Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor

Father Joe's Villages; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, & vision coverage

Retirement plan options

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Wellness programs

Job summary

Father Joe's Villages is seeking AOD Counselor I or II to deliver intake interviews, assessments, and both individual and group counseling for clients in detox and early recovery. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to develop and update individualized treatment plans and support ongoing recovery efforts.

The role requires an associates degree or equivalent, California driver’s license, CPR, and active progress toward state registration.

Qualifications

• Associates degree, completion of substance use disorder counselor education requirements, or an equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience.
• Current registration with CADTP, CAADE, or CCAPP, or eligibility with active progress toward registration and certification requirements.
• CPR certification, or ability to obtain within the required timeframe upon hire.
• Valid California driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client intake interviews and clinical assessments to understand substance use history, psychological needs, treatment goals, and barriers to recovery.
• Provide individual counseling and facilitate psychoeducational, therapeutic, and recovery-focused group sessions to support stabilization, coping skills, and recovery readiness.
• Collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary team members to develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans.
• Monitor client progress, identify changes in treatment needs, and adjust counseling approaches and interventions as appropriate.
• Respond to client distress, withdrawal-related challenges, and behavioral health crises using trauma-informed intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Coordinate with nursing, behavioral health, case management, and community providers to support integrated care and continuity of services.
• Transport clients to medical appointments, treatment providers, and other approved locations as needed.

Skills

Counseling

Trauma-informed care

Group facilitation

De-escalation techniques

Individual counseling

Education

Associates degree / SUD counselor education requirements

Tools

CADTP / CAADE / CCAPP registration

Job description

Bring your clinical skills. Bring your compassion. Help people take the next step toward recovery.As an AOD Counselor I or II, you will provide counseling, guidance, and support to individuals navigating substance use disorders during detox and early recovery. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team to help clients work through the challenges of stabilization, build recovery skills, and connect with ongoing treatment and community resources.We are hiring at either the I or II level based on your qualifications and level of clinical independence:AOD Counselor I – Developing Counselor Level.AOD Counselor II – Experienced Counselor Level.The RoleConduct client intake interviews and clinical assessments to understand substance use history, psychological needs, treatment goals, and barriers to recovery.Provide individual counseling and facilitate psychoeducational, therapeutic, and recovery-focused group sessions to support stabilization, coping skills, and recovery readiness.Collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary team members to develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans.Monitor client progress, identify changes in treatment needs, and adjust counseling approaches and interventions as appropriate.Respond to client distress, withdrawal-related challenges, and behavioral health crises using trauma-informed intervention and de-escalation techniques.Coordinate with nursing, behavioral health, case management, and community providers to support integrated care and continuity of services.Transport clients to medical appointments, treatment providers, and other approved locations as needed.What you’ll BringAssociates degree, completion of substance use disorder counselor education requirements, or an equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience.Experience providing or supporting individual and/or group counseling services is preferred.Current registration with CADTP, CAADE, or CCAPP, or eligibility with active progress toward registration toward registration and certification requirements.CPR certification, or ability to obtain within the required timeframe upon hire.Valid California driver’s license.Must be at least 21 years old.Level I requires:Minimum of one (1) year of experience in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, residential treatment, or other high-acuity clinical settings.Level II requires:Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, residential treatment, or other high-acuity clinical settings.Why Father Joe’s VillagesYour work will make a direct impact by providing support during a critical stage of treatment, helping clients build connections to ongoing care, and creating opportunities for a healthier future.Compensation and BenefitsPay for this position is based on experience, qualifications, position level, and internal equity. The anticipated starting pay ranges are:AOD Counselor I: $24.00 - $27.61 per hour.AOD Counselor II: $27.63 - $31.77 per hour.Father Joe's Villages offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:Medical, dental, and vision coverageRetirement plan optionsPaid time offProfessional development opportunitiesWellness programsEmployee assistance resources to support health and overall well-beingConditions of EmploymentEmployment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre- and post-employment requirements, which may include background checks, health screenings, license or certification verification, and other role-related requirements following a conditional offer of employment.Equal Employment OpportunityFather Joe's Villages is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.