Residential SUD Counselor - 815 Buena Vista

Job Overview

815 Buena Vista West residential is a dual-diagnosis, gender-inclusive withdrawal management and residential treatment program located next to Buena Vista Park in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district. It is a 108-bed trauma-informed program staffed by an interdisciplinary clinical team of substance abuse counselors and therapists working in coordination with medical and psychiatry services. 815 utilizes evidence-based curricula to provide group counseling, individual counseling, psychotherapy, and a community concept to care for some of San Francisco’s most vulnerable adults. Our goal is to serve clients in an environment where they feel supported and accepted so they can begin their recovery in a safe and peaceful setting.  

We are looking to build our team of residential substance use disorder counselors at our all-gender, dual diagnosis program in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco. Ideal candidates have AOD/SUD registration or certification, skills in facilitating both group and individual treatment services, as well as experience working with multicultural communities and people impacted by substance use, mental health, and criminal justice issues. SUD Counselors are responsible for assessing client needs and strengths, monitoring and ensuring safety of clients, providing and documenting treatment services in accordance with program specific requirements, and facilitating case management to assist clients in navigating systems of care and connecting to ongoing services and support. The role offers hands-on training and supervision, as well as ample opportunities for professional growth.  

Key Responsibilities

Treatment Setting Responsibilities:  

• Treats clients with respect and dignity, interacting with them in a compassionate, non-judgmental manner that honors their culture.  
• Facilitates and documents group and individual counseling sessions, holds community meetings, and teaches classes on various treatment-related topics. 
• Performs crisis intervention and communicates with treatment team to defuse situations before they escalate and coordinate emergency medical services when needed. 
• Performs frequent house runs to ensure and maintain the safety and security of the facility. When assigned, holds facility keys, and ensures client medications are securely stored and properly accounted for. 
• Works swing shift (3pm-11:30pm) and weekends. Works holidays as needed. 

Individual Treatment Responsibilities: 

• Maintains a caseload of clients.  
• Collaborates with each caseload client as well as other collateral resources to assess client’s treatment needs and develop/maintain treatment plans. 
• Facilitates weekly individual counseling sessions with each caseload participant to assist clients in meeting their treatment goals. 
• Coordinates transition plans and completes the discharge paperwork/process. 
• Maintains accurate records by entering documentation of all assessment, treatment, crisis management, and discharge services into various electronic systems for all caseload clients in accordance with guidelines established by HealthRIGHT360 to satisfy internal and external evaluating requirements. 
• And, other duties as assigned. 

Education and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Education Required: 

• Drug and Alcohol Registration or Certification recognized by DHCS. 
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• First Aid and CPR Certified within 30 days of employment. 

Desired: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field.

Background Clearance Required:  

• Must not be on active parole or probation.  
• Must be able to pass background clearance. 

Skills Required: 

• Culturally competent and able to work with a diverse population. 
• Contributes to a safe and supportive environment for those experiencing drug and alcohol dependency and mental health symptoms. 
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word, Outlook and internet applications. 

Desired: 

• Knowledge of co-occurring disorders and trauma-informed treatment. 
• Knowledge of clinical and/or DMC documentation (treatment plans, progress notes, etc.). 
• Experience working successfully with issues of substance abuse, mental health, criminal background, and other potential barriers to economic self sufficiency. 
• Bilingual.

Works swing shift (3pm-11:30pm) and weekends. Works holidays as needed. 

In compliance with the California Department of Public Health's mandate, all employees must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Medical and religious exemptions are available.  

Tag: IND100.