Safety Stabilization Counselor (SSC)

Safety & Stabilization Counselor

At Whole Person Care Clinic (WPCC), our mission is to provide holistic, compassionate, and accessible care that nurtures the physical, emotional, and social well-being of every individual we serve. Through an integrated approach that combines medical care, behavioral health services, and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, we address the full spectrum of patient needs.

Within our Medical Respite / Recuperative Care program, we support individuals experiencing homelessness who are recovering from acute illness, injury, or hospitalization—ensuring a safe environment for healing while promoting stability and long-term recovery.

The Safety & Stabilization Counselor is a frontline behavioral health, SUD-focused role responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, recovery-oriented environment within a medical respite / recuperative care setting. This position integrates behavioral health and substance use disorder support, post-acute care stabilization, and safety monitoring for vulnerable clients.

Clients served often present with co-occurring medical conditions, behavioral health needs, and substance use disorders. The Safety and Stabilization Counselor plays a key role in supporting recovery engagement and safe healing environments following hospital discharge.

This role requires strong judgment, emotional regulation, and the ability to balance awareness with safety oversight in a high-acuity care setting.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Has experience working with behavioral health, SUD, co-occurring conditions, and medically vulnerable populations
• Applies a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, harm reduction approach
• Demonstrates strong professional boundaries, communication, and reliability
• Remains calm and effective in high-acuity or crisis situations
• Supports both clinical goals and program safety expectations

This position works closely with case managers, SUD counselors, medical providers, and behavioral health staff to support client stabilization and recovery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Client Support & Crisis Response

• Create a safe and welcoming environment with clients using empathy, professionalism and cultural humility
• Maintain a safe and orderly environment through consistent monitoring of facility grounds
• Observe and report changes in medical or functional status to clinical staff
• Identify and respond to medical, behavioral, and safety risks proactively
• Utilize de-escalation and non-violent crisis intervention techniques
• Respond to emergencies in coordination with clinical staff and emergency services
• Enforce program expectations consistently and therapeutically

Substance Use Disorder Support

• Provide recovery-oriented support, reinforcing treatment goals, relapse prevention, and harm reduction strategies
• Monitor for withdrawal symptoms, relapse risk, or substance use activity and escalate concerns appropriately
• Encourage participation in SUD services, groups, and recovery planning
• Support development of coping skills, structure, and recovery routines

Case Coordination & Team Collaboration

• Work closely with medical and behavioral health providers, nurses, SUD counselors, and case managers to support care plans
• Communicate relevant updates on client status, risks, and engagement
• Participate in team huddles and care coordination meetings

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete timely and accurate documentation (shift logs, incident reports, client observations)
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, and program policies
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct in all interactions

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or GED – Required
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Addiction Studies, or related field – Preferred

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of experience in SUD treatment, recuperative care, residential programs, or behavioral health settings
• Experience with homeless populations, medical vulnerability, and co-occurring disorders
• Knowledge of recovery principles, crisis intervention, and post-acute care support

Certifications or Licenses – Candidates must possess at least one of the following, or a combination where applicable:

• CADTP Registration or Certification (SUDRC or SUDCC) – Required at time of hire
• California Guard Card or PSO Registration – Required at time of hire
• BLS Certification – Required
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) – Preferred

Core Competencies

• Recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care
• Understanding of substance use and co-occurring conditions
• Ability to recognize and escalate medical or behavioral changes
• Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills
• Effective crisis management and de-escalation
• Cultural humility and adaptability in a high-acuity environment
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, EHR systems)

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking and monitoring of facility grounds
• Ability to assist with basic client mobility and non-clinical needs
• Standing for extended periods and occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.)
• On-site work in a recuperative care setting with medically vulnerable individuals

Schedule and Travel Requirements

• Full-time (40 hours/week)
• Shift schedules may vary, including evening, overnight, and weekend availability

EEO / ADA Statement

WPCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. WPCC provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for the position. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.