Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Committed to Our Community in the Heart of the Redwoods. Removing Barriers to Healthcare Access

TVSC Telehealth and Visiting Specialist Center

Open Door Community Health Centers (ODCHC) is committed to providing a comprehensive array of services to our surrounding communities. Our Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor work one-on-one and in groups with patients to help them overcome substance use dependencies.

The SUD Counselor facilitates support groups, provides one-on-one counseling, assists patients integrate into the addiction support services, including the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program and primary medical care services of ODCHC, and works alongside patients and families to create a care plan specific to their needs.

This position requires a hardworking individual who is patient, caring and community-minded. Experience and familiarity with community resources is preferred. Must have obtained certification as a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor from one of California’s Drug and Alcohol Counselor certification programs.

Compensation Range

$26.80-$31.00

Hmong and Spanish speakers who successfully pass a language exam will receive a minimum additional.75 hourly differential to their wage.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provides individual, group, and family counseling focused on rehabilitating drug and alcohol abusers; facilitates support groups.

Performs intake interviews, assessments, information, and referral, treatment planning, and develops counseling programs for clients to support recovery from addictions. Addiction consequences include negative impacts to the physical, mental, and social health of the individual.

Works closely with case management and member services to assist clients in solving problems of housing, unemployment, education and other conditions which may inhibit the rehabilitation progress.

Develops curriculum and facilitates educational groups for ODCHC patients and the community, related to addictions, harm reduction and achieving sobriety.

• Provides day to day program coordination with other substance abuse counselors/personnel.
• Participates in community groups and stimulates community interest in identifying and eliminating conditions which contribute to substance abuse problems.
• Ensures establishment of an individual care plan for all patients in the program.
• Reviews and evaluates patients' progress in relation to the care plan.
• Plans and implements follow-up and aftercare programs for clients.

Provides patient, family members and/or care providers with information about addiction issues and about available services and programs, making appropriate referrals.

Consults with Medical Director and prescribing physicians in developing & implementing models of care for patients with substance abuse issues.

• Monitors barriers and access issues, making recommendations for improvement.
• Maintains current information on community resources, programs, and services.
• Maintains appropriate records and prepares required reports.
• Provides training and support to staff providing direct patient care for Addition including AOD Counselors and Recovery Specialists.
• Acts as subject matter expert in ODCHC Addition Services processes.
• Provides process improvement feedback and works closely with the Director of Behavioral Health on program continuity and development.
• Participates in evaluation and staff meetings for integrated planning and treatment.
• This is a 1.0 FTE with 0.6 being direct patient care; 0.4 being administrative.
• Other duties and responsibilities as designated by supervisor.

Qualifications and Expectations

Knowledge of methods and techniques of individual, group, and family addictions counseling.

Ability to work as a member of a team in order to solicit input from other departments or individuals, communicate pertinent information to other team members, and support team decisions.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish constructive professional working relationships among a diverse workforce.

• Strong leadership skills and ability to create a positive work environment for clinical staff.
• Understanding and knowledge of the integrated care model and the concepts and treatment protocols for Co-Occurring Disorders and Medication Assisted Treatment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and exercise sound and responsible judgment.
• Demonstrable de-escalation skills and ability to defuse difficult or confrontational situations in a calm, consistent, and equitable manner.
• Ability to handle difficult or confrontational situations in a calm, consistent, and equitable manner.

Ability to work effectively with patients, to set mutual goals, encourage and monitor program adherence, and provide targeted and appropriate education.

Strong computer skills with specific aptitude in Microsoft Office Suite and/or Electronic Medical Records (EMR).

Excellent data management skills, including the ability to develop, implement, maintain, and monitor data flow systems.

• Excellent time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple programs and tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to effectively represent Open Door’s interest in the community; maintaining effective working relationships among public, private, and professional groups.
• Adheres to ODCHC’s policies and procedures.

EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

• Associates Degree in Addictions Counseling, or its equivalent with 3 - 5 years of experience.
• Minimum three years’ experience providing counseling in a substance abuse program.
• Experience and familiarity with community resources.

Certificates, Licenses, and Skills

Maintain certification as an SUD Counselor from one of California’s Drug and Alcohol Counselor certification programs. Qualifying certifications include Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC II); International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC); Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: The SUD Supervisor provides direct supervisory oversight for Substance Use Disorder Counselors, Substance Use Navigator, and Recovery Specialists within ODCHC.

SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT: The SUD Supervisor reports directly to the Behavioral Health Director. Day-to-day logistical issues are supervised by health center Administrative Site Director.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This is largely an office-based position. The physical requirements described are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential duties of the position. Reasonable accommodation will be made to allow otherwise qualified candidates to perform these functions.

• Ability to communicate via telephone, video, and/or in-person.
• Vision adequate to read documents, computer screens, forms.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to use keyboard and view computer screens for extended periods of time.
• Ability to travel locally and long-distance as needed.
• Ability to move around offices and clinics as needed.