Behavioral Health & Recovery Counselor

Whole Person Care Clinic; Heber (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Whole Person Care Clinic is seeking a dedicated Behavioral Health & Recovery Counselor to join our Medical Respite/Recuperative Care team in Heber, CA. You will support clients with co-occurring disorders, safety monitoring, and recovery planning in a high-acuity setting.

Collaboration with case managers and medical staff is essential. The role requires trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and strong boundaries, with emphasis on recovery-oriented approaches and compassionate engagement for

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year experience in SUD, recuperative care, or behavioral health settings preferred.
• CADTP/CSUDC and BLS certifications encouraged; Spanish bilingual preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, supportive environment and monitor client status.
• Provide recovery-oriented support and relapse prevention strategies.
• Coordinate with medical and behavioral health teams to implement care plans.
• Document shift activities, incidents, and client progress in the EHR.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Cultural humility

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate/Bachelor in Social Work or related field

Tools

MS Office

EHR systems

Job description

Job Description

Our Mission:

AtWholePerson Care Clinic (WPCC), our mission is to provide holistic, compassionate, and accessible care that nurtures the physical, emotional, and social well-being of every individual we serve. Through an integrated approach that combines medical care, behavioral health services, and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, we address the full spectrum of patient needs.

Within our Medical Respite / Recuperative Care program, we support individuals experiencing homelessness who are recovering from acute illness, injury, or hospitalization—ensuring a safe environment for healing while promoting stability and long-term recovery.

Position Summary:

The Behavioral Health & Recovery Counselor is a frontline behavioral health, SUD-focused role responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, recovery-oriented environment within a medical respite / recuperative care setting. This position integrates behavioral health and substance use disorder support, post-acute care stabilization, and safety monitoring for vulnerable clients.

Clients served often present with co-occurring medical conditions, behavioral health needs, and substance use disorders. TheSafety and Stabilization Counselorplaysa key role in supporting recovery engagement and safe healing environments following hospital discharge.

This role requires strong judgment, emotional regulation, and the ability to balance awareness with safety oversight in a high-acuity care setting.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Has experience working withbehavioral health,SUD, co-occurring conditions, and medically vulnerable populations
• Applies a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, harm reductionapproach
• Demonstrates strong professional boundaries, communication, and reliability
• Remains calm and effective in high-acuity or crisis situations
• Supports both clinical goals and program safety expectations

This position works closely with case managers, SUD counselors, medical providers, and behavioral health staff to support client stabilization and recovery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Client Support & Crisis Response

• Create a safe and welcoming environmentwith clients using empathy,professionalismand cultural humility
• Maintain a safe and orderly environment through consistent monitoring of facility grounds
• Observe and report changes in medical or functional status to clinical staff
• Identifyand respond to medical, behavioral, and safety risks proactively
• Utilize de-escalation and non-violent crisis intervention techniques
• Respond to emergencies in coordination with clinical staff and emergency services
• Enforce program expectations consistently and therapeutically

Substance Use Disorder Support

• Provide recovery-oriented support, reinforcing treatment goals, relapse prevention, and harm reduction strategies
• Monitor for withdrawal symptoms, relapse risk, or substance use activity and elevate concerns appropriately
• Encourage participation in SUD services, groups, and recovery planning
• Support development of coping skills, structure, and recovery routines

Case Coordination & Team Collaboration

• Work closely with medicaland behavioral healthproviders, nurses, SUD counselors, and case managers to support care plans
• Communicate relevant updates on client status, risks, and engagement
• Participatein team huddles and care coordination meetings

Documentation & Compliance

• Completetimelyandaccuratedocumentation (shift logs, incident reports, client observations)
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, and program policies
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct in all interactions

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or GED– Required
• Associate’s orBachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Addiction Studies, or related field– Preferred

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of experience in SUD treatment, recuperative care, residential programs, or behavioral health settings
• Experience with homeless populations, medical vulnerability, and co-occurring disorders
• Knowledge of recovery principles, crisis intervention, and post-acute care support

Certifications or Licenses – Candidates must possess at least one of the following, or a combination where applicable:

• CADTP Registration or Certification (SUDRC or SUDCC) – Required at time of hire
• California Guard Card or PSO Registration – Company will provide
• BLS Certification – Required
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) – Preferred

Core Competencies

• Recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care
• Understanding of substance use and co-occurring conditions
• Ability to recognize and elevate medical or behavioral changes
• Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills
• Effective crisis management and de-escalation
• Cultural humility and adaptability in a high-acuity environment
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, EHR systems)

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking and monitoring of facility grounds
• Ability toassistwith basic client mobility and non-clinical needs
• Standing for extended periods and occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.)
• On-site work in a recuperative care setting with medically vulnerable individuals

Schedule and Travel Requirements

• Full-time (40 hours/week)
• Shift schedules may vary, including evening, overnight, and weekend availability

EEO / ADA Statement

WPCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment andcomply withall applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. WPCC provides reasonableaccommodationstoqualified individuals with disabilities.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover orcontaina comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilitiesrequiredfor the position. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.