Counselor

Position Overview As a Counselor, you will play a crucial role in the recovery journey of our patients. Pinnacle’s unique approach combines compassionate care with innovative treatment methods to address the diverse needs of individuals seeking help for substance use disorders. Benefits Variable Pay Structure: Competitive compensation based on experience, education, and licensure. Defined Career Pathing: Clear advancement opportunities through our Counselor Tier Program. Bonus Incentives: Monthly performance-based bonuses for quality patient care. STAR LRP Eligibility: 90% of our facilities are eligible; program forgives 100% of student loans. Continuing Education: Free access to over 600 CEU courses. Paid Time Off: 18 days of PTO, sick leave, and 8 paid holidays. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives: Reflecting the diversity of our patient population. Free Clinical Supervision: Available based on licensure and availability. Key Responsibilities Provides orientation to new patients about program rules, policies, procedures, and patient rights. Conducts Intakes, Discharge Planning, Initial Assessments, and Initial Treatment Plans professionally and within time guidelines. Involves patients in assessment, treatment planning, and intervention; promotes patient entitlement to their own recovery. Administers the biopsychosocial assessment at intake and on an ongoing basis. Recognizes and utilizes patients’ Strengths, Needs, Ability, and Preferences (SNAP) to develop individualized Treatment Plans. Determines clinical necessity of counseling services based on assessment. Monitors closely, and documents any change of circumstances, identifying and addressing relapse indicators early. Complies with Medical Q.A and Clinical Risk Management Policies, including: Evaluates patients for high-risk conditions and endangers. Administers screening tools (BAM‑R, C‑SSRS, GAD‑7, PHQ‑9) to determine mental/emotional status severity. Assesses risk factors and determines appropriateness of treatment modalities. Recommends immediate referral to specialists; secures waivers for information release. Flags high-risk patients to Leadership and staff; advises staff in writing. Maintains minutes from treatment team/case conferences. Provides professional counseling and referral services, including: Maintains referrals to specialized services, support groups, and community resources. Provides individual and group counseling addressing identified needs. Utilizes advanced counseling techniques (CBT, Motivational Interviewing, etc.). Schedules regular counseling sessions; records appointments in EHR scheduler. Documents counseling entries per regulations. Engages in Community Relations and Outreach. Attends all recommended trainings and case conferences. Collects research data when requested. Observes collection of urine samples when required. Attends team meetings and completes training on time. Other duties as assigned. Counselor I Pay: $20–$22 per hour Associate degree in a relevant field and necessary registration/credentials to provide counseling services. Kern County requires bachelor’s degree or high school diploma/GED with 75% certification education. Counselor II Pay: $22–$25 per hour Associate degree or approved counselor certification courses; Kern County requires bachelor’s degree or 75% of required courses. Registration/certification by a certifying organization recognized by the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs; proof required immediately upon employment. 2–5 years of experience or Master level experience. Counselor III (Certified & Licensed) Pay: $25–$28 per hour (Certified) or $28–$31 per hour (Licensed) Licenses or certifications in Alcohol and Other Drug Counseling, CA approved agency, current credentials as licensed or license‑eligible. Maintains Board requirements, including supervision. Proof of licensure or certification required immediately upon employment. Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Pinnacle Treatment Centers, Inc.