Substance Abuse Counselor

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Substance Abuse Prevention Control

Substance Abuse Counselor– Job Description

Hourly Rate: $27.47

Fully Paid Medical/Dental Insurance

Contract position through April 1, 2027

The following provides a general description of duties and a more specific description of requirements for the Substance Abuse Counselor. Please note that the summary of responsibilities and required abilities identified below are not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

The Substance Abuse Counselor participates as a counselor in a substance abuse or mental health services program design to prevent substance abuse and provide for the treatment of rehabilitation patients and mental health clients with substance abuse problems.

The duties of the Substance Abuse Counselor include, but are not limited to:

• Collect basic demographic information in order to establish a record for the caller, including information regarding the caller’s Medi-Cal eligibility or other health insurance benefits

• Use active listening and motivational interviewing skills to conduct phone-based client intake questionnaire

• Collect information using the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Triage Tool or screening Tools for Youth or Parents

• Utilize the Service Bed Availability Tool (SBAT) to identify appropriate providers for coordinating SUD assessment appointments

• Assess appropriateness for referrals to other Call Center programs

• Provide callers with information on ancillary services as needed

• Cross-trained to assist with other programs, during peak call times as needed

• Participate in case conferences with inter-disciplinary team to discuss clients and make recommendations on treatment referrals and protocols; attend training sessions; participate in shift change, staff meetings and required training required by the department.

• Assist callers in a culturally, linguistically, and developmentally appropriate manner and follow appropriate protocols to route calls and escalate to clinical staff when appropriate

• Demonstrate appropriate use of electronic and other tools, including necessary documentation

• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers and telecommunication modalities in documenting, tracking and conveying information.

• Completes other duties and performance expectations as needed in accordance with Bureau needs, class specifications, or County Work Plan.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience in a substance abuse program with experience providing physical assessment of patients, counseling of individuals, families and groups, and documentations

-OR-

• Completion of 60 semester units equivalent quarter units in an accredited college or university with specialization in substance abuse counseling, social work, psychology, sociology, or human services.

• Substance Abuse Counselor certification

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working in a substance use disorder (SUD) or behavioral health call center environment

• Bilingual skills preferred (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, Armenian, or other threshold languages)

• Experience with motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care

• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations in a culturally responsive manner

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Experience coordinating care and referrals within multidisciplinary teams

• Ability to manage high call volumes while maintaining professionalism and empath

Qualified candidates should email their cover letter and resume to partnersindiversityresumes@p-i-d.biz or call the office at (626) 793-0020