SUD Counselor

Job Title: SUD Counselor – Outpatient SUD
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Department: Outpatient Services
Reports To: Clinical Program Director

Status: Full-Time | Non-Exempt

Salary: $25 - $30 (Dependent on Registration or Certification)

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Reporting to the Clinical Program Director, the SUD Counselor provides individual and group counseling, education, and crisis intervention, as well as overall management of the patient’s episode, to patients engaged in outpatient substance use disorder treatment services. The Counselor is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic interventions consistent with evidence-based practices, while ensuring compliance with county, state, and federal requirements. This role requires a patient-centered approach that promotes recovery, resilience, and long-term wellness.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Clinical Counseling

• Conduct individual, group, and family counseling sessions using evidence-based modalities such as CBT, MI, and relapse prevention strategies.
• Complete comprehensive assessments utilizing ASAM criteria and develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patients.
• Provide crisis intervention, psychoeducation, and relapse prevention planning tailored to patient needs.
• Support patients in building coping strategies, self-efficacy, and relapse prevention skills.
• Facilitate group sessions addressing addiction, co-occurring disorders, life skills, and recovery supports.

1. Care Planning

• Coordinate patient transitions between SUD Levels of Care (LOCs), ensuring continuity of treatment.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and social service agencies to promote integrated care.
• Assist patients in accessing supportive services such as housing, education, employment, and public benefits.
• Document referrals and follow-up to ensure patients successfully connect to recommended services.

1. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and clinically appropriate documentation in patient records, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other required reports.
• Ensure compliance with Medi-Cal, SAPC, DHCS, CARF, and Title 9/22 standards.
• Secure and maintain Release of Information (ROI) forms to facilitate care coordination.
• Meet established productivity standards, maintaining a minimum of 50% billable services per workday (4 hours of direct service per 8-hour day). Incentive compensation is available if productivity exceeds 62.5%.

1. Special Populations

• Provide culturally competent care that meets the needs of diverse populations including individuals experiencing homelessness, persons with co-occurring disorders (CODs), pregnant and parenting women (PPW), youth, LGBTQ individuals, and justice-involved individuals.
• Advocate for patients in legal, educational, and community settings, including preparing reports and letters of support.
• Collaborate with reentry programs and community agencies to support justice-involved patients reintegrating into the community.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Current registration or certification as a SUD counselor with a DHCS-recognized certifying body (CCAPP, CADTP, or CAADE).

• Minimum of 2 years of counseling experience in an outpatient or residential SUD treatment setting preferred.

• Knowledge of ASAM criteria, DSM-5 substance-related diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment practices.

• Experience providing group and individual counseling services.

• Familiarity with Medi-Cal and county-funded treatment systems.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

• Culturally competent and trauma-informed approach to care.

• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass DOJ and FBI background clearance.

• Valid California Driver’s License and reliable transportation may be required.

• TB clearance.

• Driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage.

• Fire and Safety Training*.

• First Aid and CPR Certification*.

• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Training.

• Training in Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI), Trauma-Informed Care, and Harm Reduction.

(*Agency will provide or facilitate training as needed.)

BENEFITS

• 100% Employer-Paid Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; with option to buy-up to Kaiser or Anthem PPO

• Incentive Compensation Program for exceeding productivity benchmarks

• Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick Leave, and 13 paid Holidays

• Professional development and continuing education support

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, the employee must be able to perform all essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Approximately 50% of the time is spent sitting, with frequent walking, standing, and bending. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must be able to lift and/or move unassisted up to 20 pounds.