SUD Counselor - Truelife Recovery Program (Bilingual)

North County Lifeline; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

North County Lifeline is seeking a bilingual SUD Counselor for the TrueLife Recovery Program in Vista, CA. The role provides individual and group recovery services, coordinates co-occurring and substance use care, and employs evidence-based practices in a trauma-informed, client-centered framework.

Strong communication and organizational skills are essential. You will deliver psychoeducational groups, assist with discharge planning, conduct drug testing, and collaborate with Lifeline programs

Qualifications

• Registered or Certified SUD Counselor in CA or eligible within 30 days of hire
• BA in psychology, social work, or human services with 2 years related experience
• Bilingual English/Spanish required
• Knowledge of CBT/DBT or Seeking Safety preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Well organized with attention to detail
• Must have good driving record and own vehicle
• Background fingerprinting checks, TB testing, and drug testing required

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary counselor for clients admitted to DMC services
• Provide Educational and Process groups and recovery services
• Assist with discharge and aftercare planning
• Provide crisis management as needed
• Conduct observed, random drug testing
• Provide services at Lifeline's program facility and satellite schools
• Coordinate with other Lifeline programs to promote in-house coordination
• Attend community, agency, and collaborative meetings
• Stay updated on current SUD treatment trends and best practices
• Provide trainings/workshops to staff on current data and trends
• Develop and implement substance use and life-domain curricula and update as needed
• Provide Tobacco Cessation education and nicotine testing
• Facilitate and coordinate prosocial activities
• Participate as part of the TLR Multidisciplinary Team
• Work with LPHAs to ensure medical necessity
• Maintain trauma-informed, client-centered approach
• Complete required paperwork timely
• Complete other duties as assigned

Skills

Bilingual EN/ES

Crisis management

Trauma-informed care

CBT/DBT knowledge

Professional demeanor

Education

BA in psychology, social work, or human services

Job description

SUD Counselor - Truelife Recovery Program (Bilingual)

*Tentative Start Date of January 4, 2027

General Responsibilities

The TrueLife Recovery SUD Counselor, under the supervision of the TrueLife Recovery Program Manager, is responsible for the coordination of and delivery of co-occurring and substance abuse services. The SUD Counselor will deliver individual and group recovery services through a number of Evidenced Based Practices (EBP)-via a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective. The TrueLife Recovery SUD Counselor will provide substance use and psychoeducational groups encompassing a variety of topics related to life domains, relapse prevention strategies and coping skills.

Specific Activities

• Serves as a primary counselor for clients admitted to DMC services.
• Provides Educational and Process groups and recovery services.
• Assists with discharge and after care planning.
• Provides crisis management as needed.
• Conducts observed, random drug testing.
• Provides services at Lifeline's program facility and satellite schools.
• Works as a liaison between TLR Program and other Lifeline programs to promote in-house program coordination and to provide clear communication among agency partners and programs.
• Attends community, agency, and collaborative meetings to promote Lifeline and TLR services
• Stays abreast of current and appropriate SUD treatment, co-occurring and trauma-informed trends and best practices.
• Provides trainings/workshops to include in-service presentations to staff regarding current data, trends and effects of substance use and youth.
• Develops and implements substance use and life domain group curricula and updates curricula as trends/information changes utilizing evidence based practices.
• Provides Tobacco Cessation education and nicotine testing to clients needing these services as indicated on their individual Treatment Plans, and assists with referrals if needed.
• Facilitates and/or coordinates prosocial activities.
• Participates as part of the TLR Multidisciplinary Team.
• Works closely with LPHAs to ensure medical necessity for clients.
• Utilizes a trauma-informed, client-centered, culturally respectful approach and abides by the legal and ethical standards of the profession.
• Accurately completes all required paperwork in a timely fashion and within county and program timelines
• Completes all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Registered or Certified in the state of California as a SUD Counselor, or ability to be registered within 30 days of hire and actively working towards certification.
• BA in psychology, social work, human services plus 2 years related experience or equivalent experience in substance abuse and/or counseling, co-occurring treatment highly desired.
• Bilingual English/Spanish required.
• Demonstrated knowledge, training, and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, DBT, or Seeking Safety highly desired.
• Must possess a professional demeanor, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Well organized, detail oriented, and ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Be able to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations.
• Must be willing to develop or possess working knowledge of trauma-informed care.
• Must have good driving record and willing to use own, properly insured, reliable vehicle for the job (mileage reimbursed).
• Employment subject to clearances, including background fingerprinting checks, driving record, tuberculosis testing, and drug testing.

Schedule/Compensation

• Full-Time, Non-exempt position
• 40 hours/week. Monday-Friday (may include evening and occasional weekend hours).
• Salary will commensurate with experience and education. Differential pay offered for bilingual skills. EEO.

Additional Requirement

• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation with a good driving record.
• Willing to use own, properly insured, reliable vehicle for the job (mileage reimbursed).
• Employment subject to clearances, including background fingerprinting checks, driving record, tuberculosis testing, and drug testing.

About the Company

North County Lifeline, Inc. is a non-profit human services organization that offers a wide range of services to the people of San Diego County. Our mission is to build self-reliance among youth, individuals and families through problem solving, skill-building and accessible community-based services. Come be part of a team who CAR2Es! At North County Lifeline, you will find people who Connected to the communities we serve, Authentic, and Resourceful. We are Responsive to the needs of our clients and Engaged in our mission to build self-reliance among youth, adults, and families. Equal Opportunity Employer.

We offer flexible work hours and excellent benefits to our employees.

• Generous paid vacation
• Paid sick time (6 days)
• Paid holidays (12 days)
• 100% employer paid medical, dental, vision, chiropractic and acupuncture coverage
• 100% employer paid life insurance
• Health and wellness programs
• Employee Assistance program
• Professional development assistance
• Great employee incentive awards programTraining and education assistance
• Matched 403b retirement plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid supervision hours (clinical positions)

As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our clients and maintaining the integrity of our workplace, North County Lifeline conducts comprehensive background and drug screening processes for all prospective employees. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Driving Record Check: Verification through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure a good standing driving record.
• Employment Verification: Confirmation of your employment history to verify your experiences and qualifications.
• Reference Checks: Contacting provided references to gain insights into your work ethic, professionalism, and suitability for the role.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Screening: A TB test to ensure the health and safety of our clients and staff, in line with public health recommendations.
• Drug Screening: A 10-panel non-DOT drug test to screen for the presence of common illicit substances, ensuring a drug-free workplace.
• Criminal Background Checks: Comprehensive checks through the Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI, and Child Abuse Index to identify any history that may impact your suitability for employment, particularly in roles involving vulnerable populations.

These screenings are a vital part of our hiring process and must be successfully completed for employment eligibility. North County Lifeline is dedicated to fair and responsible hiring practices and ensures that all screenings are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, respecting the privacy and rights of all candidates. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this process, aimed at creating a safe and productive work environment for everyone.