Substance Use Counselors

Substance Use Counselor
Full Time
Los Angeles, CA, US
30+ days ago
Requisition ID: 2617
Salary Range: $51,038.00 To 57,745.00 Annually

Position Purpose:
The Substance Use Counselor (SUC) will have a 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 Managers, Primary Care Providers, Psychiatry, and other Counselors. The SUC will provide counseling services to an 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 treatment options including our IOP.

Principal Responsibilities:
- 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.
- 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.
- Works directly with Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Providers, Behavioral Health Workers, and other Care Team members to design and determine comprehensive care needs.
- 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 a menu of options, and link to appropriate care services.
- Provides intensive case management and psychosocial support to those entering the MAT or general counseling program to ensure engagement, retention, and better treatment outcomes.
- Provides counseling through evidence-based practices such as Seeking Safety, Relapse Prevention and CBT concurrently with medication management to enhance treatment outcomes.
- Navigates patients through treatment including reminders for appointments and medication management.
- Collaborates with outside agencies to offer referral options.
- Documents accurately and timely in medical records.
- Enters data for project evaluation and analysis, helps to prepare reports for grants, and ensures collected data is securely kept/maintained.
- Maintains client confidentiality per HIPAA and CFR 42 federal regulations.
- Participates in all staff, team, and community meetings as required.
- Other duties as assigned.

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

Employee Benefits:
JWCH Institute, Inc., offers competitive salaries for all positions. Employees working 30 hours per week or more are provided a monthly allowance which can be used towards medical, dental, and vision premiums. The agency offers sick leave, vacation time, 13 paid holidays, 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan, mileage reimbursement, short-term and long-term disability plans, life insurance policies, employee parking, and more!

Wesley Health Centers JWCH Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer!