Substance Abuse Counselor

General Summary:

The substance abuse counselor is a mental health counselor specializing in treating consumers who have a chemical dependency on drugs or alcohol. A substance abuse counselor works with the consumer to overcome dependencies and become self-sufficient, to collaborate with consumers to identify their needs and goals, and to help the consumer develop a customized treatment plan. The substance abuse counselor also works closely with the family of the consumer, as well as other providers. The Substance Abuse Counselor has experience working with those with serious emotional disturbance (SED), adults with serious mental illness (SMI), and individuals with Co-Occurring Disorders (COD).

Summary of Essential Duties:

• Provide Crisis Behavioral Health services, including 24-hour emergency crisis intervention
• Employ all evidence-based treatment models with fidelity to developer protocols.
•  Screen, Assess, Diagnose clients as foundation for person-centered treatment planning.
• Participate in reflective supervision of all cases, demonstrating progressive ability to critically assess own clinical work and actively engage with clinical supervisor.
• Timely completion of all documentation required for the CCBHC program.
• Consistent follow-up with all consumers, and as appropriate families, to promote engagement and retention in services and to ensure all barriers to service access and use are addressed.
• Assist clients in obtaining additional services as needed
• Work collaboratively with other agencies and outside providers to ensure seamless integration of services particularly for those with acute and complex needs.
• Participate in treatment and recovery team meetings to address needs of high-risk consumers.
• To work in cooperation with other providers, family, and others involved in the recovery plan.
• To attend staff meetings, staff training and development, Case Conferences, and Supervision.
• To observe all rules of confidentiality relating to clinical information and treatment, both internally and when dealing with external agencies and/or individuals.
• To be responsible for understanding clients’ rights and the organization’s policies and procedures.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the field of mental health, substance use, co-occurring disorders and peer recovery services

Job Specifications: (Knowledge, skills, abilities and experience normally required for competent performance)

Education and Knowledge

• Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor by the state of California. Minimum two (2) years SUD counseling experience in behavioral health setting.
• High School Diploma or GED required, Associate Degree or higher preferred.
• Successful completion of background screening; Preferred bilingual in English and Spanish
• Carries out and follows all SCFHC procedures

Skills and Knowledge

• Prefer a candidate with past or present consumer of substance abuse services with a history of successfully managing one’s own illness.
• Awareness of the importance of recovery in living with a mental illness and/or addiction problem.
• Excellent writing skills, ability to submit documentation on a set timeline.
• Demonstrated success working on an integrated care team.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel within Los Angeles County may be required

Licensure and Certifications

• Registered/Certified with CCAPP/CADTP