SUD Counselor - NCSH Residential

HealthRIGHT 360; Escondido (CA); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

15 paid holidays

Commuter benefits

Retirement plans

Public loan forgiveness programs

Training and professional development

Mission-driven colleagues

Job summary

North County Serenity House (NCSH), a residential program of HealthRIGHT 360, seeks a SUD Counselor I to support clients through assessment, individual and group counseling, and case management in a gender-responsive, trauma-informed setting. Responsibilities include developing treatment plans, navigating care systems, and coordinating with internal and external resources.

The role emphasizes crisis intervention, documentation, and collaboration within an interdisciplinary team to promote

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related field preferred.
• Registration as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor from a CA agency (CCAPP/CAADE/CADTP).
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions.
• Develop and maintain treatment plans and progress notes.
• Link clients to internal and external resources; assist with discharge planning.
• Document counseling sessions and maintain timely data in electronic systems.
• Monitor safety, crisis intervention, and medical emergencies; observe and document client status.
• Support intake process and maintain supplies; ensure compliance with credential requirements.
• Attend meetings and participate in scheduled trainings; work weekends/holidays as needed.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related field (preferred)

Registration as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor (CA CCAPP/CAADE/CADTP)

First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days)

Job description

Temecula, CA, USA

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 7:00 AM

HealthRIGHT 360 gives hope, builds health, and changes lives for people in need by providing comprehensive, integrated, compassionate care that includes primary medical care, mental health services, and substance use disorder treatment.

Health RIGHT360 offers residentialtreatment services designed to serve individuals and families with substance use disorders andco-occurring mental health disorders. Our program helps clients address addiction and related issues , increase skills, manage stressors, connect to supportive service, and build a foundation for lasting recovery. Residential programs run 24/7 and Individual and group therapy, family therapy, individualized case management, treatment planning, drug and alcohol counseling, Medication support services, and crisis intervention.

Benefits and perks:

• HR360 offers a robust benefits package, including PTO, 15 paid holidays, commuter benefits, retirement plans, and more!
• Employees qualify for public loan forgiveness programs
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Work with mission driven, compassionate colleagues and make a difference every day in the work that you do.

This is a union-eligible position.

The required schedule for this position is:

• Schedule 1: Sunday - Thursday, 3 pm - 11:30 pm OR
• Schedule 2: Tuesday - Saturday, 3 pm - 11:30 pm

JOB SUMMARY

North County Serenity House (NCSH), a residential program of HealthRIGHT 360, was founded in 1966 to provide substance use disorder services in the community. NCSH provides a gender-responsive and trauma-informed environment, using evidence-based and best practices that recognize and account for the role that trauma frequently plays in substance use and criminal histories of women. For clients with co-occurring mental illness, we provide integrated substance use and mental health services which treat both conditions as primary. Our residential facility serves up to 120 women (with capacity for up to 20 children under 5 years of age) seeking recovery from substance use disorders.

The SUD Counselor I is an integral part of an interdisciplinary team that supports our clients through assessment of their needs and strengths in support of their health and recovery. This in-person role involves providing counseling in both individual and group settings, delivering curricula in accordance with program-specific requirements, offering case management, and assisting clients in navigating systems of care—all while fostering a supportive treatment environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Treatment Setting

• Facilitate group counseling sessions and community meetings.
• Proactively link clients to both internal and external resources based on their treatment needs.
• Teach classes on treatment-related topics to assist clients in meeting their treatment goals.
• Collaborate with each client and other available internal and external resources to develop/maintain treatment plans, transition plans, progress notes and appropriate updates in support of the health and recovery needs of the client.
• Perform crisis intervention and communicate with the treatment team.
• Follow up on clients' treatment progress.
• Monitor and document client medication administration.
• Ensure secure storage and proper accounting of client medications.
• Accompany clients to offsite appointments as needed.
• Assign client duties and sign off upon completion.
• Motivate clients to fulfill their weekly obligations.
• Support intake process and maintain supplies.
• Collect, clean, or dispose of biohazard waste.
• Disinfect and clean rooms and common areas.
• Transport clients as needed.

Safety and Security

• Maintain safety and security of clients in the facility.
• Perform periodic house runs.
• Perform property and room searches.
• Respond to medical emergencies including overdoses.
• Perform substance use tests such as urinalysis and breathalyzer.
• Observe clients and maintain observation logs.

Documentation

• Document counseling sessions in a timely manner per program and/or contract requirements.
• Accurately enter data in electronic systems.
• Document client updates and incidents daily.
• All documentation must be maintained in accordance with guidelines established by HealthRIGHT 360 to satisfy internal and external evaluating requirements.
• Complete discharge paperwork and agency assessments.
• Maintain weekly logs of client contacts.
• Read and respond to communications in a timely manner.

Administrative and Other Responsibilities

• Attend meetings and actively participate.
• Plan and facilitate celebrations and special events.
• Work on weekends and holidays as needed.
• Complete assigned training on time.
• Maintain full compliance with credential requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Certification, or Licensure

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or other related field preferred.
• Registration as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor from an accredited California agency (CCAPP, CAADE, CADTP).
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Experience

• At least one year of experience as a registered substance abuse or behavioral disorder counselor or recovery specialist in community mental health or residential setting.
• Experience carrying a caseload or ability to carry.

Must complete background check and livescan clearance.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.