Recovery Counselor – SUD & Early Recovery

Neighbor; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plan options

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Wellness programs

Employee assistance resources

Job summary

Father Joe’s Villages is seeking an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (I or II) in San Diego to provide intake, individual and group counseling, and develop individualized treatment plans within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities include counseling, crisis response, and coordinating with medical and community providers to ensure continuity of care and recovery readiness. A strong trauma-informed approach is valued.

Qualifications

• Associates degree, completion of substance use disorder counselor education requirements, or an equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience.
• Experience providing or supporting individual and/or group counseling services is preferred.
• Current registration with CADTP, CAADE, or CCAPP, or eligibility with active progress toward registration toward registration and certification requirements.
• CPR certification, or ability to obtain within the required timeframe upon hire.
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Level I requires: Minimum of one year of experience in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, residential treatment, or other high-acuity clinical settings.
• Level II requires: Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, residential treatment, or other high-acuity clinical settings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client intake interviews and clinical assessments to understand substance use history, psychological needs, treatment goals, and barriers to recovery.
• Provide individual counseling and facilitate psychoeducational, therapeutic, and recovery-focused group sessions to support stabilization, coping skills, and recovery readiness.
• Collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary team members to develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans.
• Monitor client progress, identify changes in treatment needs, and adjust counseling approaches and interventions as appropriate.
• Respond to client distress, withdrawal-related challenges, and behavioral health crises using trauma-informed intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Coordinate with nursing, behavioral health, case management, and community providers to support integrated care and continuity of services.
• Transport clients to medical appointments, treatment providers, and other approved locations as needed.

Skills

Counseling experience

Education

Associate degree in a relevant field

Tools

CPR certification

Job description

Father Joe’s Villages is seeking an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (I or II) in San Diego to provide intake, individual and group counseling, and develop individualized treatment plans within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities include counseling, crisis response, and coordinating with medical and community providers to ensure continuity of care and recovery readiness. A strong trauma-informed approach is valued.