Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor - Residential Program

HealthRIGHT 360 gives hope, builds health, and changes lives for people in need by providing comprehensive, integrated, compassionate care that includes primary medical care, mental health services, and substance use disorder treatment.

North County Serenity House (NCSH), a residential and withdrawal management program of HealthRIGHT 360, was founded in 1966 to provide substance use disorder services in the community. NCSH provides a gender-responsive and trauma-informed environment, using evidence-based and best practices that recognize and account for the role that trauma frequently plays in substance use and criminal histories of women. For clients with co-occurring mental illness, we provide integrated substance use and mental health services which treat both conditions as primary. Our residential facility serves up to 120 women (with capacity for up to 20 children under 5 years of age) seeking recovery from substance use disorders.

The SUD Counselor is an integral part of an interdisciplinary team that supports our clients through assessment of their needs and strengths in support of their health and recovery. SUD Counselor will perform counseling in individual and group settings, deliver curricula in accordance with program specific requirements and case management, and assist clients in navigating systems of care while providing a supportive treatment environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Treatment Setting

• Facilitate group counseling sessions and community meetings.
• Proactively link clients to both internal and external resources based on their treatment needs.
• Teach classes on treatment-related topics to assist clients in meeting their treatment goals.
• Collaborate with each client and other available internal and external resources to develop/maintain treatment plans, transition plans, progress notes and appropriate updates in support of the health and recovery needs of the client.
• Perform crisis intervention and communicate with the treatment team.
• Follow up on clients' treatment progress.
• Monitor and document client medication administration.
• Ensure secure storage and proper accounting of client medications.
• Accompany clients to offsite appointments as needed.
• Assign client duties and sign off upon completion.
• Motivate clients to fulfill their weekly obligations.
• Support intake process and maintain supplies.
• Collect, clean, or dispose of biohazard waste.
• Disinfect and clean rooms and common areas.

Safety and Security

• Maintain safety and security of clients in the facility.
• Perform periodic house runs.
• Perform property and room searches.
• Respond to medical emergencies including overdoses.
• Perform substance use tests such as urinalysis and breathalyzer.
• Observe clients and maintain observation logs.

Documentation

• Document group and individual counseling sessions in a timely manner per program and/or contract requirements.
• Accurately enter data in electronic systems.
• Document client updates and incidents daily.
• All documentation must be maintained in accordance with guidelines established by HealthRIGHT 360 to satisfy internal and external evaluating requirements.
• Complete discharge paperwork and agency assessments.
• Maintain weekly logs of client contacts.
• Read and respond to communications in a timely manner.

Administration and Other Duties

• Attend and actively participate in meetings.

• Meet residential service delivery goals.

• Plan and facilitate celebrations and special events.
• Work on weekends and holidays as needed.
• Complete assigned training in a timely manner.
• Maintain full compliance with credential requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Certification, or Licensure

• High school diploma or equivalent required or Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or other related field preferred.
• Registration or Certification as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor from an accredited California agency (CCAPP, CAADE, CADTP).
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Experience

• Experience as a registered substance abuse or behavioral disorder counselor or recovery specialist in community mental health or residential setting preferred.
• Bilingual preferred 

Background Check and Other Requirements

• Qualified candidates with a criminal record will be considered for employment.
• Must be able to complete a background check and livescan.