Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor

Harbor Community Clinic•Long Beach, CA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor reports to the Program Manager and provides counseling and care coordination services to individuals with substance use disorders. This role is responsible for conducting assessments, developing and implementing individualized treatment plans, facilitating individual and group counseling sessions, and supporting patients through recovery. The SUD Counselor collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and community partners to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Requirements

Active certification as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor (CADC or CATC) through a recognized California governing body.
Minimum one (1) year of experience in substance use disorder counseling or related field.
Current CPR and First Aid certification.
Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel between sites as needed.
Knowledge of addiction treatment principles, evidence-based practices, and behavioral health interventions.
Ability to conduct clinical assessments, develop treatment plans, and maintain accurate documentation.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Proficiency in computer systems for documentation, scheduling, and reporting.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Experience in a community health center, outpatient clinic, or integrated care setting.
Experience with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive assessments, screenings, and evaluations of patients.
Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patients and care teams.
Provide individual, group, and family counseling sessions using evidence-based practices (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Relapse Prevention, Seeking Safety).
Provide crisis intervention and support as needed.
Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation, including treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
Manage assigned caseload and monitor patient progress toward treatment goals.
Coordinate care with internal teams, including medical and behavioral health providers.
Process referrals and connect patients to SUD, MAT, and community-based services as appropriate.
Assist patients with navigating services and accessing community resources.
Communicate with utilization review (UR) and respond to documentation or authorization requests.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to care planning.
Build and maintain relationships with referral sources, community partners, and external agencies.
Support program growth by actively managing and maintaining caseload.
Verify insurance eligibility and ensure proper documentation for services.
Adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations related to substance use disorder treatment.
Maintain compliance with organizational policies, ethical standards, and confidentiality requirements (HIPAA).
Complete required trainings and maintain professional credentials.
Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and responsiveness in all interactions.
Perform other duties as assigned to support HarborCHC’s mission and operations.