Substance Use Counselor

Summary: As a Substance Use Counselor, you will provide comprehensive intake assessment and individual, family, and group counseling services to adults with substance use issues and coordinate support services to assist clients with case management needs. You will also collaborate with other professionals to ensure the provision of integrated mental health, physical health and substance use treatment that is culturally congruent with our clients' needs and assess, facilitate, and document group and individual counseling sessions, addressing individual progress and outcomes, ensuring compliance with Agency, state licensing and other regulatory standards and guidelines.

Primary Duties: Conducts/facilitates individual and group substance use prevention education and awareness, and counseling sessions and provides routine case management including assessment, intake, crisis intervention, and exit interviews for adults or adolescents with a history of substance use. Interfaces with such agencies as the Department of Mental Health, Department of Child and Family Services, criminal justice services, Public health and other related community agencies and resources to give and receive information relative to clients. Maintains documentation of all counseling sessions, substance use services and other services; ensures compliance with Didi Hirsch policies and procedures, contracts and other regulatory agencies. Supervises program participants with conflict resolution and medication compliance as needed. Developing and refining program curricula and materials. Develops and maintains counselor skills through seminars, workshops, or other forms of training/education. Attends and actively participates in all team and staff meetings, community meetings and supervision/consultation.

Position Requirements: Certified Substance Use Counselor with limited professional experience OR a Registered Substance Use Counselor with 1-2 years of experience in the behavioral health field, preferably focusing on substance use. Certified in one of the state approved certification agencies for substance use. Experience working with youth and adults in group presentations and process. Sensitivity to ethnic and cultural differences. Experience with community organization, program planning and implementation. Knowledge of substance use prevention and community resources. Ability to work some evening hours and to arrange work schedule to the benefit of the program. Have a working knowledge of case management and conducting/facilitating individual and group counseling sessions for appropriate clients to be served. Support the values and mission of Didi Hirsch as related to employment. Know and comply with Didi Hirsch Agency policies and procedures, HIPAA, DMH, Child and Family Services, policies and documentation guidelines, and other state, federal regulations relating to program. First Aid, CPR certification required for all Residential counselors. Non-certified individuals hired into the position must be willing to complete certification course within 30 days of employment and maintain certifications in active and current status throughout employment. Demonstrate current knowledge of all job specific skills: to include mental health programming, psychiatric crisis intervention; documentation; group/individual counseling; multi-cultural and socio-economic issues. Basic advocacy skills. Present ideas, information, and viewpoints clearly, both verbally and in writing. Efficiently use the personal computer including word processing and electronic chart system software. Ability to work varied hours including evenings, nights and weekends. Utilize analysis, experience, and judgment to make decisions within policies and practices. Demonstrate commitment to team objectives and Didi Hirsch philosophies. Adapt to changing needs by acquiring new skills and knowledge. Current California driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the Agency's insurance carrier.

Our Vision: A future where everyone has equitable access to care and is empowered to achieve optimal mental health and well-being.

Our Mission: Didi Hirsch provides compassionate mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services to individuals and families, especially in communities where discrimination and injustice limit access.

Core Values: Excellence: We are constantly innovating, learning from the communities we serve, and applying the latest research to advance best practices. We uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure we are providing compassionate and excellent care.

Diversity & Inclusion: We value diversity of background, experience, and ideas. We celebrate differences and prioritize creating a sense of belonging.

Equity: We are dedicated to promoting health equity in our communities, and we work to dismantle disparities and discrimination within both systems of care and society. Well Being: We are devoted to the well-being of our staff, volunteers, and communities, and believe healthy teams lead to healthy clients. Advocacy: We advocate across all levels of government and use our voice to reduce barriers to care with the goal of access to high quality, integrated healthcare for all. Community Engagement: We build partnerships in the community and across sectors to create a more inclusive and responsive mental health ecosystem and enhance greater accessibility to care and support.