Substance Abuse Counselor

WESTCARE CALIFORNIA INC; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 39,950 - 44,083; Full time

Job summary

WESTCARE CALIFORNIA INC is seeking a dedicated counselor for our San Diego location. The ideal candidate will have experience in substance abuse counseling, demonstrating knowledge of chemical dependency and excellent communication skills. Responsibilities include providing individual and group counseling and maintaining client treatment records.

This full-time position requires a High School diploma and a valid driver's license. AOD certification is needed within six months of employment.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of full-time experience of counseling duties with a criminal justice population in a substance use disorder program.
• Must obtain AOD Certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group substance abuse counseling.
• Conduct frequent random urine testing.
• Maintain individual client treatment files.

Skills

Knowledge of chemical dependency

Excellent communication skills

Ability to exercise good judgment

Teamwork

Professional appearance and demeanor

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Job description

Overview

Job Location: San Diego - 3050 Armstrong - San Diego, CA 92111
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: High School
Salary Range: $29.00 - $32.00 Hourly
Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services

POSITION SUMMARY

Person in this position will be responsible for the counseling and case management of clients enrolled in the program.

Responsibilities

• Utilize intake and screening instruments using an assessment of needs to obtain a complete medical history; history of substance abuse; education level; work history; involvement with the legal system.
• Deliver individual and group substance abuse counseling services, and substance abuse educational services; responsible therapeutic activities throughout the continuum of care.
• Provide counseling for psychological distress.
• Conduct frequent random urine testing.
• Create opportunities to complete GED and continue academic education through on-site and community resources.
• Establish formal linkages with community providers for provision of all necessary services including basic needs of food, clothing, housing, finances, assistance in legal and family matters, vocational and educational needs, transportation, health care, mental health services, child welfare services and support services.
• Maintenance of individual client treatment files in accordance with agency policies and procedures, including documentation of vocational/educational activities as well as all other pertinent documentation.
• Serve as a trainer for program staff.
• Participate in daily shift exchange including documenting in facility log at the end of shifts and thoroughly reviewing log at the start of shifts.
• Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• COMPENTENCIES
• Must possess knowledge of chemical dependency, substance abuse and personality dynamics of the substance abuser.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from LEIE.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• As mandated by the State of California those employees who work at Residential, Outpatient, Sober Living, provide Mental Health Services, or Transitional Living Facilities must be fully vaccinated by September 30, 2021. Employees that have requested a Medical or Religious Exemption, which has been approved by Human Resources will be required to test for the virus weekly.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

• EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
• Three (3) years of full-time experience of counseling duties with a criminal justice population in a substance use disorder program.
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

• LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
• Alcohol and Drug Registration and actively pursuing Certification, in good standing by an agency approved and recognized by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is required at time of hire. Must obtain AOD Certification within six (6) months of employment. Preference will be given to those candidates who are currently Certified.

• WORKING CONDITIONS
• Work is primarily performed in an office or in a residential treatment setting; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.