Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Objective:

Responsible for coordinating services to address the complex needs of substance using patients and their families; providing assessment, supportive counseling and interventions for patients of the emergency department

Job Description:

Education:

Required: Associates Degree in a health related field

Licensure/Certification:

Required: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or obtained within six (6) months of hire; SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) training or completion within two (2) months of hire

Experience:

Required: One (1) year substance use counseling experience and two (2) years of experience working with community substance use programs

Essential Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates compliance with Code of Conduct and compliance policies, and takes action to resolve compliance questions or concerns and report suspected violations.
  
  
• Completes assessment of patients according to professional standards. Documents using facts only without attitude, judgment or opinions. Includes all telephone calls made with persons name and phone number.
  
  
• Conducts a discharge planning needs assessment and develops a post-acute care plan in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team to meet desired goals for the next step in the continuum.
  
  
• Communicates to patient/family, and interdisciplinary team members their options and plans for ongoing substance use treatment. Communicates to patients their choices regarding post-acute care plans, and respects these choices as defined by federal, state and regulatory requirements.
  
  
• Updates the team as to the status of the after-care plans. Re-evaluates and revises the plan as additional information is acquired and keeps patient/family and team informed of changes in the plan.
  
  
• Maintains current knowledge and awareness of payer/reimbursement practices.
  
  
• Develops strong relationships with community substance use resources to ensure appropriate patient access after discharge. Completes timely referrals to post-acute care providers, ensuring efficient patient flow and adherence to federal and regulatory requirements.
  
  
• Provides crisis intervention, supportive counseling and advocacy to assist patients and/or family with adjustment.
  
  
• Helps patient/family understand, accept and follow medical recommendations within the context of self-determination.
  
  
• Serves as a resource to hospital staff and physicians concerning substance use issues.
  
  
• Facilitates resource acquisition for the unfunded patient, as available.
  
  
• Provides education to patient and families around issues related to adaptation to the patients diagnosis, illness, treatment, discharge plan and/or life situation.
  
  
• Serves as a resource to members of the interdisciplinary team and patient/family regarding coverage issues, discharge options and community resources. Participates in team meetings.
  
  
• Documents according to hospital policy.
  
  
• Collaborates with supervisor to promote continuous process improvement, which results in efficiency, cost effectiveness, and the highest level of clinical excellence.
  
  
• Calls in and writes APS, CPS, domestic violence reports when warranted.
  
  
• Demonstrates compliance with Code of Conduct and compliance policies, and takes action to resolve compliance questions or concerns and reports suspected violations.
  
  
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Essential Skils:

• Demonstrated high degree of initiative, judgment, discretion and independent work ability
  
  
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to establish and carry out complex plans of care for key diagnoses
  
  
• Ability to solve complex problems to meet patient needs
  
  
• Knowledge of substance rehabilitation program requirements and reimbursement criteria
  
  
• Demonstrated comfort level with liaising with multi-disciplinary teams and post-acute care providers
  
  
• Ability to work in a high pressure, deadline oriented, and complex health care environment
  
  
• Strong customer service skills
  
  
• Knowledge about regulations, standards and legislation (local, state and federal) related to the provision of substance use services
  
  
• Demonstrated level of comfort working with persons of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds
  
  
• Intricate knowledge of the assessment and provision of interventions addressing the care needs of substance using persons
  
  

There's no better place to live, work, play, and prosper. At our award-winning medical
facilities located in the Coachella Valley, you'll be part of a five-star team with other
top health care professionals.

In 2025, we were honored to be named to Forbes' prestigious America's Best
Employers List for the fourth time, a testament to our dedication to providing an
exceptional work environment. Eisenhower Health is the sole employer in the
Coachella Valley to receive this esteemed designation, solidifying our reputation as
an outstanding place to build a career.

Our dedication to delivering high-quality, compassionate medical care is evident in
our rankings. According to U.S. News & World Report, we hold the esteemed position
of #1 in the Inland Empire and #19 in California among hospitals. Our Magnet
recognition underscores our commitment to nursing excellence and quality patient
care.

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond awards; we are the only hospital in
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Government Rating System, a distinction awarded to just 10% of hospitals
nationwide.

We take pride in fostering an inclusive environment for all. With a score of 95 out of
100, we continue to be designated as an "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer" by
the Human Rights Campaign, highlighting our dedication to providing
compassionate care to all members of our community.

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grade in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade since 2021.

At Eisenhower Health, we don't just set standards; we raise them. Join our team and
be part of an organization that is consistently recognized for excellence in health
care and workplace satisfaction. Your career at Eisenhower Health will be marked by
growth, innovation, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of
our patients and the community we serve. Eisenhower Health is an equal
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