AOD Counselor

Center Point, Inc.; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Center Point, Inc. in San Rafael, California, is seeking a Counselor to support program participants in their community reintegration. The role involves working directly with individuals and providing group services using evidence-based practices like Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Interventions.

Candidates should possess relevant certifications such as AOD Registered Counselor or Certified Peer Support Specialist and experience with justice-involved or behavioral health populations. Strong interpersonal skills and a valid California Driver’s License are required.

Qualifications

• Experience working with justice-involved populations or substance use disorder treatment services preferred.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to pass DOJ background check and TB Test.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with participants and community providers.
• Provide individualized and group services.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Interpersonal communication

Intermediate computer skills

Ability to maintain documentation

Culturally responsive services

Gender-responsive services

Education

AOD Registered Counselor certification

Peer Support Specialist certification

AOD Certified Counselor certification

Job description

About The Job

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Counselor works directly with program participants, community-based providers, and government agencies to support participants in successfully navigating their community reintegration and recovery processes. Through strength-based participant engagement, the Counselor assists participants in addressing barriers related to reentry, substance use, relapse prevention, housing instability, employment, life stressors, and other obstacles that may impact long-term success and stability.

This position provides individualized and group services utilizing evidence-based and participant-centered practices, including, but not limited to, Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, Information and Referral, Advocacy, and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care. Counselors are responsible for maintaining timely and accurate documentation and delivering services in accordance with Drug Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal standards of practice and care.

This role works face-to-face with participants and may incorporate lived experience, recovery support principles, and rehabilitative approaches to enhance participant engagement and outcomes. Counselors are expected to promote culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and gender-responsive services while maintaining professional and ethical standards of conduct.

Counselor Levels:

Counselor I – AOD Registered Counselor

• Registered with an approved California certifying organization as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor.
• Must remain in good standing and continue progression toward certification requirements.

Counselor II – Certified Peer Support Specialist

• Current Peer Support Specialist Certification from a granting institution endorsed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA).
• Lived experience with criminal justice involvement, behavioral health systems, substance use recovery, or related life experience strongly preferred.

Counselor III – AOD Certified Counselor

• Current certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor through a DHCS-approved certifying organization.
• Experience providing SUD counseling, group facilitation, case management, and recovery support services preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working with justice-involved populations, behavioral health systems, and/or substance use disorder treatment services preferred.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Intermediate computer skills required.
• Ability to maintain timely and accurate documentation.
• Must meet security clearance requirements.
• Must successfully pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) Live Scan background check.
• Must possess a current TB Test.
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License, maintain a relatively clean driving record, and be insurable under the organization’s automobile insurance carrier.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Ability to promote culturally responsive and gender-responsive services.
• Ability to comply with applicable ethical and professional standards of conduct.

Work Schedule

• Tuesday - 3 PM to 11:30 PM.
• Wednesday - 3 PM to 11:30 PM.
• Thursday - 3 PM to 11:30 PM.
• Friday - 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Saturday - 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

About Center Point, Inc

Center Point’s mission is to provide comprehensive social, educational, vocational, medical, psychological, housing, and rehabilitation services to combat social problems such as substance abuse, poverty, unemployment, and homelessness. Center Point offers rehabilitation and treatment services that interrupt the abusive cycles of psychological, social, and economic dislocation by providing critical training and support so that individuals and families can claim self-worth and dignity.