SUD Counselor - MLK BHC Residential

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.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Behavioral Health Center (MLK BHC) is a program of HealthRIGHT 360 and is contracted with the Department of Public Health's Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) program. MLK BHC offers residential Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) services for a maximum of 99 adult individuals, comprising 33 beds each for judicially involved men, men, and women. MLK BHC collaborates closely with other Behavioral Health Center programs to ensure a comprehensive range of services for low-income and Medi-Cal-eligible individuals. Situated on the Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital campus in the Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles, the program serves residents of all Los Angeles County.

The SUD Counselor III is 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, and offering case management. The SUD Counselor III also assists clients in navigating systems of care while fostering a supportive treatment environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Treatment Setting

• Maintain an assigned caseload of up to 25 clients, depending on the program staffing pattern and business needs, and provide individualized weekly counseling.
• 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 caseload 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.
• Complete discharge paperwork and agency assessments.
• Maintain weekly logs of client contacts.
• Complete all documentation in accordance with guidelines established by HealthRIGHT 360 to satisfy internal and external evaluating requirements.
• Read and respond to communications in a timely manner.

Administration and Other

• 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 certification requirements.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new employees, interns, ambassadors, volunteers, etc. or as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Credentials

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or other related field preferred.
• Certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor through an organization recognized by DHCS (e.g., CCAPP, CAADE, or CADTP).Valid First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within the specified timeframe.
• Valid California Driver’s License.

Experience

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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

In an 8-hr workday, employee is required to perform work:

Sitting

4

Hrs

Standing

2

Hrs

Walking

2

Hrs

Driving

Occasionally