SUD Counselor/LPHA

HOPICS; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

HOPICS invites applications for an SUD Counselor/LPHA. Provides individual and group counseling, conduct intake assessments, develop and implement treatment and recovery plans, and document progress daily within the DMC program.

Under Drug Medi-Cal supervision, you will maintain HIPAA-compliant records, collaborate with community partners, and participate in supervision and trainings. A valid driver’s license and transportation access are preferred.

Qualifications

• Must hold a master’s degree in a related field and be registered with BBS.
• Minimum of three years’ job-related experience in substance use/mental health.
• Knowledge of DSM-V and addiction/mental health disorders.
• Understanding of 12-step programs and treatment planning.
• Ability to manage group settings and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel; HIPAA familiarity.
• Annual TB test clearance and background check.
• If in recovery, minimum of three years drug/alcohol-free.
• Strong communication skills, written and oral.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide group and individual SUD counseling
• Perform intakes/assessments and develop treatment plans
• Develop recovery plans with clients and document progress
• Complete daily progress notes within 24 hours
• Maintain records per HIPAA & CFR42; support audits
• Participate in weekly supervision (group/indiv)
• Coordinate transportation for clients when needed
• Engage with community agencies and collaborations
• Input client data into EHR/PCNX system
• Attend meetings, trainings and seminars as required
• Adhere to agency ethics and professional standards
• Ongoing duties as assigned by supervisors

Skills

Certified SUD Counselor

Knowledge of DSM-V

Addiction & mental health disorders

12-step programs

Manage group settings

Organize multiple priorities

Effective written and oral comms

Cultural competency

Transportation access

Education

Master’s degree in related field

BBS registration

Certified SUD Counselor credential

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Title: SUD Counselor/LPHA Division: HOPICS

FLSA: Non-Exempt/Full time Supervisor: DMC Program Manager

Pay Range or Rate: $34.00-$40.00 per hour Revised: 07.14.2026

Summary: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor/Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts (LPHA): Under the direction of the Drug Medi-Cal Program Supervisor the SUD Counselor/LPHA will provide individual and group services to the DMC Program clients. SUD Counselor/LPHA will provide counseling services, intakes/assessments, treatment planning, recovery planning, for clients with Substance Use Disorder

Essential Functions:

• Will provide group and individual SUD counseling services
• Will provide case management services
• Will facilitate collaboration with SUD clients to develop, complete all necessary documents for treatment planning, and implement treatment planning
• Will facilitate collaboration with SUD clients to develop and implement recovery plans
• Will complete progress notes daily (within 24 hours of service provision) to document all activities for each Drug Medi-Cal client’s case
• Will meet required agency policy expectations and if is not meeting required standard, corrective action will be implemented
• Will be able to document effectively in accordance with established standards of care on a daily basis
• Will maintain boundaries, adhere to SSG's Code of Ethics, HOPICS' Core Values, and represent the agency in a professional manner at meetings and community events
• Maintain files/records on client services in compliance with HIPAA & CFR42 and other funding requirements for auditing purposes
• Participate in weekly supervision (group/individual)
• Incumbents may be responsible for coordinating transportation and transporting clients. Incumbents must be able to work with homeless consumers
• Incumbent must display the ability to work effectively with adults with co-occurring substance use, history of abuse, as well as mental /physical/developmental disabilities
• Will participate in all required meetings, training, collaborations, and Behavioral Health Team meetings within the program and be prepared to discuss, educate, present or evaluate the nature and progress of presenting issues
• Will attend other meetings, training sessions, and seminars as needed to effectively perform duties affiliated with this position
• Overtime, holiday, or weekend work may be required as assigned
• Will input client data into the designation EHR/PCNX system within agency policy time
• Will administer toxicology/drug tests to Drug Medi-Cal clients while following drug testing protocols and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned by their immediate DMC Program Supervisor, Senior Manager, Associate Director of Behavioral Health Services and/or Division Director
• Provide support to administrative and data-related information technology department functions

Minimum Qualifications - Knowledge. Skills And Abilities Required

• Must be a Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor and/or hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field with current registration with the BBS
• Must have a minimum of three years’ job-related experience working in the substance use field/and or mental health
• Knowledge of DSM-V
• Knowledge: Addiction and mental health disorders and effects/symptoms of drug/alcohol use
• Knowledge of 12 step programs
• Ability to manage group settings
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities
• Experienced on Microsoft Word and Excel
• Annual TB test clearance
• Maintain and uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles
• If in recovery, a minimum of three (3) years of being drug and alcohol free is MANDATORY
• Ability to work with clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally
• Ability to motivate/communicate effective with individual receiving SUD Counseling/Treatment
• Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Check
• Access to reliable transportation is required. A valid driver’s license may be required depending on assignment

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervising duties.

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)

This position will require extensive interaction with homeless individuals, individuals with severe mental and physical disabilities, the possibilities of individuals with infectious diseases, and other possible dangers associated with working in areas of high crime. You may be exposed to aggressive hostile clients. Incumbents must be ready to deal with traumas which may trigger personal trauma, must work in conjunction with other collaborative staff members, communicate with several sources including courts, Department of Children and Family Services, Law Enforcement, and other community agencies.

Physical Requirements

• The Incumbent typically spends time sitting, standing, typing, thinking, writing, walking, driving, listening, and speaking
• Must have the ability to lift up to 25lbs

Mental Requirements

The incumbent to be able to perform effectively under any and all of the following: unpredictable situations, crisis, constant distractions, interruptions, uncontrollable changes in priorities/ work schedules, be able to process information, think and conceptualize. You must be able to effectively deal with personal trauma that may be triggered.

Special Service for Groups is an Equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer