treatment plans for assigned patients.
Conduct initial and follow-up assessments.
Evaluate patient needs and determine whether referrals to other programs or facilities are needed.
Plan aftercare for assigned patients as needed.
Provide crisis intervention to patients as needed.
Provide case management to ensure individualized, quality care as needed.
Act as a liaison between referral sources and patients as needed.

Benefits

Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Competitive 401(k) plan.
Paid vacation and sick time.
Employer-paid clinical supervision.
Free and unlimited access to more than 500 accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering continued support for employee lifestyle and well-being.
Early morning hours described as offering work/life balance.
Opportunity for growth.
Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility.