SUD Certified Counselor Lead

Kings View Community Services, Inc.; Sonora (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Kings View Community Services, Inc. in Sonora, CA seeks a Lead Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor to provide clinical leadership in a DUI treatment program. The role combines individual and group counseling, assessments, treatment planning, case management, and staff mentoring to ensure consistent clinical practices and documentation.

Full-time, benefits eligible, on-site position. Ideal candidates hold a California DHCS-certified SUD credential, BBS registration, an associate degree,

Qualifications

• Associate degree in behavioral or social sciences, or the equivalent 60 college semester units where applicable.
• At least three years of direct substance use disorder counseling experience in a licensed or regulated treatment setting.
• Current alcohol and drug counselor certification in good standing through an agency approved and recognized by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
• BBS registration, as listed in the position's job description.
• Valid California Class C driver’s license and ability to meet applicable driving requirements.
• Maintain required certification, continuing education, and program-specific training; three years of abstinence if there is a history of substance abuse.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling, case management, education, community outreach, and referrals to appropriate services.
• Assess participant needs, develop and regularly review individualized treatment plans, and apply appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Facilitate intake and program orientation; conduct breathalyzer and/or saliva testing when required and document results.
• Prepare participant progress reports and coordinate with criminal justice partners and referral sources as needed.
• Recommend participant status actions, including leave, suspension, reinstatement, completion, or dismissal, consistent with program requirements.
• Serve as a clinical resource for counseling staff on program procedures, documentation standards, and clinical workflows.
• Model consistent counseling and group facilitation practices; provide informal guidance and assist with onboarding new counselors.
• Offer clinical input to the Clinical Supervisor and assist with schedules, group coverage, and caseload flow.
• Communicate with clinical leadership and support staff regarding program needs, group capacity, and participant progress.
• Participate in staff meetings and program improvement initiatives.

Skills

SUD treatment

Counseling

Documentation

Compliance

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate degree

Job description

Description

Substance Use Disorder Counselor (Certified) – Lead

Location: Sonora, CA

Position Type: Full-Time | Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $26.10-$27.69 per hour

Join Our Mission

At Kings View, every role contributes to something bigger — improving lives and strengthening communities. We are committed to providing behavioral health and social services to those with limited resources, guided by compassion, excellence, and respect.

Position Overview:

Kings View is seeking a Lead Certified Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor for our Sonora DUI treatment program. This position provides individual and group counseling, assessments, treatment planning, case management, education, and referrals while serving as a clinical resource and mentor to counseling staff. Working under the direction of the Clinical Supervisor, the Lead Counselor helps maintain consistent clinical practices, accurate documentation, program compliance, and smooth day-to-day operation’s.

Key Responsibilities:

Counseling & Participant Services:

• Provide individual and group counseling, case management, education, community outreach, and referrals to appropriate services.
• Assess participant needs, develop and regularly review individualized treatment plans, and apply appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Facilitate intake and program orientation; conduct breathalyzer and/or saliva testing when required and document results.
• Prepare participant progress reports and coordinate with criminal justice partners and referral sources as needed.
• Recommend participant status actions, including leave, suspension, reinstatement, completion, or dismissal, consistent with program requirements.

Lead Counselor & Program Support:

• Serve as a clinical resource for counseling staff on program procedures, documentation standards, and clinical workflows.
• Model consistent counseling and group facilitation practices; provide informal guidance and assist with onboarding new counselors.
• Offer clinical input to the Clinical Supervisor and assist with schedules, group coverage, and caseload flow.
• Communicate with clinical leadership and support staff regarding program needs, group capacity, and participant progress.
• Participate in staff meetings and program improvement initiatives.

Documentation, Compliance & Operations:

• Maintain accurate participant files, charts, attendance, progress notes, and required program documentation.
• Ensure timely documentation of vocational, educational, self-help, aftercare, and make-up sessions.
• Assist with participant fee monitoring, collections, and financial assessment interviews as assigned.
• Follow applicable program protocols, confidentiality and privacy requirements, CLAS standards, and Kings View policies.

What You'll Bring:

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in behavioral or social sciences, or the equivalent 60 college semester units where applicable.
• At least three years of direct substance use disorder counseling experience in a licensed or regulated treatment setting.
• Current alcohol and drug counselor certification in good standing through an agency approved and recognized by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
• BBS registration, as listed in the position's job description.
• Valid California Class C driver’s license and ability to meet applicable driving requirements.
• Maintain required certification, continuing education, and program-specific training; three years of abstinence if there is a history of substance abuse.

Required Skills:

• Working knowledge of SUD treatment practices, program regulations, documentation standards, and compliance requirements.
• Strong counseling, communication, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, protect confidential information, and work collaboratively with participants, colleagues, and referral partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Membership in the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) is encouraged.

Professional Attributes:

• Compassionate, dependable, adaptable, and action-oriented.
• Able to mentor colleagues, model sound practices, and maintain a professional, participant-centered approach.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Verification of required counselor certification and other stated credentials.
• Background screening and other applicable program clearances.
• Verification of required driving credentials, when applicable.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a clinical office environment within a DUI treatment program, including private counseling rooms, group spaces, and administrative offices. The position involves regular interaction with participants in court-mandated or voluntary treatment and may include assigned driving responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Kings View is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADA Statement:

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.