SUD Counselor

LA FAMILIA•Merced, CA

7d•$27 - $31•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, the substance abuse counselor will be assigned to the Full Service Partnership (FSP) program, providing comprehensive substance abuse treatment including intake/assessments/ individual services, group, family counseling, psychoeducation, case management, and any other relevant services from being an integral part of the FSP program implementing the ACT and FACT services to clients who have abuse issues and or co-occurring disorders. The SUD counselor will work closely with the FSP team and Merced County BHRS supporting clients in their recovery and improving their daily functioning and reducing the need for residential treatment and/or inpatient placement. The SUD Counselor will meet deliverable expectations and requirements of the program. This role will uphold and champion the agency’s mission, vision, and values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work culture. This position is covered under the SEIU 1021 Collective Bargaining Agreement. In addition to the established base pay, members will receive negotiated annual increases as follows: January 2027: 3% base pay increase Future increases will be subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

Drug and Alcohol Certification (must be either a "CADC" from CCAPP, or "CATC" from CAADE, please list this designation and number clearly after candidate name on resume/C.V.)
Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred
Knowledge of alcohol and drug prevention and recovery/treatment programs and principles
Knowledge of the effects of alcohol and drug abuse
Knowledge of and sensitive to the needs of the Latino and African American Community
Demonstrates and models excellent “customer service” orientation and ability to work with diverse populations
Exercises extreme discretion with the ability to hold, balance, and transmit public and confidential information needed by various parties
Proficient in MS Office and Google Workspace products
Valid CA Driver’s license required
Auto insurance: If your vehicle is used for business-related purposes, it is recommended that you inform your auto insurance carrier
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds frequently
Ability to stand and move from one location to another daily
Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
Ability to visually focus on near and far items, and to be able to switch between them
Ability to reliably report to work on time and perform the position's required tasks as scheduled
Ability to grasp and carry items
Ability to hear and effectively communicate with co-workers, clients, and the public
Ability to identify potential issues within the workplace, determine an appropriate means of avoiding and/or resolving the issues, work with others to address the issues, and carry out organized strategies for resolving and preventing similar issues in the future
Ability to process information and data for use within the organization

Nice To Haves

Experience in non-profit and community-based organizations preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct initial screenings, intakes and assessments
Formulate treatment plans in collaboration with clients and other significant partners
Conduct individual, group, and family counseling sessions as clinically indicated and in compliance with the ACT and FACT guidelines
Assessing and tracking clients’ stages of change readiness and stages of treatment
Utilize Outreach and motivational interviewing techniques
Provide assessment and appropriate referrals to clients for educational, training, and other supportive services as needed
Maintain all client files including timely documentation as defined by program contract
Represent clients and advocate on their behalf with probation officers, law officials, etc.
Maintain and submit all program documentation and reports in an accurate and timely manner
Actively identify and engage new clients by developing relationships with referral sources and guiding/implementing grassroots outreach strategies
Develop community resources for clients and family members
Be an integral part of the Merced FSP program
Attend collaborative meetings with other agencies
Plan, develop and implement educational, social and recreational activities for clients
Develop and complete compliance reports or performance reports as assigned
Participate in all agency activities, meetings, training, events, etc.
Modeling skills, attend Team daily Huddle
Complete other duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor
Participate in Recovery Incentives as assigned by Program Supervisor
Following all site equipment storage and security protocols
Communicate with site leaders regarding supply needs
Support facility management and daily maintenance routines, including cleanliness and sanitation protocols
Prioritize patient and staff safety at all times, following protocols and procedures as communicated by site leadership
Attend trainings and participate in events relevant to key responsibilities
Track and regularly report on key metrics for the responsible function areas
Leads and collaborates on projects supporting Agency objectives
Demonstrates cultural awareness and provides respectful, client-centered care
Maintains knowledge of community resources for client referrals
Attend work regularly, adhering to policies on absences and tardiness
Understands and applies legal requirements, including confidentiality and risk management
Accurately record work hours each day by clocking in/out at scheduled start, break, lunch, and end times
Take all required meal and rest breaks in compliance with state, federal, and agency policies
Review and submit timesheets by established deadlines to ensure timely payroll processing
Notify supervisor promptly of any scheduling conflicts, absences, tardiness, or timekeeping issues
Maintain consistent and reliable attendance to support team and program operations
Follow organizational policies and procedures related to overtime, schedule changes, and paid/unpaid leave
Correct and/or report any timekeeping discrepancies immediately to the supervisor for resolution
Viewed by others as an effective team member who is flexible, cooperative, and willing to assist others, and acts as a resource to team members and clients, where appropriate
Handles difficult or conflict situations constructively and seeks appropriate assistance
Accepts accountability and constructive feedback
Attends all mandatory meetings and staff meetings as required, and actively participates in other departmental professional development, including providing training and consultation
Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with fellow employees, supervisors, managers in other departments, senior management, executive staff, and community stakeholders
Handles requests, suggestions, and complaints from other departments and individuals in a tactful and effective manner to maintain goodwill within the agency

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits with 95% employee and 80% dependent employer premium contributions
Employer-paid life insurance
Vacation
15 paid holidays
12 paid sick days upon accrual
Employee Assistance Plan to support you and your family’s well-being and finances
Pet Plan Benefit: PetPlus Product and Prescription Discounts, Pet Assure Veterinary Discounts, AskVet 24/7 Pet Telehealth, and ThePetTag Lost Pet Recovery Service
403(b) retirement plan
Work-life wellbeing & excellent work hours
Flexible scheduling options, including hybrid work arrangements
License and Certification renewals reimbursed
Supportive/Collaborative work environment
Opportunities for Growth and Professional Development
Structured mentorship and ongoing training