SUD COUNSELOR - CERTIFIED

Sun Street Centers; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sun Street Centers, a Monterey County nonprofit behavioral health organization, seeks a Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor to balance compassionate client care with Medi-Cal compliant documentation in an outpatient setting.

You will provide individual and group counseling, develop treatment plans, coordinate with a multidisciplinary team, and ensure adherence to ASAM, DHCS, Medi-Cal, and CARF standards, contributing to recovery outcomes for vulnerable populations in the Central Coast.

Qualifications

• Certified Substance Use Disorder (SUD) professional with a passion for recovery and client-centered care.
• Skilled in accurate Medi-Cal documentation and treatment planning.
• Knowledge of ASAM, DHCS, and CARF standards within outpatient behavioral health.
• Commitment to equity, integrity, and high-quality clinical outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling using evidence-based approaches.
• Develop and monitor individualized treatment plans.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including clinicians, peers, and case managers.
• Ensure services are Medi-Cal compliant and CARF-accredited as applicable.
• Gain expertise in Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) services and related regulations.
• Utilize Matrix Model, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care approaches.
• Support clients with housing instability, co-occurring disorders, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

Job description

Lead Transformational Impact in Behavioral Health

Sun Street Centers is seeking a CERTIFIED professional who can balance compassionate client care with accurate Medi-Cal-compliant documentation, understands ASAM and DHCS requirements, embraces a recovery-oriented philosophy, and is committed to helping individuals achieve long-term recovery outcomes in an outpatient setting. This individual is equally comfortable facilitating a therapy group, developing a treatment plan, coordinating community resources, and ensuring every service is fully compliant with Medi-Cal and CARF standards, and has a passion for serving vulnerable populations.

About Sun Street Centers

Sun Street Centers is a nonprofit behavioral health organization providing substance use disorder treatment, prevention, education, and recovery services throughout Monterey County with a commitment to equity, dignity, and long-term recovery outcomes.

The Opportunity

This position offers a meaningful opportunity to make a direct impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use disorders while working for one of California's leading nonprofit behavioral health organizations. Sun Street Centers provides comprehensive prevention, treatment, recovery, and housing services throughout Monterey County and the Central Coast.

As a Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor, you will:

• Help individuals achieve and maintain long-term recovery through evidence-based treatment and recovery support services.
• Provide individual and group counseling using ASAM-informed, person-centered treatment approaches.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team that includes counselors, licensed clinicians, medical providers, peer support specialists, and case managers.
• Gain experience in a CARF-accredited environment focused on quality improvement, client outcomes, and clinical excellence.
• Develop expertise in Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) services, DHCS regulations, Medi-Cal documentation, and integrated behavioral healthcare practices.
• Utilize evidence-based interventions, including the Matrix Model, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, social model, and trauma‑informed care practices.
• Support individuals involved with the criminal justice system, housing instability, co‑occurring disorders, and other complex behavioral health needs.
• Contribute to an organization committed to recovery, wellness, health equity, and community impact throughout Monterey County.

Why Join Sun Street Centers?

• Mission-driven nonprofit organization that is dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening communities.
• Opportunity for professional growth and advancement into Lead Counselor, Clinical Coordinator, Program Manager, or other leadership positions.
• Gain experience with Medi-Cal, DHCS, CARF, and ASAM standards that are highly valued throughout California's behavioral health system.
• Collaborative culture focused on continuous learning, quality care, and staff development.
• Ability to make a lasting difference in the recovery journey of those served.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a certified SUD professional who is passionate about recovery, committed to ethical and client-centered care, skilled in documentation and treatment planning, and eager to work in a fast-paced behavioral health environment that values accountability, compassion, and excellence.

"Join a team where your work changes lives every day and where recovery is not only possible but also expected."

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sun Street Centers is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We encourage applications from racially and ethnically diverse individuals, women, veterans, people with disabilities, and individuals in recovery to apply.