Counselor I- Master's Level

Behavioral Health Services; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 43,000; Part time

Job summary

Behavioral Health Services in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Counselor I - Master’s Level on a seasonal basis. The role involves delivering treatment and recovery services, conducting assessments, and supporting clients across multiple settings.

Under supervision, you will develop care plans, provide evidence-based services (CBT, MI, DBT, Seeking Safety), monitor progress, and coordinate with medical and community resources while maintaining regulatory compliance and ethics.

Qualifications

• Counseling certification is required.
• Minimum 1-2 years of counseling or mental health experience.
• Experience with diverse populations & cultural sensitivities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to conduct assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Proficient in crisis intervention & conflict resolution.
• Familiarity with ethical and legal standards in counseling.
• Proficient with electronic health records and relevant software.

Responsibilities

• Conduct screening, assessment, care planning, and treatment for clients.
• Develop individualized care plans with clients and treatment team.
• Provide evidence-based services (e.g., CBT, MI, DBT) to caseload.
• Support relapse prevention, coping skills, and aftercare planning.
• Coordinate with medical providers and community resources.
• Document treatment records and progress notes.
• Perform toxicology testing and record vitals as needed.
• Maintain safety protocols and respond to emergencies within scope.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Assessments & treatment planning

Crisis intervention

Cultural sensitivity

Team collaboration

Electronic health records (EHR)

Education

Counseling certification

Tools

Electronic health records (EHR)

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: Experienced

Job Location: Hawthorne, CA 90250

Position Type: Seasonal

Salary Range: $28.00 - $31.50 Hourly

Job Shift: Day

Statement of Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director/Supervisor, the Counselor I - Master's Level provides treatment and recovery services to participating clients, monitors, documents, and supports client treatment progress, maintains ethical and evidence-based care, and participates in treatment team activities.

Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive substance use screening, assessment, care planning, and treatment activities, inclusive of co-occurring disorders
• Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with clients and treatment team
• Provide evidence-based services (e.g., CBT, MI, DBT, Seeking Safety) to assigned group and/or individual caseload
• Support clients with relapse prevention, life and coping skills, discharge and aftercare planning, and recovery support
• Coordinate with medical providers, social services, and other community resources
• Monitor client progress and maintain accurate and timely treatment records and progress notes (e.g., daily activities, service entries, intake and discharge documentation, etc.)
• Perform toxicology testing, take and record vitals as needed, chart relevant information
• For Counselors assigned to residential programs, make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours on withdrawal management clients, document and record withdrawal symptoms.
• For Counselors assigned to residential programs, observe and document client self- administration of medications.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including but not limited to DMH, DHCS, SAPC, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, CARF, etc.
• Assist clients with benefits, housing, vocational, and community reintegration needs
• Respond to behavioral crises, medical emergencies, suicidal ideation, overdose including administration of anti-overdose medications as needed, or acute intoxication safely, within scope of practice
• Occasionally provide transportation for clients including DPSS appointments and other linkages.
• Report and record any changes observed in client condition or behavior, including unusual incidents. Identify, report, and assist with the management of emergencies.
• Participate in safety programming to promote client and staff safety. Maintain health and safety standards of facility.
• Attend supervision, clinical meetings, and continuing education to maintain credentials.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, case conferences, and program planning.
• Contribute to agency quality assurance and improvement initiatives.
• Maintain professional boundaries and standards. Treat clients with respect, care, and concern. Comply with confidentiality requirements at all times.
• Maintain familiarity with BHS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations; perform job duties accordingly. Represent BHS well in all contacts.
• Courteously answer phones, appropriately directing calls and taking messages. Facilitate client external communication as approved by supervisor.
• Attend meetings and trainings, and participate in committees as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Counselor I - Master's Level Competencies and Performance Expectations

• Ability to complete the above major tasks, duties, and responsibilities.
• Ability to demonstrate professional judgment and decision-making, including the ability to recognize and seek out supervision and/or consultation when required.
• Ability to demonstrate familiarity with and practice of 12 core competencies for SUD counselors.
• Ability to demonstrate and apply knowledge of evidence-based practices, medications for addiction treatment, community resources, self-help support, and treatment philosophies, and advanced knowledge of co-occurring disorders.
• Ability to effectively document within the required note structures (e.g., SOAP, GIRP, etc.)
• Ability to recognize the symptoms and develop knowledge of appropriate treatment associated with substance use and co-occurring disorders (i.e., mental health, medical health, etc.)
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to a crisis within scope of practice including but not limited to overdose, behavioral challenges, contraband protocol, emergency codes, etc.
• Ability to screen and/or assess for acute intoxication and withdrawal symptoms within scope of practice.
• Ability to meet productivity standards as assigned.
• Ability to recognize personal biases within diverse populations. Maintain cultural sensitivity at all times.
• Ability to adhere to professional standards.

QualificationsRequired Education:

• Counseling certification.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a counseling or mental health setting.
• Experience working with diverse populations and understanding of cultural sensitivities.
• Familiarity with behavioral health services and therapeutic practices.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to conduct assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Proficient in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of ethical and legal standards in counseling practice.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in using electronic health records and other relevant software applications.