Substance Use Disorder Counselor

NORTHEAST VALLEY HEALTH CORPORATION; San Fernando (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A health services provider in San Fernando, California, is seeking a Substance Use Disorder Counselor to provide specialized counseling for individuals facing addiction. Candidates must possess a high school diploma, relevant certifications, and experience in substance counseling. Proficiency in both English and Spanish is required, along with a commitment to working in a multi-disciplinary team. The role includes linking patients to external treatment resources and conducting patient-centered group sessions. Flexible working hours may be expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience in alcohol and drug counseling field.
• Current CPR certification required.
• Ability to process trauma's impact on health.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling and supportive services to patients.
• Link patients to external agencies for further treatment.
• Facilitate patient-centered care and group sessions.

Skills

Fluency in English

Fluency in Spanish

Computer skills in Microsoft Office

Effective verbal communication

Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team

Knowledge of community resources

Counseling techniques

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Registered or certified Substance Use Counselor

Job description

Overview

Under the general supervision of the Director of Behavioral Health or designee, the Substance Use Disorder Counselor works with patients/individuals who are addicted to a wide variety of substances. The Substance Use Counselor provides counseling and supportive services to patients and their support system(s) to overcome their addiction and provides linkage such as referring to external agencies for treatment beyond the scope of primary care. The Substance Use Counselor is part of the integrated medical/behavioral care team and works with a variety of other care team members to improve positive outcomes.

Reports To

Director of Behavioral Health Services or designee. Clinic Administrator or Site Administrator or a Program Director.

Qualifications

1. Minimum of a High School diploma or equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Conduct health education classes related to substance use topics.
2. Registered or certified Substance Use Counselor with Addiction Counselor Board of California with a minimum of at least 2 (two) years of experience in the alcohol and drug counseling field.
3. If recovering from substance use/abuse, a minimum of 2 (two) years’ sobriety is required.
4. Must maintain a current Cardio‑Pulmonary Resuscitation certification, in compliance with corporate CPR Policy.
5. Trained in counseling techniques, including the ability to facilitate groups, conduct individualized and patient‑centered care, and be mindful of the impact of trauma and socioeconomic disparities of the patient.
6. Knowledge of community resources available to assist in the treatment of behavioral health and substance use disorders; knowledge of the principle and techniques of Motivational Interviewing.
7. Ability to understand and communicate with all segments of the community, particularly the ability to speak and write effectively; ability to obtain facts and to identify what is relevant and satisfactory; ability to identify and analyze situations accurately and to plan an appropriate course of action.
8. Ability to identify and evaluate barriers during individual and group sessions. Ability to identify the impact of trauma on patients’ social‑emotional wellbeing and health.
9. Perform job duties with empathy towards patients; ability to utilize techniques such as values clarification, life goal setting, and other group techniques that are pertinent.
10. Experience or working knowledge with the transient population, mental health issues and its social‑economic impact.
11. Fluency in English (speaks, reads and writes).
12. Fluency in Spanish (speaks, translates, reads and writes).
13. Computer skills in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, etc.), electronic health record systems, and database systems.
14. Thorough working knowledge of business English, spelling, punctuation, and contemporary general office practices and procedures.
15. Effective verbal and written communication skills to communicate clearly and effectively.
16. Ability to work effectively in a multi‑disciplinary team.
17. Willing and able to work a flexible schedule, to include evenings and/or Saturday mornings.
18. Sensitivity to the different cultures represented among NEVHC staff and patients.
19. Demonstrated ability to listen and communicate with others in a professional and caring manner, including sensitivity with individuals from diverse cultures and lifestyles.
20. Demonstrated ability to set priorities for tasks to work effectively in spite of interruptions and under minimal supervision. Self‑starter, reliable and dependable.
21. Demonstrated proficiency with the electronic health record database within three months of attending training session(s).
22. Ability to solve problems and make routine recommendations.
23. Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality about health care and other patient/client information.
24. Current California driver’s license, appropriate insurance coverage and a driving record acceptable to the NEVHC’s insurance carrier (if required to drive on the job).

Northeast Valley Health Corporation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Northeast Valley Health Corporation complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.