SUD Counselor II/III

Job Overview

This is a union position.     

The SUD Counselor II/III must be registered or certified as Substance Abuse Counselor from an approved/accredited California agency with preferably a minimum of two years’ experience in the human service field and demonstrated expertise in substance abuse treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery.

As per contract, all staff hired MUST be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and when eligible, receive their booster shot.

Prototypes, a program of HealthRIGHT 360’s residential substance use disorder (SUD) program is a new program contracted with Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) program for residential drug Medi-Cal (DMC) services for up to 99 adult men and women: 33 that are for men who are judicially involved, 33 for men, and 33 for women. The BHC’s residential DMC program will employ 100 people and works closely with the other BHC programs to provide a continuum of services for low income/Medi-Cal population. The program is located on the campus of Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital in the Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles and will serve all LA County residents.

The SUD Counselor II/III is a registered substance use disorder professional who maintains registration from an approved/accredited California agency. The SUD Counselor II/III is responsible for facilitating patient education and group counseling sessions. The SUD Counselor II/III works in collaboration with other members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure best possible treatment outcome for the client and provide treatment in accordance with HealthRIGHT 360’s philosophy, goals, policies, mission and vision. The SUD Counselor II/III facilitates Evidence Based Practices and follows group curriculum to maintain fidelity. Services may be provided in: outpatient office, residential treatment, or the field, based on client and program need.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Service:

• Facilitates patient education and group counseling sessions as assigned by the agency.
• Is familiar with group Evidence Based Practices and is able to deliver sessions with fidelity.
• Follows the group manual and engages in session preparation when needed.
• Carefully tracks client progress in group to facilitate accurate documentation of clinical services.
• Provides the clients with orientation to group treatment culture and norms.
• Facilitates groups in residential, outpatient, or field depending on assignment and agency need.
• Seeks clinical consultation and supervision when encountering new and/or high risk clinical circumstance.
• Works collaboratively with other members of the treatment team including the Case Manager, Clinical Therapist, Medical, and Psychiatrist.
• Utilizes trauma informed care while applying motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and evidence-based practices.
• Assists with client program oversight by ensuring groups start and finish on time and that clients maintain compliance with group attendance and expectations.
• Meets expected client care hours (productivity expectation is 25 client care hours per week).

Clinical Documentation:

• Write and complete all progress notes within 72 hours of service delivery.
• Maintains compliance with due dates for all clinical documentation.
• Documentation must maintain in compliance with agency policy and procedures, HIPAA, 42-CFR, DMH, and SAPC standards.
• Completes all assigned URC’s within a timely matter.
• Maintains full compliance with CCAPP or CADTP requirements for registration and certification.
• Attends and actively participates in assigned Clinical Group Supervision.
• Actively participates in agency and team meetings.
• Participates in training opportunities and pursues training in Evidence Based Practices.
• Communicates collaboratively with all members of the behavioral health team including: medical, mental health, psychiatry, substance use disorder, and other staff.
• Completes all assigned trainings and Relias trainings in a timely manner.
• Arrange work schedule in accordance with the agency’s needs.
• Attend regular staff meetings and other meetings as assigned. 
• Reads emails daily and responds when appropriate.
• Completes client UA tests and documents test results.
• And, other duties as assigned.

Education and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Education Requirements:

• Certification as Substance Abuse Counselor from an approved/accredited California agency.
• Experience - Preferably a minimum of two years’ experience in the human service field and demonstrated expertise in substance abuse treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery.
• Experience working with clients experiencing acute withdrawal from substances.
• Knowledge of and experience with providing trauma informed services.
• Experience delivering evidence-based practices.

Background Clearance Required:

• Live scan fingerprint clearance and background clearance.
• Must not be on parole or probation for a minimum of two years.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and boosted when eligible.

In compliance with the California Department of Public Health's mandate, all employees must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Medical and religious exemptions are available.

Tag: IND100.