SUD Counselor

Center Point, Inc; Las Gallinas (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Center Point, Inc. in California seeks a Counselor to support program participants in navigating community reintegration and recovery.

Under supervision of the Men's Residential Program Manager, the Counselor delivers individualized and group services using Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and recovery-focused approaches, with attention to trauma-informed and gender-responsive practices. The role requires accurate documentation and collaboration with government agencies to meet Medi-Cal standards.

Qualifications

• Experience with substance use disorder treatment services or behavioral health systems is required.
• Experience working with justice-involved individuals is preferred.
• Must pass a Department of Justice Live Scan background check.
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License and insurable driving record.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with program participants and collaborate with providers to support community reintegration and recovery.
• Deliver individual and group services using evidence-based practices and participate in documentation.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation and ensure compliance with applicable standards.
• Promote culturally responsive and gender-responsive services while upholding ethical standards.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Oral communication

Written communication

Documentation

Tools

SmartCare EHR

Job description

About the Job:

Under the supervision of the Men's Residential Program Manager, the Counselor works directly with program participants, community-based providers, and government agencies to support participants in successfully navigating their community reintegration and recovery processes. Through strength-based participant engagement, the Counselor assists participants in addressing barriers related to reentry, substance use, relapse prevention, housing instability, employment, life stressors, and other obstacles that may impact long-term success and stability.

This position provides individualized and group services utilizing evidence-based and participant-centered practices, including, but not limited to, Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, Information and Referral, Advocacy, and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care. Counselors are responsible for maintaining timely and accurate documentation and delivering services in accordance with Drug Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal standards of practice and care.

This role works face-to-face with participants and may incorporate lived experience, recovery support principles, and rehabilitative approaches to enhance participant engagement and outcomes. Counselors are expected to promote culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and gender-responsive services while maintaining professional and ethical standards of conduct.

Counselor Levels:

Center Point utilizes a three-tier Counselor model within this position classification:

Counselor I – AOD Registered Counselor:

• Registered with an approved California certifying organization as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor.
• Must remain in good standing and continue progression toward certification requirements.

Counselor II – AOD Certified Counselor:

• Current certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor through a DHCS-approved certifying organization.
• Experience providing SUD counseling, group facilitation, case management, and recovery support services preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience working with substance use disorder treatment services or, behavioral health systems is required.
• Experience working with justice involved individuals, is preferred.
• Experience with Electronic Health Records (i.e. SmartCare) is preferred.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Intermediate computer skills required.
• Ability to maintain timely and accurate documentation.
• Must meet security clearance requirements.
• Must successfully pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) Live Scan background check.
• Must possess a current TB Test.
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License, maintain a relatively clean driving record, and be insurable under the organization’s automobile insurance carrier.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Ability to promote culturally responsive and gender-responsive services.
• Ability to comply with applicable ethical and professional standards of conduct.

Work Schedule:

TBD