SUD Counselor - NCSH Residential

This is a union eligible position.

JOB SUMMARY 

HealthRIGHT 360, a nonprofit organization and a family of programs, is committed to providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare services to vulnerable populations. Our mission is to tackle systemic barriers to healthcare and promote health equity for all. We offer a wide range of services, including mental health care, residential and outpatient substance use treatment, and primary health services. Additionally, we provide transitional support for individuals re-entering the community after involvement in the criminal justice system. By integrating physical and behavioral health, we empower individuals to overcome challenges by addressing social determinants of health, fostering resilience, and facilitating recovery.

North County Serenity House (NCSH), a residential 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 I 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. This in-person role involves providing counseling in both individual and group settings, delivering curricula in accordance with program-specific requirements, offering case management, and assisting clients in navigating systems of care—all while fostering 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.
• Transport clients as needed.

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 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.

Administrative and Other Responsibilities

• Attend meetings and actively participate.

• Meet residential service delivery goals.

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

And perform other assigned duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Certification, or Licensure

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or other related field preferred.
• Registration 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.
• Valid California Driver’s License.

Experience

• At least one year of experience as a registered substance abuse or behavioral disorder counselor or recovery specialist in community mental health or residential setting.
• Experience carrying a caseload or ability to carry.