Part-Time Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Ritter Center•San Rafael, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Ritter Center is hiring a part-time Substance Use Disorder Counselor for its Behavioral Health Department and Safety Net program. Based at the organization’s main campus in San Rafael, California, the position is 20 hours per week, non-exempt, and non-benefited, and reports to the Lead SUD Counselor. The counselor works with clients to develop and implement treatment plans and provides alcohol and other drug assessments, referrals, individual counseling, and group counseling. The role supports clients in exploring problems and their effects, considering their attitudes and feelings, and identifying solutions that support informed decision-making. It calls for strong interpersonal communication, engagement, administrative skills, and knowledge of alcohol and drug treatment options. Ritter Center’s mission is to prevent and resolve homelessness and improve the health, dignity, and well-being of people living in poverty in Marin. Its staff combine national clinical best practices with a whole-person care approach addressing medical and mental health, housing, and food needs. Employment requires a background check and Livescan fingerprinting, a negative TB test before the start of employment, and COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations unless an applicable exemption is granted.

Requirements

Must be registered or certified by the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE), California Association of Drinking Driver Treatment Programs (CADTP), or California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP).
Strong group, individual, documentation, and administrative skills.
Must be able to produce a negative TB test before the start of employment.
Must be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless applying for an exemption, in accordance with the stated California healthcare-facilities public order.
Must receive the influenza vaccine unless applying for a qualified medical or religious exemption.
Must complete a background check and Livescan fingerprinting.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Psychology or a related field.
At least two years of experience in drug and alcohol counseling, or one year of experience for master’s-level clinicians.
Pre-licensed status through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (AMFT, ASW, or APCC) or full licensure (LMFT, LCSW, or LPCC). Clinical supervision will be provided for pre-licensed individuals.

Responsibilities

Develop problem lists, progress notes, group notes, ASAM assessments, and discharge plans for clients.
Facilitate one to two groups per week, including process, didactic, and specialty-focus groups; one to two evening groups are required.
Use basic Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Relapse Prevention Therapy, or other evidence-based practices for substance use disorders.
Work in a trauma-informed and harm-reduction manner of care.
Carry a caseload of 10–15 clients across Intensive Outpatient, Outpatient, and Recovery Services levels of care.
Serve as a backup coordinator for the Contingency Management/Recovery Incentives Program.
Communicate client progress with referral sources.
Prepare and present alcohol and drug awareness lectures.
Conduct client intake assessments and Comprehensive Substance Abuse Evaluations.
Observe and monitor client behavior and intervene according to schedules, individual treatment plans, and program needs.
Facilitate assigned groups, meetings, and activities on time and according to the program schedule.
Maintain client records and document all client appointments daily in clinical charts in accordance with Cal AIM documentation standards.
Orient new clients to the program.
Maintain the confidentiality of clients’ identifying information.
Attend scheduled program staff meetings and present cases to the treatment team for feedback on best-practice interventions.
Prepare to provide services on schedule and in accordance with therapeutic expectations and industry standards.
Maintain appropriate boundaries with residents and refrain from unnecessary self-disclosure.