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Substance Use Counselor

Acadia Behavioral Health (Pioneer Behavioral Health)
Oceanside, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/3/2026
Job ID: 2026-92976 Category: Counselor Department Number: 791 CTC Clinic - Counseling Location : Name: Oceanside Comprehensive Treatment Center

Overview

Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program

Seeking: Substance Use Counselor

Requirements:

  • AOD Registration is required.
  • AOD Certification is preferred.
  • Registration/Certification must be obtained from a California-approved Counselor Certification Organization (CAADE, CADTP or CCAPP).

Full Time Hours: Monday - Friday, 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Our Benefits:

  • Semi-Annual Bonus Program
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Competitive 401(k) plan
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Employer-paid clinical supervision (free to employees)
  • Free and unlimited access to 500 accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering continued support to employee lifestyle and well-being
  • Early morning hours offering a great work/life balance
  • Opportunity for growth that is second to none in the industry

Our Team:

Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), located in Oceanside, CA, is part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers, the leading provider of medication-assisted treatment in the nation. Our counseling team provides compassionate, high-quality counseling and therapy to patients that are seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder.

Your Job as a Substance Use Counselor:

The Substance Use Counselor is instrumental in our patient’s treatment and recovery from opioid use disorder. Substance Use Counselors provide high quality, compassionate care through various mediums which include both individual and group counseling sessions.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Provide high quality, compassionate guidance in both individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient's recovery.
  • Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
  • Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
  • Prepare individual treatment plans for each assigned patient.
  • Initial assessments as well as follow up assessments.
  • Evaluate patient needs and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities are needed.
  • May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.
  • Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.
  • Provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care as needed.
  • Act as a liaison between referral sources and patients, as needed.

Compensation for roles at Oceanside CTC varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, Oceanside CTC provides a reasonable hourly range of compensation for roles that may be hired in California as set forth below. Role Location: California

Calculated Salary Range for role : $29.14 - 38.00 per hour.

Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility. Check your eligibilty here: HRSA Eligibility

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts individual counseling sessions, under supervision, as scheduled;
• Conducts group and/or family sessions, under supervision, as scheduled;
• May co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions;
• Responsible for initial patient assessments, as well as follow up assessment;
• Prepares individual treatment plans for each assigned patient;
• May act as a liaison between referral sources and patients;
• Provides crisis intervention to patients, as needed;
• May plan for aftercare for assigned patients;
• May act as a liaison with insurance carriers, as requested;
• May provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care;
• Evaluates patient’ needs and determines if referrals to other programs or facilities are needed;
• Ensures all documentation regarding patient care, treatment and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner and within policy guidelines; and,
• Performs other duties as assigned.STANDARD EXPECTATIONS:
• Complies with organizational policies, procedures, performance improvement initiatives and organizational and industry policies regarding confidentiality;
• Communicates clearly and effectively with patients and their family members, guests and other members of the health care team;
• Develops therapeutic rapport with patients while maintaining professional boundaries, being respectful of personal space, and giving patients direct attention while maintaining rational detachment;
• Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintains them over time; and,
• Encourages and builds mutual trust, respect and cooperation among team members.

Qualifications

Required Education, Skills, and Qualifications:

  • HS graduate or equivalent required;
  • Prefer Bachelor's or Master’s degree in social or health services field;
  • Degree must be from an accredited college or university.
  • Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient, residential, or correctional facilities.

  • Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

  • Experience conducting individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use recovery.

  • Knowledge of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention techniques.

  • Documentation experience, including maintaining clinical notes, treatment plans, and progress updates in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

  • Familiarity with state regulatory standards (e.g., 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, Joint Commission standards).

  • Experience collaborating in a multidisciplinary team with medical staff, case managers, and peer support specialists.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

  • AOD Registration is required.
  • AOD Certification is preferred.
  • Registration/Certification must be obtained from a California-approved Counselor Certification Organization (CAADE, CADTP or CCAPP).

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

#LI-CTC

#LI-JS2

Salary : $29 - $38

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