Substance Abuse Counselor - Amistad

Amity Foundation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Paid vacation, sick time, & holidays

401K, HSA, & Life insurance programs

Job summary

A leading community-focused organization in Los Angeles seeks a compassionate Substance Abuse Counselor to provide rehabilitative services to students in a therapeutic setting. Responsibilities include conducting group and individual sessions, developing treatment plans, and maintaining student records. Candidates should hold AOD/SUDT certification and either a Bachelor's degree or relevant experience. The role offers a competitive salary, medical benefits, and a supportive community environment.

Qualifications

• AOD/SUDT Certified from a California state-accredited certifying body.
• Minimum one year of experience in a substance abuse or behavioral health treatment facility.
• Demonstrated ability to relate well to students.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in group, individual, and therapeutic processes.
• Conduct intake interviews to meet basic necessities of students.
• Evaluate changes in appearance and behavior of the student.

Skills

AOD/SUDT Certification

Good verbal and written communication skills

Understanding of human emotions

Ability to maintain sensitivity and objectivity under pressure

Knowledge of therapeutic community processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in a behavioral health field

High School diploma or equivalent G.E.D.

Job description

Amity Foundation, an internationally acclaimed teaching, and therapeutic community is seeking compassionate and enthusiastic individuals with a desire to teach, learn and join our community as a Substance Abuse Counselor this groundbreaking opportunity not only will allow you to work with our prison programs helping the inmate population, but will also enhance your training and experience in the field.

About Amity

Amity Foundation is a safe place where people can change in an environment that fosters trust; where new values can be formed; responsibility developed and lasting relationships built. Amity is dedicated to the inclusion and habilitation of people marginalized by addiction, homelessness, trauma, criminality, incarceration, poverty, racism, sexism, and violence. Amity is committed to research, development implementation, and dissemination of information regarding community building.

Remembrance, Resolution, Reconciliation, Restoration, Renewal

About the Position

Certified Substance Abuse Counselors are responsible for providing group and individual sessions and related rehabilitative treatment services to substance abuse students in a residential setting. Provides direct services and related rehabilitative treatment services to substance abuse students in a therapeutic community setting.

Salary Range $20-$26/hr

What You Will Do

Leads and participates in group, individual, and therapeutic processes under the supervision of a certified behavioral health professional. Participates significantly with students in determining short and long-range goals and treatment plans.

Conducts welcoming and thorough intake interviews to ensure students’ basic necessities are met. Provide additional support in special circumstances (i.e. quarantine, etc.) as necessary.

Serves as a student advocate by providing a hospitable social environment by remaining educated on incoming and continuing students’ individual stories.

Complies evaluates the comprehensive social, legal, and personal histories of students. Interacts with student’s family, attorney, probation/parole officer, and other individuals or agencies of significance to the student.

Observes, records, and evaluates changes in appearance, behavior, and demeanor of the student, while maintaining accurate and timely student records of sensitive nature. Evaluates emergencies and take appropriate action

Responsible for learning, maintaining, and restoring, when necessary, Amity’s standard for physical environments. Creates a well‑organized and well maintains community environment that is culturally diverse, interesting, ascetically pleasing, and clean for the students.

Frequently follows up with students’ daily community living progress. Ensures the student is provided with personal necessities and is taught how to set up and maintain a clean, inviting, and hospitable living environment.

Prepares daily, weekly, and monthly student activities that are engaging, interesting, and challenging. Develops and maintains skills in preparing, setting up, and hosting Amity community seminars, gatherings, ceremonies, etc.

Collaborates with the community as a whole to define the community, acknowledge accomplishments, and special events and teach the vision and values of the community. Learns how to support ceremonies, and how to conduct them properly.

Attends in‑service, other training workshops, and conferences. Maintains individual continued learning towards community building and teaching skills throughout the year.

Prepares reporting and documentation as required by Amity and contract compliance. Protects students’ health, safety, welfare, and confidentiality of student records.

Provides training and guidance as a demonstration to students and teaches good work habits.

Assists in the supervision of interns and volunteers.

Participates in community building activities, faculty staffing, and other activities as required by the position.

Performs other related duties as assigned

What You Will Bring

AOD/SUDT Certified from a Californiastate‑accredited certifying body.

Bachelors' degree in a behavioral health field and one year experience in a Substance abuse or behavioral health treatment facility OR High School diploma or equivalent G.E.D., and a combination of Behavioral health education and work experience totaling a minimum of two years and knowledge of therapeutic community processes, methods, and design, including small-group dynamics.

Demonstrated ability to relate well to students and supervise faculty.

Understanding of human emotions.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to maintain sensitivity and objectively under pressure generated by association with substance abuse students.

Demonstrates proper attitudes and techniques and techniques to residential students.

Understand of causes, symptoms, and effects of substance abuse.

What We Offer

Medical, Dental, Vision.

Paid vacation, sick time, & holidays.

401K, HSA, & Life insurance programs

An organization committed to community action

Community‑oriented workplace