Health Services Counselor - Full Time

Since 1896, Volunteers of America Oregon has been dedicated to meeting the needs of our community. Through our innovative programs in behavioral health, addiction treatment, reentry services, and support for children and families, we deliver life-changing services that promote safety, healing, and empowerment.
Every role contributes to the clients we serve and the mission we advance together. Are you ready to join an organization committed to service, inclusion, and employee support?
Employees hired into a full-time position are eligible for the benefits outlined below, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.
Health & Insurance Coverage: Medical insurance options with employer-paid premiums covering 71%-89% of employee-only coverage, with employee costs starting at $66.23 per paycheck; Optional dental and vision coverage at employee cost.

Life & Disability Protection: Employer-provided life insurance, along with short- and long-term disability coverage.

Retirement & Financial Security: 403(b) retirement plan with an automatic 5.5% employer contribution after 18 months of employment, regardless of employee contribution.

Sick Leave: 80 hours of frontloaded sick time (prorated in the first year), resetting annually on January 1.

Holidays and Personal Days: 10 paid holidays each year, plus 3 personal holidays (prorated in the first year) to allow employees time off for important holidays, events, or milestones.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, VOA Oregon is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which may help reduce or eliminate federal student loan debt for employees who meet eligibility requirements.

Flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program (EAP), and access to other voluntary benefits and employee discounts.
The Counselor I is responsible for providing substance use disorder support services, including client engagement, group facilitation, and treatment planning assistance under clinical supervision. The role focuses on supporting clients through their recovery journey while maintaining compliance with professional standards and participating in ongoing training and development by performing the following duties. This is a bilingual Spanish-preferred role
A high school diploma or GED is required for this role. In addition to the education requirement, this position requires experience working or volunteering in a behavioral health, recovery, or human services setting preferred. Demonstrated interest in developing skills in conducting assessments, facilitating groups, and supporting individualized treatment planning under clinical supervision. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be used to satisfy these requirements.
Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations
Provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed substance use disorder support through recovery-focused conversations and co-facilitation of structured group sessions using established curriculum and evidence-based practices under supervision.

• Assists with substance use assessments, including ASAM criteria, under the direct supervision of a qualified clinical professional to support the development of individualized treatment plans.
• Co-facilitates structured, curriculum-based group sessions focused on skill-building, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and pro-social behavior under clinical supervision.
• Conducts client check-ins during scheduled appointments or outreach to maintain therapeutic rapport, observes recovery progress, and refers concerns to clinical staff as appropriate.
• Participates in clinical supervision, team meetings, and training sessions to develop counseling skills, receive feedback, and support coordinated care.
• Observes clients for signs of relapse, intoxication, withdrawal, or other risk behaviors and follows established protocols to escalate to clinical staff and ensure safety.
• Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary outpatient staff, including medical providers, clinical staff, peers, and case managers, to support implementation of treatment plans and reinforce recovery goals.
• Contributes to team efforts to improve programming and workflows by providing observations and feedback to clinical supervisors.
• MHACBO), agency policies, and federal and state regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regarding confidentiality and client rights.
• Participates in required clinical supervision and performance development meetings to receive ongoing feedback and build counseling competency.
• Communicates and coordinates effectively with team members to support quality of care, consistency in service delivery, and client progress.
• Manages basic administrative responsibilities such as checking email, completing documentation, and assisting with client scheduling under supervision.
• Engages in ongoing training and professional development activities required to maintain active CADC registration/obtain CADC I and support career progression.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders and basic counseling principles, including Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to support recovery conversations and co-facilitation of groups under supervision.
• Knowledge of cultural humility and awareness of social determinants of health to support inclusive and respectful client interactions.
• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria and other assessment tools at an introductory level, with ability to assist in assessments under supervision.
• Knowledge of available community recovery supports and referral processes, with guidance from supervisors.
• Knowledge of strategies to engage and retain clients in early recovery, with supervision and support from experienced staff.
• Skilled in building rapport and engaging clients in early-stage recovery conversations under supervision.
• Skilled in co-facilitating structured groups using established curriculum and assisting with group preparation and documentation.
• Skilled in using basic behavioral health software and electronic records systems with training and support.
• Ability to accept feedback, reflect on performance, and engage in self-directed learning and development.
• Ability to adhere to professional and legal standards in all interactions to ensure client safety and confidentiality.
• Must complete a criminal history background check and receive authorization from the State of Oregon's Background Check Unit.
• Must not be excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs, including but not limited to listings on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) List of Excluded Individuals/Entities and the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusion list.
• Travel Requirement

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working with clients experiencing substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges.
• Individuals in this role must be able to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of employees or others. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.