Registered/Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Schedule:  Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Position Purpose:  

The Registered or Certified Substance Abuse Counselor will provide dynamic counseling services to minority and low-income women, including pregnant and postpartum women, alongside their children, within a residential drug treatment program. Upholding an exceptional standard of care in line with Substance Abuse and Prevention Control (SAPC) and Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) program guidelines, the Counselor champions the JWCH mission to elevate the health status and well-being of underserved communities in Los Angeles County. Demonstrating proficiency in Medication Assisted Treatment knowledge and harm reduction strategies, the Counselor ensures vibrant and effective approaches to substance abuse treatment.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Manage a caseload of up to 15 clients with professionalism and an upbeat attitude.
2. Ensure compliance with all SAPC service and documentation requirements.
3. Identify and address immediate barriers to treatment, including external factors hindering progress.
4. Conduct weekly individual counseling sessions with each client, ensuring post-session scheduling.
5. Develop and regularly update treatment plans (Problem List) for each client.
6. Conduct weekly care coordination sessions with clients to support their treatment journey.
7. Make referrals for medical, psychiatric, and dental needs as necessary.
8. Implement daily retention strategies for caseload clients, utilizing positive clinical approaches.
9. Demonstrate knowledge of harm reduction and medication-assisted treatment for the R95 population.
10. Utilize appropriate clinical skills to engage and support challenging clients.
11. Integrate mindfulness and meditation interventions into group and individual sessions.
12. Provide trauma-responsive care across all aspects of treatment.
13. Manage crisis situations with new admissions to ensure client retention.
14. Collaborate with therapists to coordinate strategic responses to mental health crises.
15. Facilitate weekly Substance Abuse Education, Relapse Prevention, and Seeking Safety groups, as well as other assigned groups.
16. Introduce clients to the principles of 12 Step recovery.
17. Ensure timely documentation of all provided services within 24 hours.
18. Submit weekly productivity logs to the evaluator for review.
19. Conduct ASAM assessments within 72 hours of client admission and coordinate with the therapist to finalize medical necessity notes for assigned clients.
20. Participate in weekly Case Review meetings and client touch bases.
21. Track client services and ensure compliance with program requirements.
22. Collaborate with a diverse, multi-disciplinary team of professionals to enhance client care.
23. Complete required training hours as assigned by SAPC and JWCH Med Trainer.
24. Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate respect and compassion in all interactions.
25. Initiate and present positive solutions to challenges as they arise.
26. Foster effective teamwork to achieve organizational goals.
27. Adapt to changing priorities and accommodate workplace requirements.
28. Adhere to departmental guidelines regarding absences and breaks.
29. Project a positive professional image and adhere to organizational dress code.
30. Provide coverage for other groups and activities as needed.
31. Discuss patient information only with appropriate program personnel in relation to care.
32. Maintain confidentiality of all patient identifier information.
33. Ensure cleanliness and organization in workstations and communal areas.
34. Fulfill any additional duties as assigned.
35. Adhere to all organizational safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
36. Adhere to all organizational safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors
37. Participate in required safety and compliance trainings and apply learned practices in daily work activities.
38. Identify, report, and help mitigate unsafe conditions, incidents, or hazards in the workplace.
39. Use equipment, tools, and supplies safely and responsibly in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
40. Maintain awareness of infection control, occupational health, and emergency preparedness procedures appropriate to the role.

Requirements:

1. Registered or Certified Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor: Certification from NCCA-accredited agencies like CADTP and CCAPP, adhering to California Code of Regulations.
2. Two years as a registered drug and alcohol counselor, with one year as certified.
3. Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, or Psychology preferred.
4. Experience with Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) and Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention Control (SAPC) system.
5. Trained in trauma-informed treatment and evidence-based approaches like Matrix, Seeking Safety, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Nurturing Parenting Program.
6. Proficiency in Electronic Health Recording Systems.
7. Skilled in administering ASAM, ASI, and other substance abuse assessment tools.
8. Possession of a current NPI and "C" number.
9. Valid California driver’s license, proof of insurance, and clean driving record.
10. Excellent written, oral, organizational, and documentation skills.
11. Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
12. Ability to multitask and work effectively within a team structure.
13. Maintains current First Aid/CPR Certification, physical exam, and Tuberculosis test results.

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

Employee Benefits:

At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:

1. Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
2. Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for health premiums assistance.
3. Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
4. Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
5. 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing Plan with Employer Base Contribution and Discretionary Matching Contributions
6. Mileage reimbursement.
7. Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
8. Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.

JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers  is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.