Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor

MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

Our mission is to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare and supportive services to our community. Our vision is "Improving the Health and Well-Being of Our Community." Our core values are Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence. Employees are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission, policies, goals, and philosophy of Harbor Community Health Centers.

JOB SUMMARY

The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor reports to the Program Manager and provides counseling and care coordination services to individuals with substance use disorders. This role is responsible for conducting assessments, developing and implementing individualized treatment plans, facilitating individual and group counseling sessions, and supporting patients through recovery. The SUD Counselor collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and community partners to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to be successful in this role. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position.

Clinical Services & Counseling:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments, screenings, and evaluations of patients.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patients and care teams.
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling sessions using evidence-based practices (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Relapse Prevention, Seeking Safety).
• Provide crisis intervention and support as needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation, including treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.

Care Coordination & Case Management:

• Manage assigned caseload and monitor patient progress toward treatment goals.
• Coordinate care with internal teams, including medical and behavioral health providers.
• Process referrals and connect patients to SUD, MAT, and community-based services as appropriate.
• Assist patients with navigating services and accessing community resources.
• Communicate with utilization review (UR) and respond to documentation or authorization requests.

Program Support & Collaboration:

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to care planning.
• Build and maintain relationships with referral sources, community partners, and external agencies.
• Support program growth by actively managing and maintaining caseload.
• Verify insurance eligibility and ensure proper documentation for services.

Compliance & Organizational Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations related to substance use disorder treatment.
• Maintain compliance with organizational policies, ethical standards, and confidentiality requirements (HIPAA).
• Complete required trainings and maintain professional credentials.
• Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and responsiveness in all interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support HarborCHC's mission and operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education, Experience, and/or Training:

• Active certification as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor (CADC or CATC) through a recognized California governing body.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in substance use disorder counseling or related field.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel between sites as needed.
• Knowledge of addiction treatment principles, evidence-based practices, and behavioral health interventions.
• Ability to conduct clinical assessments, develop treatment plans, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in computer systems for documentation, scheduling, and reporting.

Preferred Education, Experience, and/or Training:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience in a community health center, outpatient clinic, or integrated care setting.
• Experience with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs.

EXPECTATIONS

• Adheres to all HarborCHC policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates HarborCHC's core values of Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence at all times.
• Maintains a strong commitment to the mission, policies, goals, and philosophy of HarborCHC.
• Maintains professionalism and a respectful attitude in all interactions.
• Communicates effectively with supervisors, team members, patients, and community partners.
• Reports to work consistently and prepared to perform assigned duties.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all data and information.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to manipulate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust.

HOURS OF OPERATIONS

HarborCHC is open Monday-Thursday 7:00am-7:00pm, Friday 8:00 am-5:00pm, and Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm.

HR PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Must successfully complete post-offer background screening and verification requirements
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

HarborCHC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race; religion; color; sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions); sexual orientation; national origin; ancestry; physical or mental disability; medical condition; genetic information/characteristics; marital status/registered domestic partner status; age; sexual orientation; reproductive health decision-making; military or veteran status; use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace; and any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. This policy applies whether the individual has or is perceived to have any of the characteristics protected by law or is associated with a person who has or is perceived to have any of the characteristics protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements define this position as it currently exists and are intended to describe the general responsibilities and requirements for this job. They are not to be considered as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements and does not limit the assignment of additional duties at the discretion of the supervisor. HarborCHC is an at-will employer.

In addition, HarborCHC may change your duties, compensation or hours, or transfer, reassign, promote, demote, suspend, or otherwise change the terms and conditions of your employment (other than the at-will relationship), with or without cause or prior notice.

Monday through Friday 8am-5pm