Substance Use Counselor - ODF Program

Position: SUD Counselor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Outpatient Drug Free Program

Reports To: Director of ODF Program

Hours: Full-Time or Part-Time

Compensation: Salary/Hourly – Competitive, Dependent on license

Location: Bakersfield, CA

Schedule: Mon–Fri; Evenings/Weekends as Needed

About STEPS, Inc.

STEPS, Inc. is a Bakersfield-based nonprofit providing evidence-based substance use disorder treatment across Kern County. We operate an Outpatient Drug-Free (ODF) clinical program and a state-certified DUI education and treatment programs serving court-mandated participants. Our mission is to INSPIRE clients to make life changes, EMPOWER them with the tools to make it happen, and ELEVATE our clients to a new and healthier lifestyle. We have an encouraging culture focused on our clients. Come join a wonderful team and help change lives.

Position Overview

STEPS, Inc. is seeking an experienced, credentialed, and mission-driven SUD Counselor to provide direct substance use disorder and co-occurring treatment across our Outpatient Drug-Free (ODF) program. This role is central to the delivery of our Outpatient Drug-Free program services and is ideal for a counselor who is committed to recovery-affirming, evidence-based care and who thrives in a structured, community-based treatment environment.

The SUD/ODF Counselor will carry an assigned caseload of clients enrolled in the ODF program, conduct biopsychosocial pre-assessments, develop individualized problem lists, facilitate group counseling sessions, and provide individual counseling and case management services. This position requires strong clinical documentation skills, a thorough understanding of California DHCS/KBHRS program requirements, and the ability to work collaboratively with referral partners including courts, probation, and community agencies.

What Success Looks Like

In the first 90 days, a successful Mental Health Therapist will:

30 Days — Complete required onboarding and KBHRS orientation; review all active client files; begin co-facilitation of ODF counseling groups under supervision of ODF Director.

60 Days — Carry an assigned caseload of clients independently; conduct initial pre-assessments, develop individualized problem lists, and facilitate assigned group sessions with minimal oversight.

90 Days — Function as a fully contributing clinical team member — meeting productivity targets, maintaining documentation compliance, and participating in case consultations and quality review.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment & Treatment Planning

● Conduct pre-assessments for new ODF program enrollees in accordance with DHCS Title 22 and program protocols.

● Develop individualized problem lists that address substance use, co-occurring issues, and identified barriers to recovery — in collaboration with the client.

● Review and update problem lists and document all clinical contacts in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

● Coordinate with the Medical Director and clinical staff to address co-occurring mental health needs and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) referrals.

Individual & Group Counseling

● Provide weekly individual counseling sessions to an assigned caseload in alignment with each client’s problem lists.

● Facilitate assigned ODF group sessions, including psychoeducation, relapse prevention, and evidence-based curriculum delivery (e.g., Seeking Safety, MATRIX).

● Maintain a therapeutic environment during all client interactions — in group and individual formats.

● Use motivational interviewing (MI) and other evidence-based techniques to support client engagement and retention.

● Manage client crises as they arise — providing brief intervention, safety assessment, and referral as appropriate.

Case Management & Referral Coordination

● Conduct regular case management contacts to assess client progress, remove barriers to attendance, and coordinate needed services.

● Coordinate referrals to community partners including Kern Medical, Bakersfield College, CAPK, Flood Ministries, and other social service agencies.

● Maintain communication with referral sources including courts, probation officers, and employers as required by client release authorizations.

● Assist clients in accessing housing, employment, transportation, and other recovery support resources.

● Facilitate client transitions between levels of care, including step-down planning and discharge.

Documentation & Compliance

● Complete all required documentation accurately and within established timeframes — including progress notes, treatment plan reviews, discharge summaries, and incident reports.

● Maintain compliance with California DHCS ODF program standards (CCR Title 22), HIPAA, and STEPS, Inc. internal policies.

● Participate in scheduled chart audits, peer review, and quality assurance activities.

● Ensure all required consents, authorizations, and DHCS required forms are completed at intake and maintained throughout treatment.

● Prepare and submit required reports to funding agencies, courts, and probation as authorized.

Team & Organizational Participation

● Attend weekly clinical team meetings, staff trainings, and case consultation sessions.

● Participate in peer supervision and individual clinical supervision with the Clinical Director as required for registration or certification maintenance.

● Support new staff onboarding and student/intern supervision as capacity allows.

● Uphold and model the organization’s values of compassion, accountability, and recovery in all professional interactions.

Qualifications

Required

● Registration certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counselor through a DHCS-approved certifying organization (CCAPP, CAADE, CADTP, or equivalent) — or a licensed clinical professional (LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, or Associate) with SUD specialty training.

● Working knowledge of California DHCS ODF program regulations (CCR Title 22) and documentation standards.

● Demonstrated proficiency in individual treatment planning and group facilitation.

● Experience with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams).

● Strong written communication skills with ability to produce clear, clinically accurate documentation.

● Demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed, recovery-affirming, and culturally responsive care.

● Ability to maintain professional boundaries and uphold confidentiality standards under 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA.

● Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred

● Familiarity with ASAM criteria, MATRIX model, or Seeking Safety.

● Knowledge in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) support and coordination.

● Knowledge of Kern County behavioral health resources, community agencies, and social services landscape.

Core Competencies

● Clinical Excellence — Applies evidence-based practices with fidelity; adapts interventions to individual client needs while maintaining program structure.

● Therapeutic Rapport — Builds genuine, trusting relationships with clients that support engagement, retention, and meaningful progress toward recovery.

● Documentation Discipline — Maintains accurate, timely, and clinically defensible records that reflect the quality of care delivered.

● Regulatory Awareness — Understands and consistently operates within DHCS ODF program requirements, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality rules.

● Trauma-Informed Practice — Demonstrates awareness of trauma’s impact on substance use; uses language and approaches that promote safety, choice, and empowerment.

● Collaborative Teamwork — Works effectively with clinical peers, leadership, and community partners to deliver coordinated, comprehensive client care.

● Professional Accountability — Meets productivity expectations, manages caseload responsibilities independently, and seeks supervision appropriately.

Systems & Resources

Candidates should be proficient in, or able to quickly learn, the following:

● Clinical Documentation: Electronic Health Record (EHR) system (training provided); DHCS PAVE or CalOMS reporting

● Communication: Microsoft Outlook, Teams or equivalent messaging platform

● Productivity: Microsoft Word, Excel (for reporting and caseload tracking)

● Reference: DHCS Title 22 regulatory resources, ASAM criteria, program-specific treatment manuals

● Storage: SharePoint, OneDrive, or equivalent cloud-based file management

Working Conditions

● Full-time position, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday and sometimes Saturday with schedule determined by ODF Director based on group programming needs.

● On-site position at STEPS, Inc. offices in Bakersfield, CA; some offsite appointments may be required.

● Standard clinical office environment with access to group counseling rooms, private session space, and shared staff areas.

● Regular exposure to clients in various stages of recovery, including those with significant trauma histories, co-occurring mental health conditions, and legal system involvement.

● Physical requirements include extended periods of sitting, standing during group facilitation, and occasional light lifting of program materials.

● Must maintain required certification hours, complete STEPS mandatory training, and obtain required clinical supervision hours for credential maintenance.

● Team atmosphere with collaborative interaction with team members.

Equal Opportunity Employer

STEPS, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Pay: $23.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $30