Bilingual Substance Use Counselor (Spanish/English)

Northeast Valley Health; San Fernando (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeast Valley Health Corporation is seeking a Substance Use Disorder Counselor to work with patients battling addiction within an integrated medical/behavioral care team. The role provides counseling and supportive services to patients and their support networks, including referrals to external treatment resources as needed.

The position requires bilingual English/Spanish proficiency, a minimum high school diploma or GED, and CA SUD certification with at least two years' experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a High School diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Registered or certified Substance Use Counselor with California board with at least 2 years’ experience.
• If recovering from substance use/abuse, a minimum of 2 years sobriety is required.
• Must maintain current CPR certification per policy.
• Trained in counseling techniques including group facilitation and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of community resources for behavioral health and SUD treatment; Motivational Interviewing.
• Ability to communicate clearly with diverse communities; strong written and spoken English.
• Ability to identify barriers and plan appropriate actions during sessions.
• Empathy in patient interactions; use of values clarification and goal setting.
• Experience with transient populations, mental health issues, and socioeconomic impacts.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written) and Spanish (spoken, read, written).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, EHR, and database systems.
• Strong confidentiality in handling health information.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team and flexible scheduling.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and routine recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling and supportive services to patients to overcome addiction.
• Link patients to external treatment resources beyond primary care.
• Collaborate with an integrated medical/behavioral care team to improve outcomes.
• Adapt counseling approaches to trauma and socio-economic factors.
• Maintain accurate documentation in electronic health record systems.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Communication skills

Group counseling

Trauma-informed care

Motivational Interviewing

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Flexible scheduling

Client-centered approach

Cultural sensitivity

Documentation/record keeping

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certified Substance Use Counselor (CA Board)

Current California driver’s license

Tools

Electronic health record systems

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Database systems

Job description

Northeast Valley Health Corporation is seeking a Substance Use Disorder Counselor to work with patients battling addiction within an integrated medical/behavioral care team. The role provides counseling and supportive services to patients and their support networks, including referrals to external treatment resources as needed.

The position requires bilingual English/Spanish proficiency, a minimum high school diploma or GED, and CA SUD certification with at least two years' experience.