Substance Abuse Counselor - LAG-USC

Wesley Health Centers - JWCH Institute, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Paid time off & holidays

401(k) plan with matching

Mileage reimbursement

Short- and long-term disability

Job summary

Wesley Health Centers - JWCH Institute, Inc. is seeking a Substance Abuse Counselor to provide individual and group counseling to unhoused clients at the Los Angeles General Recuperative Care Center.

The role collaborates with social work, nursing, and offsite teams to deliver high-quality care under SAPC and DMC guidelines. The counselor maintains HIPAA-compliant documentation, participates in multi-disciplinary rounds, and supports clients in securing housing, employment, and services

Qualifications

• Certified/SUD counselor or registered per NCCA-accredited agency.
• Minimum 1 year experience as drug/alcohol counselor.
• Trauma-informed and evidence-based treatment knowledge.
• Experience with electronic health record systems.
• Experience administering ASAM, ASI, and related tools.
• Ability to obtain NPI and C numbers by hire date.
• Valid California driver’s license and insurance.
• Strong written, oral, organizational and documentation skills.
• Team player, open to feedback and growth.
• Multi-task capability within a team setting.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification and TB testing.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with treatment team for cohesive care.
• Perform intake assessments and document problems with coordinator.
• Provide high-quality treatment to caseload.
• Lead weekly individual counseling sessions and care coordination.
• Facilitate diverse groups (Matrix, Seeking Safety, etc.).
• Provide detailed progress reports on request.
• Use NextGen/CHAMP for client documentation.
• Document within 24 hours of treatment provision.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and external agencies.
• Remain open to feedback and explore new treatment approaches.
• Maintain HIPAA confidentiality and patient safety.
• Assist clients with accessing community resources.

Skills

Trauma-informed treatment

Evidence-based treatment

Documentation skills

Crisis intervention

Team player

Multi-tasking

First Aid/CPR knowledge

Professional growth

Excellent written/oral communication

Feedback receptiveness

Driving record and license

HIPAA compliance

Education

SUD Counselor certification or registration (NCCA-listed)

Tools

NextGen EHR

CHAMP EHR

ASAM/ASI assessment tools

Job description

Position Purpose

The Substance Abuse Counselor will provide individual and group counseling services to unhoused clients residing in the Los Angles General Recuperative Care Center located on the Los Angeles General Medical Center campus, in the city of Los Angeles, California. This position works collaboratively with the social work, case management, medical provider, nursing team and offsite providers to provide quality services to those most in need. The Counselor is responsible for maintaining a high standard of care within the Substance Abuse and Prevention Control (SAPC), Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) program, and State Alcohol and Other Drug Program (ADP) guidelines. The Counselor upholds JWCH’s mission to improve the health and well-being of underserved populations in Los Angeles County.

Principal Responsibilities

• Collaborate effectively with treatment team members to ensure cohesive care.
• Conduct intake assessments, establish problem lists, and maintain accurate documentation in partnership with the program coordinator and other team members.
• Deliver high-quality treatment to an assigned caseload.
• Facilitate weekly individual counseling sessions and care coordination efforts.
• Lead various counseling groups, including Matrix, Seeking Safety, Parenting, Relapse Prevention, Domestic Violence, Anger Management, Helping Women Recover, Women in Recovery, SUD Education, Life Skills, and Co-Dependency.
• Provide clients with detailed progress reports upon request.
• Utilize the Electronic Health Record system (NextGen and CHAMP) for all client documentation.
• Complete documentation within 24 hours of delivering treatment services.
• Collaborate with an integrated, multi-disciplinary team that includes the Los Angeles County Probation/Parole Department, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Department of Health, and other mental and behavioral health professionals.
• Remain open to feedback and explore innovative approaches to treatment.
• Maintain confidentiality of records in accordance with HIPAA requirements.
• Provide immediate support and intervention for clients in crisis, ensuring their safety and connecting them to appropriate resources.
• Engage with clients' families to provide education and support, fostering a collaborative approach to recovery.
• Assist clients in accessing community resources, including housing, employment, and social services, to support their recovery journey.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Certified Substance Use Disorder or Registered (SUD) Counselor: Must be certified or registered by one of the agencies accredited by the NCCA and recognized by DHCS, which include CADTP and CCAPP; and must adhere to all requirements of the California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Chapter 8, and Title 9.
• One year of experience as a drug and alcohol counselor.
• Knowledge of and training in trauma-informed treatment and evidence-based treatment for substance abuse.
• Experience with Electronic Health Record systems.
• Experience administering the ASAM, ASI, and other substance abuse assessment tools.
• Ability to obtain an NPI number and C number by the time of hire.
• Must have a valid California driver’s license, proof of insurance, and an excellent driving record.
• Excellent written, oral, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Must be a team player, willing to receive feedback and grow professionally.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks while demonstrating the capacity to work within a team structure.
• Must maintain a current First Aid/CPR certification, physical exam, and tuberculosis test results.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Outpatient treatment working with minority, low income and disenfranchised populations.
• Experience working with co-occurring disorders.
• Experience and knowledgeable of Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) and Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention Control (SAPC) system of care.
• Bilingual capabilities in English and Spanish preferred.
• All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Employee Benefits

At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.