Certified or Registered SUD Counselor

GET TO KNOW US

For more than a century, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services (VDM) has been dedicated to supporting children and families across Los Angeles County through high-quality programs and compassionate care. Our goal is to help children and families build strong foundations that support growth, stability, and meaningful opportunities throughout their lives. Many of the individuals we serve have faced long-standing challenges, and we are committed to meeting families where they are with respect and understanding. Vista Del Mar is guided by values centered on growth, opportunity, fairness, and excellence in service.

OUR CULTURE

At Vista Del Mar, our work is strengthened by the people we serve and the dedicated staff who support them. We strive to create an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, care, and respect. We recognize that personal experiences and life circumstances shape how individuals engage within their communities, and we actively work to reduce barriers while improving access and outcomes for families. Vista Del Mar is committed to fostering a workplace rooted in care, collaboration, professional growth, and mutual support, where each individual feels welcomed and valued. We believe meaningful action is the foundation of lasting trust. We welcome qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences. Relevant professional and lived experience that supports effective service delivery to children and families is valued. All employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications, experience, and organizational needs.

MISSION:

Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives.

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The SUD Counselor (Registered or Certified) provides direct intervention, prevention education, and recovery support services to students dealing with substance use and co-occurring disorders within community-based settings. This role bridges clinical care and community-based environments, including educational settings, working collaboratively with staff, families, and external providers to promote student wellness, engagement, and academic success.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Provide individual and group counseling to students addressing substance use and related behavioral issues utilizing a strong understanding of motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and recovery-oriented services.
• Develop and implement individualized recovery plans based on student needs and goals in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
• Deliver evidence-based substance use prevention education in classroom settings and group formats.
• Coordinate with school personnel, and Vista RISE SUD treatment team to identify students in need of support, utilizing referral systems and intervention frameworks.
• Facilitate SUD assessments and counsel students in identifying triggers, patterns of use, relapse risks, and healthy coping strategies.
• Offer support in recovery, SUD education and relapse prevention to student families/caregivers.
• Provide case management services to students and  families/caregivers helping them understand substance use dynamics and engage in the student’s recovery process.
• Provide referrals to outside treatment providers, medical professionals, and support networks.
• Participate in Student Support Team meetings, Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan meetings when relevant.
• Maintain timely and confidential documentation for assessments, treatment planning, service notes, and progress reports.
• Demonstrate an understanding and practice of SUD treatment modalities including strength-based, MI, and CBT treatment modality models while incorporating trauma-informed, and culturally/LGBTQ sensitive approach in working with youth.
• Ability to work independently within a school system, adapt services to meet student needs in an academic environment, and to engage and support diverse student populations.

WHAT YOU BRING TO VDM

• SUD Registered or Certification through CCAPP, CAADE, or CADTP.
• Minimum 1-year documented experience working with adolescents with substance abuse disorders.
• Training and experience in adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and co-occurring disorders preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required.
• Ability to independently use a computer and learn necessary software

Pay Range: $24.00 - $30.00 / hour

What Can We Offer You for All Your Hard Work?

• Full benefits offered (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• FSA/Dependent Care and Supplemental benefits through The Standard
• 403(b) – 3% Employer contribution based off annual salary
• 4 Mental Health Days
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Up to 25% for Cell Phone Discounts with 3 Major Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint)

Vista Del Mar’s Credentials:

Our nationally recognized clinical programs have been awarded a Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. In addition, our educational facilities are fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and our graduate degree program is recognized worldwide for its high quality of instructions.

Equal Employment Statement

Vista Del Mar is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Vista Del Mar will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment.