Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Description

The Substance Abuse Counselor will provide client services in a shelter or recuperative care facility by utilizing a harm reduction model approach. Harm reduction takes a health rather than a disease perspective, a compassionate and humane rather than a moralistic, not a punitive perspective on why people use drugs and how they get into trouble. Harm reduction brings substance misuse into the realm of mainstream health care and releases it from the clutches of the criminal justice system and from programs that preach zero tolerance for substance misuse.

Responsibilities

• Substance Use Counselor will use a harm reduction approach to help motivate clients towards abstinence as their goal, or a substantial reduction to drug or alcohol consumption

• SUC will initiate client evaluations upon admission, substance use assessment, care planning, and goal setting

• Collaborates (on a need-to-know basis) with the multidisciplinary team members, including medical, case management, food service and transportation regarding client’s behavioral health needs, ensuring the highest level of client care

• Maintains confidentiality of work-related information and materials according to HIPAA standards.

• Participate in the development and implementation of client’s treatment progress as needed

• Lead site activities such as current event groups, goal setting & motivation, relapse prevention, mindfulness, stress management, drug & alcohol awareness, activities of daily living and/or recreational activities, as appropriate to the specified client population.

• Recognize the needs for providing crisis intervention services to clients as needed according to Pro-ACT (Professional Assault Crisis Training) principles

• Documents all client interactions or activities completed on behalf of the client (including collaboration with other disciplines, case consultations, telephone calls leaving voicemails, and collateral contact) in clients EMR system (if applicable) according to the documentation standards of the agency and within 72 hours of service provision

• Meet documentation standards assigned by Supervisor, Manager or Director

• Informs supervising Manager or Director, within 12 hours of making an incident report, Protective Services and/or Behavioral Health hold reports within the mandated time frame

• Attend to clients’ behavioral issues tactfully and utilize the de-escalation process as needed

• Act as a liaison with patients, families of patients, or external facilities and agencies

• Follows established institutional policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, and safety, environmental and infection control standards

• Research and network with community agencies for client resources and linkage as directed

• Familiarization with supportive services in County/Counties, including but not limited to linking clients to outside therapy, mental health, substance use treatment programs, job training, schooling, church, AA/NA meetings, etc.

• Attends and participates in staff meetings, service training, workshops and other required meetings as directed

• Report to any IH+H location for coverage, training, or support, as directed

• Support volunteers as needed: may be required to supervise volunteer(s)

• Circulate throughout the facility every hour and check-in with security guards and medical staff concerning any client-related issues. Be available to assist staff immediately with the de-escalation process when asked to do so

• Performs other responsibilities, as assigned by Supervisor, Manager or Director

• We uphold the values of Community, Action, Respect, and Empowerment in all aspects of our work. 

• Community We lead with the vision of a strengthened and compassionate community for all. By embodying collective care, we serve as an example of what is possible when we come together. 

• Action Our “whatever it takes” mindset drives us forward. We take initiative, step in where others have stepped out, and create solutions when none exist. 

• Respect We deeply value the dignity and uniqueness of every individual we serve. We honor their stories, their journeys, and their right to be seen and heard. 

• Empowerment We heal—always. Our work enables clients to grow stronger in health, confidence, and belief in their potential as they move forward on their life journey. 

• Follow all safety and sanitation guidelines 

• Set and maintain healthy boundaries with clients and staff. 

• Be able to meet targets and work under pressure.  

• Communicate any concerns and feedback to the Site Manager with tact and professionalism. 

• Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality of client information and work-related information/materials. 

• Must remain in full compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal wage and hour laws, California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), as well as other regulatory and compliance standards relevant to the organization's operations.

Preferred Experience/Minimum Qualifications:

• High School graduate or GED equivalent
• Certified Substance Use Counselor (CAADE, CCAPP & CADTP)
• Two years of experience working with unhouse/substance population
• Ability to work flexible hours

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Experience and knowledge with electronic filing system (KIPU & AICA)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Edge (Mail, Docs, Sheets, Calendar).
• AA Degree in Psychology and/or Sociology

Benefits

• Medical Insurance funded by Illumination Health + Home (Kaiser and Blue Shield), depending on the plan
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life, AD&D and LTD Insurance funded 100% by Illumination Health + Home
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 401K with Company Matching
• 10 days' vacation PTO/year
• 6 days sick PTO/year
• 10 days holiday PTO/year
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSFL) for federally qualified loans