Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor I/II

Job Description

Job Description

Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor I/II

Detox Program

At Father Joe’s Villages, detox and recovery services provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment for individuals taking their first steps toward recovery from substance use. This is meaningful, hands-on work at a critical moment in someone’s life - when compassion, clinical skill, and steady support can make a lasting difference.

Our Detox team helps clients safely navigate withdrawal, stabilize physically and emotionally, and begin building a foundation for long-term recovery. Through counseling, care coordination, and connection to ongoing services, we meet people where they are and help them move forward with dignity and hope.

The Role

As an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor, you will provide direct counseling and recovery support services to individuals in detox and early recovery, helping clients navigate stabilization and take the first steps toward lasting recovery.. You will conduct intake assessments, provide individual and group counseling services, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support treatment planning and client care.

This position may be filled at either the AOD Counselor I or AOD Counselor II level based on the selected candidate's qualifications, certification status, experience, and demonstrated ability to perform the responsibilities of the role. Candidates who are early in their counseling careers, as well as experienced substance use disorder treatment professionals, are encouraged to apply.

Your Impact

• Conduct intake assessments and support determination of appropriate level of care
• Provide individual counseling focused on stabilization, engagement, and recovery goal-setting
• Facilitate or co-facilitate group sessions using structured, recovery-oriented curricula
• Support the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and the care team
• Document services and client progress accurately and in a timely manner within the EHR system
• Collaborate with nursing, case management, and behavioral health staff to deliver coordinated care
• Support clients in moments of crisis using calm, trauma-informed de-escalation techniques
• Connect clients to ongoing treatment, community resources, and recovery supports
• Participate in clinical supervision, team meetings, and case reviews to support high-quality care
• Maintain compliance with all program, licensing, and documentation standards

Desirable Candidate Profile

• Associate's degree, completion of substance use disorder counselor education requirements, or an equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience
• Current registration or certification with CADTP, CAADE, or CCAPP (or eligibility and active progress toward registration and certification requirements)
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, or residential/high-acuity clinical settings. Candidates with three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience may be considered for placement at the AOD Counselor II level.
• Experience providing individual and/or group counseling services in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, residential, or other high-acuity settings preferred
• Familiarity with the 12 Core Functions and/or 8 Practice Dimensions of substance use counseling
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic health record systems
• CPR certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Valid California Driver's License

Key Competencies and Experience

• Ability to conduct intake assessments, support treatment planning, and maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation
• Working knowledge of substance use disorder treatment principles, recovery models, and client-centered care approaches
• Ability to apply counseling techniques in both individual and group settings to support early recovery and engagement
• Skill in de-escalation and maintaining a calm, grounded presence in crisis or high-stress situations
• Ability to build trust and rapport with individuals in vulnerable and transitional stages of recovery
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary care team
• Organized and detail-oriented, with strong follow-through in a structured clinical environment
• Commitment to professional ethics, confidentiality, and maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Openness to feedback, clinical supervision, and ongoing professional development

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, onsite clinical role in a detox and residential recovery setting. Schedule is 40 hours per week, Sunday – Thursday from 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM. The role requires collaboration within a multidisciplinary team and flexibility to support program coverage needs.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $24.00 to $27.61 per hour for the AOD Counselor I level, and $27.63 to $31.77 per hour for the AOD Counselor II level. Final placement and starting rate will be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, certification status, and internal equity considerations.

In addition to competitive pay, Father Joe’s Villages offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plan options, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Employees also have access to wellness programs and employee assistance resources to support work-life balance, health, and overall well-being.

Why Join Father Joe’s Villages

Work with a mission-driven organization committed to ending homelessness and strengthening San Diego communities. Collaborate with dedicated professionals, grow your clinical skills in behavioral health and substance use treatment, and make a meaningful impact supporting individuals in their recovery journey.

Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre- and post-employment requirements, which may include background checks, drug screening, health screenings (including TB testing), certification verification, and other role-related requirements following a conditional offer of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Father Joe’s Villages is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.