Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Turning Point of Central California, Inc. • Bakersfield, CA

56d • $22 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor reports to the Supervising SUD
Counselor and provides evidence-based substance use treatment and case
management services to justice-involved adults residing in the Male Community
Reentry Program (MCRP). The SUD Counselor delivers individual and group
counseling, conducts comprehensive assessments, develops and implements
individualized treatment plans, and provides ongoing case management to support
residents’ recovery efforts. As the MCRP is designed to assist individuals in
transitioning from incarceration to successful community living, the SUD
Counselor plays a critical role in facilitating this process through structured
residential treatment, reentry-focused services, and coordinated support.

Requirements

• Must have a current AOD certification/license from a certifying body approved by the State of California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), and maintain good standing OR
• Must be currently registered to provide AOD counseling services from a certifying body approved by the State of California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and maintain good standing and obtain certification within one year of hire.
• Certified Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselors are required to complete 50 hours of biannual SUD training approved by a DHCS‑recognized accrediting body. Registered Counselors who register on or after January 1, 2026, must complete and submit documentation of 80 hours of approved education in core competency topics within six (6) months of their initial registration date. All certified and registered staff must meet all training and educational requirements established by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and their respective certifying organizations.
• Understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and exercise sound judgment in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
• Adherent to HIPPA regulations, 42 C.F.R Part 2, and agency protocols for handling Protected Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Health Information (PII), ensuring confidentiality and data security.
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with staff and program participants.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including monitor staff, program leadership, and external partners.
• Maintain accurate records, files, and databases.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software application programs.
• Knowledge of substance abuse, addictions, and related disorders, and ability to effectively provide educational groups regarding the treatment of these disorders.
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with program clients.
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
• Must have experience in group counseling.
• Must have experience in counseling utilizing the cognitive behavior modification modality.
• Ability to write substantive and grammatically correct treatment plans, case/clinical notes and discharge summaries.
• Intermediate computer skills in Office 365, Teams, Zoom and other communication/meeting platforms.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a dependable means of transportation that is properly insured and operated in accordance with all laws. Agency insurer authorization is required.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and TB test.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, or behavioral intervention strategies, preferred.
• CPR and First Aid Certification Preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an assigned caseload of up to 18 Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) Residents and ensure all SUD Counseling and Case Management activities align with the CDCR contract requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes documenting resident behavior, interventions, and changes to Individualized Treatment Plans (ITPs)
• Conduct comprehensive resident orientations upon intake, ensuring residents understand program rules, expectations, and available services. Educate residents on program procedures and expectations, reinforcing accountability, and promoting successful reintegration.
• Conduct initial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans that address residents’ criminogenic needs including behavioral patterns, antisocial personality traits, criminal thinking patterns, peer associations, family dynamics, educational and vocational goals, substance use, and reentry needs such as financial stability, housing, social support, and transportation. All assessments and ITP must include input and approval from the Supervising SUD Counselor.
• Develop individualized, comprehensive treatment plans for all assigned residents and conduct treatment plan reviews every thirty days for each case to ensure compliance and continuity of care.
• Provide individual and group counseling geared toward the client’s specified goals and objectives in their individualized Treatment Plan.
• Ensure availability for one-on-one meetings with residents as needed to address emerging needs or concerns.
• Attend team meetings and Case Review Team (CRT) meetings and other scheduled meetings as directed by the Management Team.
• Plan, organize, and implement special groups and seminars for residents as needed.
• Assist the residents in appropriate utilization of referral services.
• Deliver case management services, as required, to address resident needs and promote successful treatment outcomes.
• Maintain complete and compliant resident files in accordance with MCRP contract requirements. Ensure all documentation is current, filed promptly, and organized to reflect accurate and timely case activity. Document progress and all services in the residents file (including employment effort/status, case conference results).
• Act as a resource to residents by offering guidance and information on community-based education, vocational training, and employment opportunities.
• Provide assistance to residents in preparing pass requests and conduct thorough reviews of each request to verify accuracy and maintain accountability.
• Verify the accuracy, completeness, confirmation of appointment, and verify the path of travel to and from the Kennemer site for non-work or educational related passes.
• Review weekly ARMS reports to monitor participant compliance with required programming hours and support the implementation of the corrective action plan as needed.
• Verify and document the approval status of visitors to ensure compliance with MCRP visitation and family reunification requirements.
• Assist residents with reintegration planning, including discharge planning, community reintegration strategies, relapse prevention, and coordination with supervision agencies. Provide effective case management by ensuring residents have timely access to essential services upon release, including medical care, behavioral health treatment, and stable housing support.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in accordance with (contracting and licensing organizations, i.e. CDCR, PREA, DHCS) and agency policies.
• Handle, store and transmit Protected Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in compliance with HIPAA, 42 C.F.R. Part 2, and agency policies.
• Will think and act quickly and efficiently in emergencies.
• Will drive on Agency business.
• Physical presence at the program is required.

Benefits

• Pay Range: Class 135 ($22.21 - $29.23/hour)
• Company paid benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Employee Assistance Program, Pension Fund and many other voluntary benefits
• Qualified non-profit for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees