Counselor I/II

Statement of Purpose

The Counselor I fulfills assigned role as a part of the treatment team, maintaining the well being of clients and integrity of the program.

Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities
• Report and record any changes observed in client condition or behavior, including unusual incidents. Identify, report and assist with the management of emergencies.
• Take and record accurate vital signs and perform urinalysis testing. Chart routine information e.g. vital signs, client progress and daily activities.
• Make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours on withdrawal management clients, document and record withdrawal symptoms.
• Observe and document client self- administration of medications.
• Administer anti -overdose medications as needed.
• Knowledge of drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, family systems and 12-Step/recovery resources in the community.
• Develop and maintain individualized records of client progress and participation in treatment including admission and discharge, individual, group, family, vocational (both individual and group) literacy training, and other occasions as appropriate.
• Ability to write clear statements, summarizing client's feelings, expressions, resistance and response to their treatment plan; goals and objectives. Includes letters to referral agencies, courts/probation.
• Ability to confront behavioral changes, identify a crisis, and recognize when additional assistance is necessary.
• Ability to recognize personal issues that have an impact on job performance and interactions with clients.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
• Ability to convey respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.
• Ability to prepare for, and facilitate related educational groups.
• Basic knowledge of referrals, both in and out of the BHS treatment system.
• May carry a caseload as needed.
• Working knowledge of the philosophy and approach of the 12-Step model of recovery (AA, CA, NA, Alanon).
• Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources.
• Basic understanding of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word). Ability to readily adapt to the electronic health record information system.


Counselor I Competencies and Performance Expectations
All Counselor I's are expected to:
• Document client intake and treatment progress
• Identify a crisis
• Know and understand withdrawal management
• Recognize the symptoms associated with chemical dependency and detoxification
• Facilitate an educational group
• Liaison with and refer to treatment team, inside and outside agencies
• Assess and report client behavioral changes
• Identify personal boundaries and be able to work as part of the treatment team
• Adhere to professional standards
• Recognize personal biases working within diverse populations

Prerequisite Qualifications
Following are the qualifications required to perform the essential functions of this position. Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Bilingual abilities may be required within certain BHS programs.


High school diploma or equivalency. Registered and enrolled in a state-recognized chemical dependency counselor certification program or progress towards AOD, with six months' substance abuse experience or Bachelor's and registered with state or nationwide approved credentialing body (i.e. CCAPP, CAADE. Maintain registration thereafter, and to complete certification within the specified time subsequent to registration, will result in loss of employment.

Must have valid California driver's license and liability insurance if driving personal vehicle on BHS business.
Vision, hearing, manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination must be adequate for performance of job duties. Able to sit at desk, use keyboard, write and physically perform other job duties. Able to move about the facility to observe clients and staff.

Statement of Purpose

The Counselor II works as a member of the treatment team, coordinating program services, and maintaining the well-being of clients and the integrity of the program.


Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities
• Thorough knowledge of drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, family systems and
12-Step/recovery resources in the community.
• Develop and maintain individualized records of client progress and participation in treatment including admission and discharge, individual, group, family, vocational (both individual and group) literacy training and other occasions as appropriate.
• Ability to write clear statements, summarizing client's feelings, expressions, resistance and response to their treatment plan; goals and objectives. Includes letters to referral agencies, courts/probation.
• Ability to confront behavioral changes, identifies a crisis, and recognize when additional assistance is necessary.
• Ability to recognize personal issues that have an impact on job performance and interactions with clients.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
• Ability to convey respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.
• Ability to prepare for, and facilitate related process and educational groups.
• Knowledge of referrals, both in and out of the BHS treatment system.
• Knowledge of the philosophy and approach of the 12-Step model of recovery (AA, CA, NA, Alanon).
• Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources.
• Knowledge of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word). Ability to readily adapt to the Caminar information system.


Counselor II Competencies and Performance Expectations

All Counselor II's are expected to meet the requirements of Counselor I and in addition are expected to:
• Admit, orient, and discharge clients
• Facilitate group process
• Conduct assessments
• Formulate treatment plans
• Intervene in crisis situations
• Adhere to professional boundaries
• Maintain client records

Prerequisite Qualifications

Following are the qualifications required to perform the essential functions of this position. Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Bilingual abilities may be required within certain BHS programs.


High school diploma or equivalency. Required current certification number issued from a statewide or nationwide credentialing body (i.e. CCAPP) received upon completion of passing the California Certification exam. Two years supervised experience working in substance abuse and/or a related field. Failure to maintain certification will result in result in loss of employment.

Must have valid California driver's license and liability insurance if driving personal vehicle on BHS business.

Vision, hearing, manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination must be adequate for performance of job duties. Able to sit at desk, use keyboard, write and physically perform other job duties. Able to move about the facility to observe clients and staff.