Substance Abuse Counselor (51267)

WestCare Inc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

WestCare Inc. in San Diego seeks a dedicated counselor/case manager to support clients in a substance use disorder program. You will assess needs, coordinate services, and document progress to help clients achieve GED and housing resources.

The role emphasizes group and individual counseling, collaboration with community providers, and strict adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards in a nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• Three years of full-time counseling experience with a criminal justice population in a substance use disorder program.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Alcohol and Drug Registration and pursuing Certification, in good standing by an agency approved by the DHCS; AOD Certification within six months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Counsel clients enrolled in the program and manage cases.
• Deliver individual and group substance abuse counseling and education services.
• Provide counseling for psychological distress.
• Establish formal linkages with community providers for services including basic needs, housing, finances, and health care.
• Maintain client treatment files per agency policies and procedures.

Skills

Excellent communication

Team player

Ethical conduct

Confidentiality

CDCR clearance

LEIE clearance

Valid driver’s license

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Vaccination requirement

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Three years counseling experience

Job description

Job Details

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. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

• 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; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Competencies

• 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; and 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.