Substance Abuse Counselor

Position Overview

The Drug and Alcohol Counselor at Renew Recovery Center plays a vital role in supporting clients throughout their recovery journey. This position is responsible for facilitating group and individual sessions, developing and maintaining individualized treatment plans, coordinating with interdisciplinary teams, and ensuring that services are delivered in accordance with regulatory and ethical standards. The Counselor will also provide crisis support, discharge planning, and referrals to aftercare or community-based services.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Active and valid certification as a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor (CADC, SUDCC, or equivalent) through a DHCS-approved certifying body
• Minimum of one (1) year of direct experience in a clinical SUD treatment setting
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Valid California Driver’s License and insurability under company policy
• Working knowledge of HIPAA, client rights, and confidentiality regulations
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field
• Two (2) to five (5) years of experience in substance use or co-occurring treatment
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) and clinical documentation systems
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and co-occurring disorders
• Bilingual abilities (preferred, not required)
  
  

Primary Responsibilities

• Complete initial intake assessments and collaboratively develop individualized treatment plans
• Provide a minimum of two individual counseling sessions per week per client
• Facilitate therapeutic, educational, and process groups as scheduled
• Monitor client participation, progress, and behavior throughout treatment
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in alignment with DHCS standards and facility policy
• Address and report clinical concerns to the Clinical Director or multidisciplinary team
• Offer emotional support, brief interventions, and participate in crisis management when needed
• Participate in discharge planning, including linkage to aftercare and community resources
• Coordinate with case managers, medical providers, job developers, mental health professionals, and external partners to meet client needs
• Communicate with family members and authorized individuals to support treatment engagement, as permitted by the client
• Attend clinical staffing meetings, case conferences, and required trainings
• Maintain compliance with all ethical and professional standards of care
  
  

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Adhere to all agency policies and procedures, including safety protocols, client confidentiality, and professional boundaries
• Demonstrate cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse populations
• Participate in continuous professional development and maintain required certifications
• Represent Renew Recovery Center with professionalism, compassion, and integrity
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the overall success of the clinical program
  
  

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Direct engagement with clients in a residential or outpatient behavioral health setting
• May require standing, sitting, or walking for extended periods and lifting up to 25 pounds
• Must be able to manage emotionally challenging situations and high-stress environments
• Flexible schedule may include evening or weekend hours as needed
  
  

ATTENDANCE

• Consistently punctual and reliable in attendance
• Follows all notification procedures for scheduled and unscheduled absences
• Returns from breaks and meal periods in a timely manner
• Maintains professional demeanor, attire, and boundaries with clients and staff
• Supports continuity of care and consistent programming through dependable attendance
  
  

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