Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (3544)

Neighbor; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plan options

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Wellness programs

Employee assistance resources

Job summary

Father Joe’s Villages is seeking an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (I or II) in San Diego to provide intake, individual and group counseling, and develop individualized treatment plans within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities include counseling, crisis response, and coordinating with medical and community providers to ensure continuity of care and recovery readiness. A strong trauma-informed approach is valued.

Qualifications

• Associates 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 year of experience in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, residential treatment, or other high-acuity clinical settings.
• Level II requires: Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, residential treatment, or other high-acuity clinical settings.

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 experience

Education

Associate degree in a relevant field

Tools

CPR certification

Job description

Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (3544)# Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (3544)PMC - Paul Mirabile Center - San Diego, CA 92101## OverviewSalary Range$27.63 - $31.77 HourlyPosition TypeFull Time## DescriptionBring 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 Role * 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.## QualificationsWhat you’ll Bring * Associates 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 Villages Your 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 Benefits Pay 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 coverage* Retirement plan options* Paid time off* Professional development opportunities* Wellness programs* Employee assistance resources to support health and overall well-beingConditions of Employment Employment 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 Opportunity Father 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.