OVERALL FUNCTION:
As a member of the residential program’s treatment team, the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor is an important agent in setting the tone, direction, and priorities of the residents’ treatment plans. The SUD Counselor works closely with the youth care counselors and social workers in monitoring the overall progress of the residents, and working on any issues related to prior substance abuse, as well as preventative drug education.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include:
1. Runs educational groups discussing substance abuse issues at our four STRTP locations.
2. Runs additional educational trainings for our temporary shelter care residents when needed.
3. Completes all required documentation.
4. Conducts family sessions.
5. Provides one-to-one substance abuse counseling with residents.
6. Conducts assessments of all new residents.
7. Provide the residents’ emotional and physical well-being.
8. Familiarizes self with the principles of behavioral dynamics and group therapy and assists residents in handling their problems and working effectively with a group.
9. Charts the daily progress of the residents and maintains log notations and communications with social worker. Completes all other documentation and bills for services provided.
10. Drives residents in agency vehicles as requested.
11. Logs all incidents.
12. Attends and participates in mandatory training and in-services as required.
13. Assists the residential program as needed.
Required Education, Training, Experience and Certifications:
A. High School diploma required. B.A./B.S. degree preferred and/or equivalent related experience.
B. CADAC or 5 years of experience in substance abuse counseling is required.
C. Substance Abuse Counselor registration, certification or clinical license from a California Accredited Institution; CCAPP, CADTP, CAADE, or BBS (MFT, LCSW etc.).
D. Personal characteristics to be able to work effectively with the children in placement as well as adequate knowledge, skills and experience.
E. Ability to be comfortable with the adolescents and be responsive to their needs.
F. Ability to accept the children’s parents regardless of their difference in values and standards of conduct.
G. Possesses the moral integrity, sense of values and a social commitment of the highest standards as required of all staff dealing with adolescents.
H. Able to handle crises.
All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children and adolescents who are served by our agencies. Therefore, each employee must at all times be emotionally stable and able to function effectively with children, adolescents and adults who may have mental or behavioral health problems. The staff must be able to demonstrate appropriate daily behavior, appropriate expression of emotions as well as appropriate role modeling. Hostility, aggression, and unnecessary or inappropriate physical actions as well as inappropriate emotional expression are not acceptable
All employees must maintain confidentiality of client and case information and may not access information unless directly related to their job responsibilities and duties, as stated in Title XXII 88069.7 (d): “All information in case records shall be
confidential and shall be available only to the licensing agency, placement agency staff and personnel who need access for the performance of their duties.”
Other Required Certifications, Licenses or Documents:
All applicants are advised that to be selected to work at Optimist they must have evidence of at least one Covid-19 vaccination.
Must be able to pass criminal/fingerprinting background check, TB Test, Physical Exam and Drug Testing.
Must have and maintain a valid California driver’s license and a clear DMV record.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 – $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Education:
- Bachelor’s (Preferred)
Experience:
- Addiction counseling: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: Multiple Locations