OTP Counselor

Description:

Janus of Santa Cruz is seeking a compassionate, organized, and highly motivated Substance Use Disorder Counselor to provide counseling and case management services to individuals receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. The Counselor plays a critical role in supporting patients' recovery through individual counseling, treatment planning, documentation, care coordination, and compliance with regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong clinical judgment, excellent communication skills, commitment to patient-centered care, and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary treatment environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

I. Clinical Duties

• Provide counseling services to patients receiving medication-assisted treatment in accordance with evidence-based practices and all applicable regulations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment and recovery plans.
• Maintain a caseload of up to 65 patients.
• Accurately and legibly complete all required clinical and administrative documentation.
• Complete charting, treatment notes, assessments, reports, and billing documentation in a thorough and timely manner.
• Utilize Electronic Health Records (EHR), including AVATAR and future systems such as myEvolve, to document patient services and maintain accurate records.
• Ensure all patient documentation is completed within established timelines and agency standards.
• Coordinate patient care with medical providers, behavioral health professionals, social service agencies, and community partners as needed.
• Demonstrate knowledge of drug urinalysis testing procedures and administer testing when required.
• Maintain the confidentiality of patient records and protected health information.
• Understand the pharmacology and physiological effects of methadone and other substances used in treatment.
• Respect and protect the human rights, dignity, and confidentiality of all patients.
• Maintain compliance with Title 9, Title 22, CARF, DEA, CSAT, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Uphold Janus of Santa Cruz's Code of Ethics and professional standards.
• Foster positive, respectful, and professional relationships with patients, families, staff, and community partners.

II. General Program Responsibilities

• Alert the OTP Clinical Manager regarding potential crises, urgent situations, safety concerns, or incidents involving patients.
• Attend and actively participate in clinical supervision sessions and scheduled individual meetings.
• Consult with the OTP Clinical Manager regarding clinical concerns, treatment challenges, and patient care issues.
• Maintain a professional work environment that prioritizes patient and staff safety.
• Follow and implement all Janus of Santa Cruz policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Attend required trainings, staff meetings, case conferences, and clinical meetings.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborate effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the OTP Clinical Manager.

III. General and Administrative Responsibilities

• Assume additional responsibilities as needed to support clinic operations and patient care.
• Assist with program initiatives, quality improvement activities, and organizational goals.
• Support compliance, accreditation, and audit preparation efforts as required.

IV. Additional Responsibilities

• Attend all required administrative meetings, professional development activities, and mandatory trainings.
• Travel as necessary to attend training courses, meetings, conferences, or fulfill job-related responsibilities.
• Maintain required certifications, credentials, and continuing education requirements.

Requirements:

Required

• Certification or registration as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor in accordance with California State requirements, or eligibility to obtain certification.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, and medication-assisted treatment.
• Experience providing counseling, case management, or behavioral health services.
• Ability to maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation.
• Proficiency in electronic health record systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to meet agency driving requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Health, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or a related field.
• Experience working in an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) setting, or substance use treatment program.
• Experience using AVATAR or other behavioral health electronic health record systems.
• Bilingual language skills.