Drug and Addiction Counselor

Position Title Certified Substance Use Counselor Agency Homeless Children’s Network Schedule Full Time – Starts Immediately Salary $70,000 Benefits Health, Dental, and Vision insurance; Commuter stipend Kupona SUD Outpatient Program Overview Kupona Program is a culturally responsive and family-centered substance use treatment program for youth in San Francisco. Utilizing evidence-based and locally innovative interventions, this program provides co-occurring or SUD standalone services for youth who are at risk or struggling with drug, alcohol, and other substances. Kupona offers a continuum of services depending on the level of care needed: Early Intervention for youth who are at risk of developing a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Outpatient Level 1 for youth who are actively using substances and meet criteria for SUD diagnosis, but who present with no acute intoxication and/or withdrawal potential. Intensive Outpatient for youth who are actively using substances, meet criteria for SUD diagnosis, and who present with acute intoxication and/or withdrawal potential. This program serves all ethnicities and populations within San Francisco with focused expertise to meet the needs of youth under the age of 18 years old who are Medi‑Cal beneficiaries. Position Summary The Substance Use Counselor, also known as Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) Counselor, will partner with the Program’s Licensed Healing Arts Practitioners (LPHA) and Case Managers. The Substance Use Counselor is the primary direct service provider in the program. Direct service tasks include individual and group counseling, assessment and treatment planning, screening referrals, case management and care coordination, patient education, and collateral services. They may also support outreach and engagement activities. The duties are primarily overseen by the LPHA. Duties and Responsibilities Intervention and Counseling Offer one-on-one counseling or group counseling sessions for clients dealing with substance use issues. Offer collateral support to family and significant persons, as directed by LPHA. Provide emotional support, coping strategies, and behavioral management techniques. Support clients in addressing personal or social problems that may impact their substance use. Assessment and Treatment Planning Contribute to clinical assessment by gathering information as directed by the LPHA. May contribute to screening and client intakes as appropriate. Contribute to the development of strength‑based Treatment Plans of Care for each client and consistently monitor progress. Continuously re‑assess and monitor client’s well‑being and functioning, collaborating with LPHA in updating assessment and treatment plan as needed. Client Education Educate clients and their families about substance use disorders, mental health disorders, treatment options, and coping strategies. Promote wellness and help clients develop long‑term strategies for managing their substance use and mental health. Provide client education in individual or group settings on a topic collaboratively designed with LPHA under the direction of the Clinical Director. Case Management and Care Coordination Coordinate with other providers to offer holistic care. Coordinate with other systems, including school, probation, child welfare and primary care. Provide case management and care coordination support to client and family in collaboration with the case manager. Provide resources and referrals to support services, including community mental health programs, shelters, and support groups. Follow up on referrals made by LPHA and Medical Director. Documentation and Record Keeping Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date client records, including treatment plans, progress notes, and session details. Submit documentation for LPHA to review and approve in a timely manner per DHCS and agency standards. Ensure documentation complies with all relevant legal and ethical guidelines, including confidentiality and privacy standards (e.g., HIPAA). Ensure documentation confidentiality per clinical procedures. Agency Meetings and Other Miscellaneous Duties Attend weekly supervision meetings with assigned supervisor. Attend weekly interdisciplinary clinical meetings with clinical staff. Attend care management meetings with JABALI partner agencies. Participate in bi‑weekly JABALI Service Network meetings. Provide coordination support to achieve the mission and objectives of the Jabali Outpatient Program. Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director. Advocacy and Community Outreach Advocate for substance use and mental health awareness and reduce stigma in the community. Develop and implement an outreach plan for engaging youth in programming. Network with other entities to raise awareness of the JABALI treatment services. Facilitate referrals through effective networking. Provide information to internal programs that would like to refer clients to SUD treatment services, consulting with LPHA on potential internal referrals maintaining client’s confidentiality and privacy. Professional Development Engage in continuing education, professional training, and supervision to stay current with best practices and new substance use and mental health treatments. Participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences related to substance use and mental health care. Skills and Abilities Knowledgeable about youth development and empowerment principles, prevention strategies, best practices in serving high‑risk youth, behavior modification, harm reduction, etc. Ability to meet deadlines and juggle multiple competing deadlines/tasks in a fast‑paced environment. Able to maintain confidential, accurate, and complete records, including documentation of daily encounters, progress notes, weekly and monthly reports, etc. Excellent organizational, communication, written, and verbal skills. Ability to work as a member of a team. High level of empathy and compassion, with a non‑judgmental approach to clients. Cultural competence and sensitivity when working with diverse populations. Required Qualifications A minimum of 2.5 years working with at‑risk youth and their families. Must be certified or registered by an organization that is recognized by the Department of Health Care Services and accredited with the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (CAADE, CADTP, or CCAPP), and meet all California State education, training, and work experience requirements set forth in the Counselor Certification Regulations, Cal. Code Regs., tit. 9, Div. 4, chapter 8. Prior experience working with individuals dealing with substance use and co‑occurring mental health disorders, ideally in a clinical, outpatient, or hospital setting. Versed in best practices and interventions such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Stages of Change, etc. Knowledgeable about adolescent development; experience in clinical treatment, healing arts, and intervention techniques/approaches to youth development. Knowledge of youth services in San Francisco from which clients can benefit. Experience working and engaging with youth and their families, youth in child welfare system, youth within the juvenile justice system, youth with disabilities, youth with co‑occurring disorders, and/or gang‑affiliated, etc. #J-18808-Ljbffr Homeless Children's Network