Substance Use Disorder Counselor

NORTHEAST VALLEY HEALTH CORPORATION • San Fernando, CA

2d

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Director of Behavioral Health or designee, the Substance Use Disorder Counselor works with patients/individuals who are addicted to a wide variety of substances. The Substance Use Counselor provide counseling and supportive services to patients and their support system(s) to overcome their addiction and provides linkage such as referring to external agencies for treatment beyond the scope of primary care. The Substance Use Counselor is part of the integrated medical/behavioral care team and works with a variety of other care team members to improve positive outcomes.

Requirements

• Minimum of a High School diploma or equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
• Registered or certified Substance Use Counselor with Addiction Counselor Board of California.
• Minimum of at least 2 years of experience in the alcohol and drug counseling field.
• If recovering from substance use/abuse, a minimum of 2 years’ sobriety is required.
• Must maintain a current Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation certification, in compliance with corporate CPR Policy.
• Trained in counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources available to assist in the treatment of behavioral health and substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of Motivational Interviewing.
• Ability to understand and communicate with all segments of the community.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Ability to obtain facts and to identify what is relevant and satisfactory.
• Ability to identify and analyze situations accurately and to plan an appropriate course of action.
• Fluency in English (speaks, read and write).
• Fluency in Spanish (speaks, translate, read and write).
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, etc.), electronic health record systems, and database systems.
• Thorough working knowledge of business English, spelling, punctuation, and contemporary general office practices and procedures.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Sensitivity to the different cultures represented among NEVHC staff and patients.
• Demonstrated ability to listen and communicate with others in a professional and caring manner including sensitivity with individuals from diverse cultures and lifestyles.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities for tasks to work effectively in spite of interruptions and under minimal supervision.
• Self-starter, reliable and dependable.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the electronic health record database within three months of attending training session(s).
• Ability to solve problems and make routine recommendations.
• Current California driver’s license, appropriate insurance coverage and a driving record acceptable to the NEVHC’s insurance carrier (if required to drive on the job).

Nice To Haves

• Experience or working knowledge with the transient population, mental health issues and its social-economic impact.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling and supportive services to patients and their support system(s) to overcome addiction.
• Refer patients to external agencies for treatment beyond the scope of primary care.
• Work as part of an integrated medical/behavioral care team with various care team members to improve positive outcomes.
• Conduct health education classes related to substance use topics.
• Facilitate groups, conduct individualized and patient-centered care.
• Be mindful of the impact of trauma and socioeconomic disparities of the patient.
• Identify and evaluate barriers during individual and group sessions.
• Identify the impact of trauma on patients' social-emotional wellbeing and health.
• Perform job duties with empathy towards patients.
• Utilize techniques such as values clarification, life goal setting, and other pertinent group techniques.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality about healthcare and other patient/client information.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
• Compliance with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED