Counselor - Hourly

Location: Pomona, CA 91767, USA

Position Overview
The Counselor at Pinnacle Treatment Centers plays a crucial role in supporting patients on their recovery journey. This role combines compassionate care with innovative treatment methods to help individuals overcome substance use disorders.

Key Responsibilities

Provide orientation to new patients on program rules, policies, procedures, and patients' rights.

Conduct intakes, discharge planning, initial assessments, and initial treatment planning within required timeframes, adhering to federal and state regulations, CARF guidelines, and Pinnacle policies.

Involve patients in assessment, treatment planning, and intervention to promote ownership of their recovery.

Administer biopsychosocial assessments at intake and ongoing to evaluate addictions, medical history, mental health, socioeconomics, legal issues, etc.

Identify and utilize patients’ Strengths, Needs, Ability, and Preferences (SNAP) to develop individualized Treatment Plans that meet short- and long-term goals.

Determine the clinical necessity of counseling services based on assessments.

Monitor and document changes in patient circumstances, especially those affecting recovery, and address relapse indicators promptly.

Comply with Medical Q.A (Quality Assurance) and Clinical Risk Management Policies by:

Evaluating high-risk conditions (e.g., liver failure, pregnancy, overdose, bipolar, schizophrenia) that may endanger the patient or others.

Administering screening tools such as BAM-R, C-SSRS, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 to determine severity.

Assessing risk factors and determining appropriate treatment settings.

Reviewing other practitioners’ involvement and recommending referrals.

Flagging high-risk patients to Medical Directors, Physician Extenders, and Regional Clinical Leadership and noting conditions.

Referencing patients per the Referral Policy or scheduled Treatment Team/Case Conference.

Reviewing physician notes for high-risk factor coverage and ensuring proper handling.

Advising staff of high-risk patients and circulating minutes from treatment team meetings.

Provide professional counseling and referral services through:

Maintaining referrals to specialized services and community resources.

Providing individual and group counseling as clinically necessary (relapse prevention, peer pressure, anger management, domestic violence, parenting, family preservation, vocational rehabilitation).

Utilizing counseling techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

Scheduling regular counseling sessions and documenting entries per regulations.

Engaging in Community Relations and Outreach.

Attending training, physician training, RCL training, and case conferences.

Collecting research data when requested.

Observing urine sample collection and attending team meetings.

Complete other assigned duties as needed.

Qualifications

Associate degree in a relevant field and necessary registration/credentials for counseling.

Kern County requires a bachelor’s degree or high school diploma/GED with 75% certification education.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Level II: 2-5 years of experience OR Master’s level.

Certification by an organization recognized by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and registration with a California Alcohol and Drug Program certifying body.

Commands licensure or certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor by a CA-approved agency or current credentials as licensed or license‑eligible with the Board of Behavioral Sciences or Board of Psychology.

Maintain board requirements for practice, including necessary clinical supervision.

This position will be compensated within the following ranges:

Counselor I: $20‑$22 per hour

Counselor II: $22‑$25 per hour

Counselor III: $25‑$28 (Certified) and $28‑$31 (Licensed) per hour

Benefits Overview

Variable pay structure based on experience, education, and licensure.

Defined career pathing through the Counselor Tier Program.

Performance-based bonuses.

Student Loan Repayment Program eligibility.

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.

Free clinical supervision based on licensure and availability.

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.

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