Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor I

Alcohol And Other Drug Counselor I

Detox Program

At Father Joe’s Villages, detox and recovery services provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment for individuals taking their first steps toward recovery from substance use. This is meaningful, hands-on work at a critical moment in someone’s life - when compassion, clinical skill, and steady support can make a lasting difference.

Our Detox team helps clients safely navigate withdrawal, stabilize physically and emotionally, and begin building a foundation for long-term recovery. Through counseling, care coordination, and connection to ongoing services, we meet people where they are and help them move forward with dignity and hope.

The Role

As an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor, you will provide direct clinical support to individuals in detox and early recovery. You will conduct assessments, deliver individual and group counseling, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop and carry out treatment plans.

This role also includes supporting clients through moments of crisis, helping them stabilize, and connecting them to ongoing recovery resources. It’s a strong fit for someone who is grounded, compassionate, and committed to building clinical experience in substance use treatment while working toward certification.

Your Impact

• Conduct intake assessments and help determineappropriate levelof care
• Provide individual counseling focused on stabilization, engagement, and recoverygoal-setting
• Co-facilitate group sessions using structured, recovery-oriented curriculum
• Develop and maintaining treatment plans in collaboration with clients and the care team
• Document services and client progress accurately and in a timely manner within the EHR (Electronic Health Record)
• Collaborate with nursing, case management, and behavioral health staff to deliver coordinated care
• Support clients in moments of crisis using calm, trauma-informed de-escalation techniques
• Connect clients to ongoing treatment, community resources, and recovery supports
• Participate in clinical supervision, team meetings, and case reviews to support high-quality care
• Maintain compliance with all program, licensing, and documentation standards
  
  

Desirable Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant training, certifications, and experience in substance use treatment
• Registered with CADTP, CAADE, or CCAPP (or eligible and actively working toward registration and certification hours)- Preferred
• Familiarity with the 12 Core Functions and/or 8 Practice Dimensions of substance use counseling
• Experience working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, behavioral health needs, or in residential or high-acuity environments preferred
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic health record systems
• CPR certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
  
  

Key Competencies And Experience

• Ability to conduct client assessments, support treatment planning, and maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation
• Working knowledge of substance use disorder treatment principles, recovery models, and client-centered care approaches
• Ability to apply counseling techniques in both individual and group settings to support early recovery and engagement
• Skill in de-escalation and maintaining a calm, grounded presence in crisis or high-stress situations
• Ability to build trust and rapport with individuals in vulnerable and transitional stages of recovery
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary care team
• Organized and detail-oriented, with strong follow-through in a structured clinical environment
• Commitment to professional ethics, confidentiality, and maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Openness to feedback, clinical supervision, and ongoing professional development
  
  

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, onsite clinical role in a detox and residential recovery setting. Schedule is 40 hours per week, Sunday – Thursday from 7:00AM - 3:30PM. Employees should be comfortable working in a structured clinical environment with rotating coverage as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Compensation And Benefits

The anticipated starting pay range for this role is $24.00 to $27.61 per hour, based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. 

In addition to competitive pay, Father Joe’s Villages offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plan options, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Employees also have access to wellness programs and employee assistance resources to support work-life balance, health, and overall well-being.

Why Join Father Joe’s Villages

Work with a mission-driven organization committed to ending homelessness and strengthening San Diego communities. Collaborate with dedicated professionals, grow your clinical skills in behavioral health and substance use treatment, and make a meaningful impact supporting individuals in their recovery journey.

Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre- and post-employment requirements, which may include background checks, drug screening, health screenings (including TB testing), certification verification, and other role-related requirements following a conditional offer of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Father Joe’s Villages is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.