Substance Abuse Counselor - Drop In Center

Bill Wilson Center; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 Weeks Accrued PTO

Paid Holidays Per Year

Health, Dental, Vision & VoluntaryLife

Flexible Spending Plans

401 K Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Upward Career Mobility

Job summary

Bill Wilson Center is seeking a Substance Abuse Counselor to work with youth and young adults, ages 18-24, within a multidisciplinary team providing emergency shelter, counseling, and drop-in services. The role emphasizes trauma-informed approaches, group and individual sessions, and ongoing collaboration with community partners.

You will engage clients in education, housing, healthcare, and job readiness services, while maintaining client records and reporting outcomes.

Qualifications

• Trauma-informed care knowledge and approaches.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with engaging youth and young adults (18-24).
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate substance abuse groups and 1:1 case management for youth clients.
• Maintain data for outcomes tracking and quality improvement processes.
• Lead workshops and community outreach activities.
• Collaborate with partners, schools, employers, and service providers.
• Transport clients to appointments and events as needed.
• Ensure HIPAA compliance and accurate record-keeping.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Conflict resolution

Public speaking

Community partnership development

Social media outreach

Data entry and reporting

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work/related field

Tools

AWARDS HMIS

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: San Jose , CA 95112Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $26.00 - $30.00 Hourly

About Bill Wilson Center:
Bill Wilson Center provides services to children, youth, young adults, and families in Santa Clara County. Additionally, we reach clients through our street outreach and crisis line programs. Bill Wilson Center programs focus on housing, mental health care, supportive services, and advocacy. Bill Wilson Center is committed to working with the community to ensure that every youth has access to the range of services needed to grow to be healthy and self-sufficient adults. A key component of Bill Wilson Center's philosophy encompasses a strength-based approach to improving the lives of the youth and young families in our communities. Bill Wilson Center has been providing services to runaway and homeless youth since 1973. Join us and become a difference maker at Bill Wilson Center!

Job Summary:

The Substance Abuse Counselor provides direct services to clients of the Bill Wilson Center, primarily for youth and young adults, ages 18-24 yr. The Substance Abuse Counselor will work closely as part of a multi-disciplinary team that provides comprehensive services that include emergency shelter, counseling, mental health and drop in center services to homeless and at risk of homeless individuals and families.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Facilitate Substance Abuse groups and 1:1 case management to Youth clients
• Maintain Data for 7 Challenges and participate in all quality assurance/quality improvement processes to ensure Fidelity to 7 Challenges model.
• Maintain all 7 Challenges Leadership criteria; act as Leadership mentor to others providing 7 Challenges groups and 1:1
• Responsible for track outcomes and reporting
• Provide services to clients as assigned.
• Provide comprehensive assessment of service needs.
• Recommend interventions to client and/or team as appropriate.
• Lead tabling events, workshops and collaborate with community partner organizations
• Build positive relationships with participants and provide ongoing support and encouragement
• Utilize Motivational interviewing skills to engage young adults to participate in Drop In Center Services
• Connect youth to services and resources including education, job readiness, housing, healthcare, and mental health support
• Facilitate workshops, support groups, and community engagement activities
• Maintain accurate participant records and case notes
• Collaborate with community partners, schools, employers, and service providers
• Support youth in setting substance related goals and accessing opportunities for growth and development
• Participate in community events, outreach campaigns, and networking opportunities
• Attend agency and other program meetings; including community meetings and trainings as appropriate.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, get along with co-workers, management, and deal effectively and professionally under pressure.
• Transport clients to appointments, meetings, etc. as needed.
• Regular attendance is a requirement of the position
• Advocate for youth needs and help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment
• Maintain and observe all HIPAA regulations and standards set by the agency
• Maintain statistical data and complete reports as appropriate. Enter ALL client data into AWARDS AND HMIS systems.
• Participate in agency Program Quality Improvement activities and initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications Education and Experience:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Communications, or related field desired but not a requirement
• Experience working with youth and young adults ages 18-24 preferred
• Experience with substance abuse counseling, outreach, case management, mentoring, or community engagement preferred
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Knowledge of community resources and youth development practices
• Ability to work with diverse populations and maintain confidentiality
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• CPR/First Aid certification and bilingual skills are a plus
• Personal or lived experience with the criminal/legal system, housing instability, social services, or other systemic challenges is valued.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Trauma-informed care
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation
• Public speaking and workshop facilitation
• Community partnership development
• Social media outreach and engagement
• Data entry and reporting

Physical Demands:

• Ability to travel throughout the community for outreach activities, meetings, and events
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and engaging with participants during community events and program activities
• Ability to lift and carry outreach materials, supplies, and equipment up to 25 pounds
• Ability to work in both office and community-based environments, including outdoor settings
• May require evening and weekend hours to support youth programming and outreach events
• Ability to use a computer, phone, and other standard office equipment for extended periods
• Must be able to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and by phone with youth, staff, and community partners

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but may be loud when conducting street outreach.
• The temperature may also be extreme if conducting street outreach.
• Work is conducted indoors and outdoors.

Salary Range:
$26.00 - $30.00 per hour

Employee Benefits & Perks:

We offer a generous compensation package for full-time employees that includes the following:

• 4 Weeks Accrued PTO
• 14 Paid Holidays Per Year
• Paid Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Life Insurance Plans
• Flexible Spending Plans for Medical, Dependent Care, Parking and Transit
• 401 (K) Retirement Plan
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• Upward Career Mobility
• Discounts and Savings through Tickets At Work and LifeMart

EEO:

Bill Wilson Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Because of a need to remain responsive to the needs of our clients and our Agency’s operations, responsibilities may be modified at any time.