SUD Counselor – Certified – Seaside, CA

Sun Street Centers; Oceanside (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Sun Street Centers, a Monterey County nonprofit, seeks a certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor to balance compassionate client care with Medi-Cal compliant documentation in an outpatient setting. The role includes individual and group counseling, treatment planning, and coordinating community resources.

You will join a multidisciplinary team, gain CARF accreditation experience, and develop expertise in DMC-ODS and DHCS regulations while contributing to recovery, equity, and long-term

Qualifications

• Medi-Cal documentation experience and compliance knowledge.
• Strong understanding of ASAM and DHCS regulations.
• Recovery-oriented, client-centered care approach.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to serving vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling in outpatient settings.
• Develop treatment plans and coordinate community resources.
• Maintain Medi-Cal compliant documentation and reporting.
• Collaborate with counselors, licensed clinicians, medical providers, peers and case managers.
• Work within a CARF-accredited environment focused on quality, outcomes and excellence.
• Develop expertise in DMC-ODS services and DHCS regulations.
• Apply evidence-based approaches including Matrix Model and motivational interviewing.
• Support clients with criminal justice involvement, housing instability, and co-occurring disorders.

Skills

Medi-Cal documentation

ASAM compliance

DHCS regulations

Group facilitation

Treatment planning

Care coordination

Recovery-oriented care

Cultural competence

Education

Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor

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.

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