Substance Use Counselor

Position Purpose: 

The Substance Use Counselor (SUC) will have strong background in Chemical Dependency and Behavioral Health and a strong desire to work with patients who may have co-occurring disorders. The SUC will be part of a multidisciplinary team of LCSW’s, Case Mangers, Primary Care Providers, Psychiatry, and other Counselors.  The SUC will provide counseling services to ethnically diverse population, including low-income and homeless patients at various JWCH locations. The Counselor is responsible for all assessments, interventions, documentation, and coordination with and utilization of either internal or external treatments option including our IOP.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Utilizes compassion and understanding of harm reduction to aid patients seeking treatment for opioid, alcohol and other substance use in an outpatient primary care setting.  
2. Provides extensive knowledge and education to patients, family and community members for different FDA approved medications designed to treat those with opioid or alcohol use disorder.  
3. Works directly with Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Providers, Behavioral Health Workers and other Care Team members to design and determine comprehensive care needs.
4. Accepts referrals from medical and behavioral health staff and community-based organizations to administer assessments outlined by DSM IV to determine level of care, offer menu of options and link to appropriate care services.
5. Provides intensive case management and psychosocial support to those entering the MAT or general counseling program to ensure engagement, retention and better treatment outcomes.
6. Provides counseling through evidence-based practices such as Seeking Safety, Relapse Prevention and CBT concurrently with medication management to enhance treatment outcomes.
7. Navigates patients through treatment including reminders for appointments and medication management.
8. Collaborates with outside agencies to offer referral options.
9. Documents accurately and timely in medical records.
10. Enters data for project evaluation and analysis, helps to prepare reports for grants and ensures collected data is securely kept/maintained.
11. Maintains client confidentiality per HIPAA and CFR 42 federal regulations.
12. Participates in all staff, team and community meetings as required. 
13. Other duties as assigned.    

Requirements:

1. Certified Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor: Must be certified by one of the agencies accredited by the NCCA and recognized by DHCS, which include CADTP and CCAPP or Associate Social Work/ Masters Social Work degree with SUD Certification.  
2. Experience and knowledgeable of Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) and Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention Control (SAPC) system of care.
3. Knowledge of and trained in delivery of trauma informed treatment, and evidenced base treatment for substance abuse. (Matrix, Seeking Safety, CBT, Motivational Interviewing and Nurturing Parenting Program)
4. Proficient with administering the ASAM, ASI and other substance abuse assessment tools.
5. Must have valid California driver’s license, proof of insurance and excellent driving record.
6. Excellent written, oral, organizational and documentation skills.
7. Two years’ experience in a health care setting is preferred. 
8. Two years’ experience working in substance abuse counseling
9. Knowledge of Harm Reduction, Seeking Safety, Relapse Prevention and other evidence-based behavioral therapies
10. Ability to work independently and proactively, taking initiative.
11. Willing and able to work with diverse population including low income, homeless, trauma-involved individuals.

Employee Benefits:

At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30 hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a benefits package that includes:

• A monthly allowance for medical, dental, and vision premiums
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan
• Mileage reimbursement
• Short- and long-term disability plans, life insurance, and more!

Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.

JWCH Institute, Inc  Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer!