Substance Abuse Counselor

Pinnacle Treatment Centers, Inc.; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 42,705; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Defined career pathing

Bonus incentives

Paid time off

Continuing education access

Free clinical supervision

Job summary

Pinnacle Treatment Centers, Inc. is hiring a full-time Counselor to play a crucial role in our patients' recovery journeys. The ideal candidate will provide counseling and support tailored to individual treatment plans and maintain compliance with medical and clinical policies.

Responsibilities include conducting assessments, providing group and individual counseling, and participating in community outreach. Qualifications include an Associate degree, relevant registration, and experience in counseling techniques. Competitive pay and career advancement opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• Must possess an Associate degree in a relevant field.
• State registration or certification is required.
• Experience in clinical assessment and counseling is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional counseling and referral services.
• Conduct intakes and initial assessments.
• Develop and monitor individualized treatment plans.

Skills

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Communication skills

Clinical assessment

Education

Associate degree in relevant field and required registration/credentials

2-5 years of experience or Master level for Counselor II

Licensed or certified for Counselor III

Job description

Full-time

Position Overview

As a Counselor, you will play a crucial role in the recovery journey of our patients. Pinnacle’s unique approach combines compassionate care with innovative treatment methods to address the diverse needs of individuals seeking help for substance use disorders.

Teammate Appreciation Benefits

• Variable Pay Structure: Competitive compensation based on experience, education, and licensure.
• Defined Career Pathing: Clear advancement opportunities through our Counselor Tier Program.
• Bonus Incentives: Monthly performance-based bonuses.
• STAR LRP Eligibility: 90% of our facilities are eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program.
• Continuing Education: Free access to over 600 CEU courses.
• Paid Time Off: 18 days of PTO, sick leave, and 8 paid holidays.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives.
• Free Clinical Supervision: Available based on licensure and availability.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides orientation to new patients to the programs’ rules, policies, procedures, and patients' rights.
• Conduct Intakes, Discharge Planning, Initial Assessments, and Initial Treatment Plans professionally and within time guidelines as required by applicable federal and state regulation, CARF guidelines and Pinnacle Policies.
• Involve patients in the assessment, treatment planning, and intervention aspects of treatment.
• Administer the biopsychosocial assessment at intake and on an ongoing basis.
• Recognize and utilize patients’ Strengths, Needs, Ability, and Preferences (SNAP) to develop individualized Treatment Plans.
• Determine the clinical necessity of counseling services based on the clinical assessment.
• Monitor closely and document any change of circumstances, identify and address relapse indicators.
• Comply with and implement the Medical Q.A and Clinical Risk Management Policies, including:
• Evaluate patients for high-risk conditions.
• Administer the BAM-R, C-SSRS, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 screening tools.
• Evaluate risk factors and recommend referrals.
• Flag high-risk patients to Medical Directors, Physician Extenders, and Regional Clinical Leadership.
• Review physician notes and advise staff of high-risk patients.
• Maintain and circulate minutes from treatment team/case conference sessions.
• Provide professional counseling and referral services by:
• Maintaining referrals to specialized services and community resources.
• Providing individual and group counseling as clinically necessary.
• Utilizing advanced counseling techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, etc.
• Scheduling counseling sessions and documenting entries.
• Engaging in Community Relations and Outreach efforts.
• Attending all recommended training including Physician Training of Counselors, RCL training, and case conferences.
• Collecting research data when requested.
• Observing the collection of patients’ urine samples when required.
• Attend team meetings and complete all training courses timely.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Counselor I $20/hour to $22/hour: Associate degree in relevant field and required registration/credentials.
• Counselor II $22/hour to $25/hour: Associate degree or majority of approved counselor certification courses; 2-5 years of experience or Master level; licensing requirements stated.
• Counselor III $25/hour to $28/hour (Certified) & $28/hour - $31/hour (Licensed): Licensed, license-eligible, or certified; proof of licensure or certification; complex case clinical skills.

Pinnacle Treatment Centers is an equal employment opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit and other legitimate business considerations. We prohibit unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics.