SUD Counselor

Description

Position Title: Substance Use Counselor

Program/Dept: Substance Use Treatment Services (SUTS)

Reports to: Program Director

Classification: Regular, Fulltime, Non-exempt

Salary Range: $32.00 to 36.00

Supervision will be provided meeting certification or licensing requirements

About Us: Caminar is a leading behavioral health organization that supported over 48,000 youth and adults across six counties in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area last year.

​Caminar's mission is to build strength and stability through comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment and wrap-around services delivered through evidence-based, whole-person care. The organization was founded in 1964, and our vision is to be a BEACON of SAFETY, COMPASSION, and FULFILLMENT, supporting all those in our communities who need it most. ​

Position Description: The Substance Use Counselor is responsible for providing high quality, compassionate care through various mediums that includes intakes, individual and group counseling, treatment assessment, treatment planning, and case management as needed. The Substance Use Counselor position at times may require the responsibility to conduct intakes for SUTS OP team as well as working with an ethnically and socio-economically diverse population which often includes co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorder clients.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide direct counseling services, including individual and group counseling, treatment assessment and planning, and case management as needed.
• Plans and administers therapeutic treatment such as behavior modification and stress management therapy to assist patient in controlling disorders and other problems.
• Changes method and degree of counseling when indicated by client reactions.
• Communicates progress toward treatment goals with client.
• Refers client to supportive services to supplement treatment and counseling.
• Maintains excellent client records and complete all agency required reports and paperwork.
• Complies thoroughly with San Mateo County Substance Use and DHCS contract documentation and auditing standards and requirements in a timely manner.
• Participate in group and individual supervision.
• Monitor clinical documentation for accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with County Drug Medi-Cal and waiver regulations.
• If BBS licensed, provide clinical support and documentation support to non LPHA status substance abuse counselors in assisting with signing off on medical necessity on new intake clients as well as provide necessary clinical and documentation support with clients needing re-authorization to continue services with the SUTS team
• May train peers as needed and requested by management.
• Monitor and maintain compliance with clinical chart requirements, and agency audit standards.
• Actively nurture and advance the cooperative, harmonious and teamwork oriented environment Caminar strives to promote within the workplace: Through daily efforts and presentation promote an atmosphere of dignity and respect in line with he organizations’ mission, philosophy, policies an procedures.

Requirements, Qualifications, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience providing substance use or behavioral health services is required, two years preferred.
• AOD certification is preferred through CCAPP, CAADE or CADTP at minimum if not CA BBBS registered or licensed.
• CA BBS registration AMFT, CA BSS registered as an AMFT, ASW, APCC preferred.
• Thorough understanding and experience in the delivery of services to an ethnically and economically diverse population.
• Excellent oral & written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of EHR software, Microsoft Office products, and overall excellent computer skills are required.
• Knowledge of group development/dynamics is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with initiative, using good judgment, and available resources.
• Demonstrated ability to organize workload, maintain multiple priorities, and sustain productivity and accuracy.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is strongly preferred.

Physical, Environmental and Mental Requirements:

• Physical: Occasionally required to push/pull objects up to 50 lbs., and to lift/carry objects up to 25lbs. Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing, writing. Must be able to walk, stand, sit for extended periods.
• Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and plans. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, interacting with residents and staff, etc. Must be able to speak clearly and understand/be understood using the English language.
• Cognitive: Frequently required to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption. Must be able to attend to a task/function for 20-45 minutes at a time. Frequently required to understand and relate to specific ideas, several at a time. Must be able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over a period of several days.
• Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (residential/office)
• environments. Occasional exposure to toxins and poisonous substances, dust, and loud noises.
• Equipment: Frequently required to use a computer, phone, and fax machine.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations, and Caminar practices.
• A valid California driver license, reliable personal vehicle, current personal auto insurance as required by law, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies are all essential job requirements.
• Must be able to pass post offer, pre-employment medical and drug tests as required under State Community Care Licensing regulations and/or agency policies.
• A personal cell phone with reliable service and, if applicable, a data plan to use for business purposes.
• Will be required to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.

We've Got You Covered

Medical, Dental, and Vision
Health coverage choices to fit you and your family’s needs. A zero-cost option for employee only and generous contributions to employee and dependent premiums.

Flexible Spending Account
Receive tax savings on out-of-pocket health care costs.

Employee Wellness Program
We’ll reimburse you for a portion of your gym/fitness dues.

Life, Long-term Disability, and AD&D Insurance
Provided at no cost to our full-time employees. Includes an option to purchase additional life coverage for both employees and dependents.

Paid Time Off
We offer twelve paid holidays and a generous sick and vacation benefit.

401(K) Retirement Savings Plan
We offer options for both pre-tax and post-tax (Roth) contributions.
The plan also offers an employer match on eligible employee deferrals at one year of service.

Commuter Benefits
Commuting to work each day can be expensive. Receive tax savings on your commuting costs!

Employee Assistance Program
For whatever issue you might face, our Life Assistance Program offers free, confidential assistance at no cost to you.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time based on business need. This job description is subject to change at any time.