SUD Counselor

McAlister Institute for Treatment & Education • Escondido, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

McAlister Institute is seeking a compassionate Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor to support clients through recovery. The position serves adult and/or teen programs and involves maintaining a client caseload, providing individual and group counseling, conducting assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and coordinating with clients’ support teams and community resources. The counselor reports to the site Program Manager and works with a multidisciplinary team. This is an on-site position.

Requirements

• Certified or Registered SUD Counselor (CAADE, CADTP, or equivalent required).
• Experience working with adult populations in a counseling or therapeutic setting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Empathy for and knowledge of the needs of clients with co-occurring conditions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in substance use treatment.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and ability to apply it in counseling.
• Proficiency in maintaining confidential client records and case documentation.
• Ability to remain calm and competent when communicating with medical professionals, lay persons, clients, and families, including during crisis or high-intensity situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency with EHR systems such as Welligent or Smartcare.
• Ability to meet agency and contract requirements related to trainings, public health, certifications, and reporting.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, listen without interrupting, regulate emotions under stress, remain open to others’ ideas, and try new things.
• Ability to pass pre-employment screening, including references, education verification, a criminal background check, a drug test, and a negative TB test; candidates must have at least one year clear of probation or parole.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application; visa sponsorship is not provided.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of two years’ experience in behavioral health services preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Demonstrated success working with clients referred through agencies such as the Probation Department, Child Welfare Services, Dependency Drug Court, and the criminal justice system preferred.

Responsibilities

• Uphold and promote McAlister Institute’s mission, philosophy, values, and direction.
• Maintain an active caseload and provide individual and group counseling in adult and/or teen programs.
• Conduct comprehensive, individualized screening and assessments, including the ASI and ASAM PCC, to identify client needs and develop treatment plans.
• Facilitate evidence-based, culturally competent, trauma-informed treatment programs and interventions tailored to the population served.
• Collaborate with social workers, therapists, case managers, medical professionals, and other members of a multidisciplinary team.
• Educate clients and their families about recovery and available resources.
• Coordinate with community resources and provide referrals when necessary.
• Perform other assigned duties as needed.
• Maintain confidential client records and case documentation and comply with agency and contract requirements related to training, public health, certifications, and reporting.

Benefits

• 13 paid annual holidays, including the employee’s birthday.
• 12 paid vacation days and paid sick leave.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 6% employer match.
• Health insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed