Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Job Objective:

Responsible for coordinating services to address the complex needs of substance using patients and their families; providing assessment, supportive counseling and interventions for patients of the emergency department

Job Description:

Education:

Required: Associates Degree in a health related field

Licensure/Certification:

Required: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or obtained within six (6) months of hire; SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) training or completion within two (2) months of hire

Experience:

Required: One (1) year substance use counseling experience and two (2) years of experience working with community substance use programs

Essential Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates compliance with Code of Conduct and compliance policies, and takes action to resolve compliance questions or concerns and report suspected violations.
  
  
• Completes assessment of patients according to professional standards. Documents using facts only without attitude, judgment or opinions. Includes all telephone calls made with persons name and phone number.
  
  
• Conducts a discharge planning needs assessment and develops a post-acute care plan in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team to meet desired goals for the next step in the continuum.
  
  
• Communicates to patient/family, and interdisciplinary team members their options and plans for ongoing substance use treatment. Communicates to patients their choices regarding post-acute care plans, and respects these choices as defined by federal, state and regulatory requirements.
  
  
• Updates the team as to the status of the after-care plans. Re-evaluates and revises the plan as additional information is acquired and keeps patient/family and team informed of changes in the plan.
  
  
• Maintains current knowledge and awareness of payer/reimbursement practices.
  
  
• Develops strong relationships with community substance use resources to ensure appropriate patient access after discharge. Completes timely referrals to post-acute care providers, ensuring efficient patient flow and adherence to federal and regulatory requirements.
  
  
• Provides crisis intervention, supportive counseling and advocacy to assist patients and/or family with adjustment.
  
  
• Helps patient/family understand, accept and follow medical recommendations within the context of self-determination.
  
  
• Serves as a resource to hospital staff and physicians concerning substance use issues.
  
  
• Facilitates resource acquisition for the unfunded patient, as available.
  
  
• Provides education to patient and families around issues related to adaptation to the patients diagnosis, illness, treatment, discharge plan and/or life situation.
  
  
• Serves as a resource to members of the interdisciplinary team and patient/family regarding coverage issues, discharge options and community resources. Participates in team meetings.
  
  
• Documents according to hospital policy.
  
  
• Collaborates with supervisor to promote continuous process improvement, which results in efficiency, cost effectiveness, and the highest level of clinical excellence.
  
  
• Calls in and writes APS, CPS, domestic violence reports when warranted.
  
  
• Demonstrates compliance with Code of Conduct and compliance policies, and takes action to resolve compliance questions or concerns and reports suspected violations.
  
  
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Essential Skils:

• Demonstrated high degree of initiative, judgment, discretion and independent work ability
  
  
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to establish and carry out complex plans of care for key diagnoses
  
  
• Ability to solve complex problems to meet patient needs
  
  
• Knowledge of substance rehabilitation program requirements and reimbursement criteria
  
  
• Demonstrated comfort level with liaising with multi-disciplinary teams and post-acute care providers
  
  
• Ability to work in a high pressure, deadline oriented, and complex health care environment
  
  
• Strong customer service skills
  
  
• Knowledge about regulations, standards and legislation (local, state and federal) related to the provision of substance use services
  
  
• Demonstrated level of comfort working with persons of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds
  
  
• Intricate knowledge of the assessment and provision of interventions addressing the care needs of substance using persons
  
  

There's no better place to live, work, play, and prosper. At our award-winning medical
facilities located in the Coachella Valley, you'll be part of a five-star team with other
top health care professionals.

In 2025, we were honored to be named to Forbes' prestigious America's Best
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exceptional work environment. Eisenhower Health is the sole employer in the
Coachella Valley to receive this esteemed designation, solidifying our reputation as
an outstanding place to build a career.

Our dedication to delivering high-quality, compassionate medical care is evident in
our rankings. According to U.S. News & World Report, we hold the esteemed position
of #1 in the Inland Empire and #19 in California among hospitals. Our Magnet
recognition underscores our commitment to nursing excellence and quality patient
care.

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond awards; we are the only hospital in
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nationwide.

We take pride in fostering an inclusive environment for all. With a score of 95 out of
100, we continue to be designated as an "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer" by
the Human Rights Campaign, highlighting our dedication to providing
compassionate care to all members of our community.

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At Eisenhower Health, we don't just set standards; we raise them. Join our team and
be part of an organization that is consistently recognized for excellence in health
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our patients and the community we serve. Eisenhower Health is an equal
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