Lead Counselor California

Pinnacle Treatment Centers; Hesperia (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Variable Pay Structure

Student Loan Repayment Program

Continuing Education Access

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives

Free Clinical Supervision

Job summary

Pinnacle Treatment Centers in California seeks a Lead Counselor to provide leadership for fellow counselors and manage a clinical caseload within our addiction treatment programs. You will assist with state CARF readiness, policy adherence, and quality of care across treatment teams.

You will mentor staff, oversee documentation accuracy, and coordinate case conferences while supporting patients through crisis intervention and referrals to community resources.

Qualifications

• Possess certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor with a CA approved certification agency or current licensure/eligibility with BBS/Board of Psychology.
• Must maintain required supervision if license-eligible.
• Credentialed by DHCS before counseling services.

Responsibilities

• Lead counseling team and manage a caseload.
• Ensure clinical documentation meets federal/state standards.
• Provide crisis counseling and client resources.
• Arrange referrals to community resources and agencies.
• Participate in committee meetings and trainings.
• Support state and CARF inspections and staff development.

Skills

AOD Counselor Certification

Licensed/License-eligible

Documentation

Crisis Counseling

Education

Bachelor in Human Services

Job description

Pinnacle’s Voice: A Tale of Transformation & Recovery

“I found myself like a lot of people in a position I never thought I would be in. I needed help bad… It all started with a call… one of the easiest and hardest things I’ve ever done. Every day I wake up and think how good it feels and how lucky I am to have found this place.”

About Us: Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a leading provider of comprehensive addiction treatment services, committed to transforming lives through compassionate care. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, focusing on the holistic well-being of our patients, and treating our teammates with the same level of individualized compassion and empathy. We believe in providing a supportive and inclusive environment for both our patients and our dedicated team of professionals. Pinnacle transforms the lives of more than 35,000 individuals daily resulting in a network of care spanning across the country.

Position Overview: As a Lead Counselor, you will provide leadership for other counselors. You will be responsible for the management of an individual caseload, participation in various facility committees, and carrying out other management-related duties as specified by the Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Director. You will also assist the Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Director in areas of problem‑solving, conflict resolution, readiness for state, CARF visits, and other areas assigned.

Teammate Appreciation Benefits: At Pinnacle Treatment Centers, we value our teammates and offer a variety of benefits to support their personal and professional growth.

1. Variable Pay Structure: Competitive compensation based on experience, education, and licensure.

2. STAR LRP Eligibility: 90% of our facilities are eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program. This federal program selects applicants to forgive 100% of their student loans.

3. Continuing Education: Free access to over 600 CEU courses to enhance your skills and knowledge.

4. Paid Time Off: 18 days of PTO, sick leave, and 8 paid holidays to maintain a healthy work‑life balance.

5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives: Be part of a workforce that reflects the diversity of our patient population.

6. Free Clinical Supervision: Available based on licensure and availability to support your professional growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the completion of patient databases, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other essential documentation in accordance with applicable federal and state standards and agency policies and procedures.
• Provide patients with orientation regarding objectives of the program, phase system requirements, rules and regulations, sanctions, hours of services, patient rights, and additional information to help patients adjust to the program.
• Assure each patient is assessed and placed according to the treatment phases in accordance with Federal and State standards and agency policies.
• Assure all clinical documentation and patient charts updated in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Counsel patients in crisis situations by identifying patient resources and coping abilities to help patients cope with and resolve crisis.
• Counsel patients who have refused to comply with specific program requirements to increase patient awareness of consequences of noncompliance.
• Arrange referrals to other agencies and resources in the community when appropriate.
• Participate in case conferences and case reviews in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Review counselor documentation and sign off on documentation as directed by the Clinical Supervisor or Clinic Director
• Assist with the overall direction and development of all substance abuse services.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and grievance hearings as needed.
• Conduct/assist with weekly staff meetings with the counseling team.
• Conduct/assist with ongoing review of counselor’s case files to ensure compliance with Federal, State and PTC requirements.
• Assist Clinical Supervisor/Director with annual performance reviews of the counseling staff.
• Assist Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Director as needed in state and CARF inspections, staff meetings and other areas.
• Assist with in‑service training to clinical teammates on regularly scheduled basis.
• Monitors clinical records regularly for quality and compliance with State and Federal regulations. Conducts mock inspections.
• Perform intakes on new patients.
• Develop preliminary and comprehensive treatment plans.
• Provides training and technical assistance to community agencies as requested.
• Provides guidance to counselors in managing difficult or complex patients.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date case files on each patient on their caseload and team caseload per federal, state and PTC requirements.
• Oversees substance abuse counseling case assignments and discharges.
• Attend team meetings and complete all training courses timely as required.
• Attend ongoing training per program/Federal/ State requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Pay Range:

• $28/per hour to $32/per hour

Qualifications:

• Possess certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor with a CA approved certification agency or current credentials as licensed or license‑eligible with the Board of Behavioral Sciences or the Board of Psychology.
  • If license‑eligible, must maintain the Board’s requirements to be able to practice including receiving the necessary amount of clinical supervision by a Board approved supervisor.
  • Proof of licensure or certification by a State approved regulatory agency is required immediately once employed. Employees must be credentialed prior to providing any counseling services per the DHCS (Department of Health Care Services). Qualifications and the review of support documentation will be evaluated for approval.
• The evaluation of patients, treatment planning, and counseling services.
  • The use, abuse and treatment of illicit drugs and addiction.
  • Organization and time management.
  • Communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Professional demeanor and customer service practices.
  • Competence with Microsoft computer programs.
  • Proof of licensure or certification by a State approved regulatory agency is required immediately once employed. Employees must be credentialed prior to providing any counseling services per the DHCS
  • (Department of Health Care Services). Qualifications and the review of support documentation will be evaluated for approval.

Preferred

• Demonstrated leadership qualities amongst the counseling team.
• Demonstrated superior clinical skills and the ability to share expertise with others.

Join our Team & Start Saving Lives Today

Team Player

Works well as a member of a group

Detail Oriented

Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Education

Bachelors or better in Human Services or related field.

Licenses & Certifications

CCAPP

CADAC III

CADAC II

CADAC I

CAADC

LMFT

Equal Opportunity Employer
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