Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

We are an accredited substance abuse treatment provider.

Join our mission to provide substance use disorder services for the purpose of improving quality of life, instilling hope, and helping all people reach their full potential.

Motto: Patient’s Come First

Guiding Principal : Our clinic provides an environment enabling physicians, counselors, patients, and all staff members to work as a team with mutual respect and dignity throughout the recovery process.

If you are looking for an opportunity to thrive in a motivating, challenging, and diversified work environment where you can express your creativity, we invite you to connect with our company. We are a company of second chances and encourage everyone to apply and join our amazing team.

Title: Substance Abuse Counselor

Location: 1733 Euclid Ave. San Diego, CA 92105

Reports To: Program Director/Clinic Manager

Time/Status Regular/Full Time:

Schedule:  Monday through Friday 

Hours: 5:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Overview of Position

An Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Counselor is responsible for delivering clinically appropriate, patient-centered substance use disorder services within a licensed OTP setting. The counselor must hold current certification through the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor in accordance with the state regulatory requirements.

The Substance Abuse Counselor works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary treatment team to ensure the provision of comprehensive and coordinated care. The clinical team includes the receptionist, medical assistant (MA), dispensing nurse, and the OPT/NTP Program Physician. Through active collaboration and communication, the team supports safe medication-assisted treatment (MAT), continuity of care, and patient engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting comprehensive screening and biopsychosocial assessments.
• Collaborating with the treatment team to complete the intake and admission process
• Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans
• Providing individual counseling, group counseling, and case management services
• Coordinating care with internal staff and external service providers as appropriate
• Maintaining timely, accurate, and compliant clinical documentation
• Maintaining patient records both electronically and on paper
• Assisting with program operations and supporting team-based patient care initiatives as needed
• Positive attitude with patient and staff relations
• Complete comprehensive treatment
• Perform duties assigned by the Program Director/Clinic Manager
• Adhere to all Federal, State, County, Accreditation, and Program Regulations.
• Actively learn and use software associated with clinic programs to tract and enter services
• Other duties assigned by the Program Director, Supervisor, Compliance Analyst
• The OTP Counselor plays a crucial role in promoting patient stability, retention in treatment, harm reduction, and overall recovery outcomes. The position requires adherence to ethical standards, regulatory compliance, and organizational policies, while maintaining a compassionate and professional therapeutic presence.

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Demonstrates strong therapeutic communication skills and professional boundaries
• Focuses on resolving conflict constructively rather than assigning blame.
• Maintains strict patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and program policies.
• Remains open to feedback, diverse perspectives, and continuous professional growth.
• Demonstrates cultural humility and respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Organizes and schedules tasks to meet patient care and compliance deadlines
• Anticipates resource needs and coordinates services to support patient stability and retention
• Establishes measurable goals and develops realistic action plans for patient treatment and professional responsibilities.
• Utilizes trauma-informed and patient-centered approaches to maintain safety.
• Supports a calm, therapeutic environment during emotionally charged situations.
• Collaborates with medical and clinical staff when additional intervention is required to ensure patient and staff safety.

Professional Accountability

• Supports the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Contributes positively to team culture and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Demonstrates respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and supports affirmative action policies.
• Manages time efficiently to balance counseling sessions, documentation, case management, and team collaboration

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Substance Abuse Certified Counseling Certification (Required) through and accredited institution such as CCAPP or CAADE
• Addiction counseling experience: minimum 1 year (required)