What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Therapist (MDFT) position at Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse?

Benefits :

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off

The Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse (CADA) is seeking a passionate and dedicated therapist to join our team as Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) Therapist in Santa Maria and Lompoc.

MDFT is an evidence-based, family-centered therapeutic approach that addresses substance abuse and mental health disorders in adolescents and young adults. The program engages youth, parents, families, and community support to foster meaningful change. This position is an opportunity to become trained and certified in MDFT while working with youth and families in CADA’s Daniel Bryant Adolescent Treatment Program.

Qualifications :

Master’s degree in a helping profession (e.g., Counseling, Psychology, Sociology). Trainee or MA Student in Practicum would be considered for the right candidate.

Licensed or registered as an MFT, LCSW, LPCC, or equivalent.

Minimum one year of experience in alcohol / drug counseling or therapy (preferably with adolescents).

Knowledge of counseling techniques, substance abuse assessment, case planning, and therapeutic interventions.

Familiarity with treatment and recovery resources in South Santa Barbara County.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, adaptable to diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

High professional ethics.

Bilingual (English / Spanish) and bicultural preferred.

Familiarity with SB County Behavioral Wellness documentation preferred.

Responsibilities :

Provide group, individual, and family therapy to assigned clients in alignment with the MDFT model.

Assess clients, determine medical necessity, identify interventions, and create treatment plans.

Communicate with client support systems (e.g., parents, probation, family) as appropriate.

Adhere to approved therapeutic approaches, Title 22 Guidelines, and SB County Behavioral Wellness policies.

Accurately and promptly complete required documentation, including progress notes, assessments, and client demographic forms, in EHR systems.

Attend weekly staff meetings and case discussions.

Collaborate with program staff to ensure client-centered care.

Meet productivity goals (50% of weekly hours in direct client service).

Stay updated on current research in substance abuse and treatment practices.

Provide LPHA support for AOD Counselors (e.g., assessment reviews, medical necessity, diagnoses).

For Associates : Attend weekly clinical supervision (additional supervision per licensing requirements).

Full-time (40 hrs / wk) and part-time (20 hrs / wk) positions are available. This role can be based exclusively in Santa Maria or split between Santa Maria and Lompoc. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off.

Compensation is dependent on qualifications and experience, with a salary range of $24-$32 per hour. The starting rate is $24 per hour for trainees, and $27 per hour for licensed therapists. Additionally, there is potential for rate increases based on bilingual proficiency (Spanish / English) and relevant experience.

In compliance with the California Department of Health Care Services, staff require an up-to-date Tuberculosis test during the duration of employment.

If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation at any time. Please contact HR via email at hr@cadasb.org or via phone at (805) 722-1313 with any questions.

Salary : $24 - $32

Apply for this job

Receive alerts for other Family Therapist (MDFT) job openings

Family Therapist (MDFT)

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Therapist (MDFT) position at Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse?

What is the career path for a Family Therapist (MDFT)?

Job openings at Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Family Therapist (MDFT) jobs in the Santa Maria, CA area that may be a better fit.

We don't have any other Family Therapist (MDFT) jobs in the Santa Maria, CA area right now.

AI Assistant is available now!