SUD Counselor

About The Job Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Counselor works directly with program participants, community-based providers, and government agencies to support participants in successfully navigating their community reintegration and recovery processes. Through strength-based participant engagement, the Counselor assists participants in addressing barriers related to reentry, substance use, relapse prevention, housing instability, employment, life stressors, and other obstacles that may impact long-term success and stability.

This position provides individualized and group services utilizing evidence-based and participant-centered practices, including, but not limited to, Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, Information and Referral, Advocacy, and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care. Counselors are responsible for maintaining timely and accurate documentation and delivering services in accordance with Drug Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal standards of practice and care.

This role works face-to-face with participants and may incorporate lived experience, recovery support principles, and rehabilitative approaches to enhance participant engagement and outcomes. Counselors are expected to promote culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and gender-responsive services while maintaining professional and ethical standards of conduct.

Counselor Levels: Center Point utilizes a three-tier Counselor model within this position classification:

Counselor I – AOD Registered Counselor

• Registered with an approved California certifying organization as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor.
• Must remain in good standing and continue progression toward certification requirements.

Counselor II – Certified Peer Support Specialist

• Current Peer Support Specialist Certification from a granting institution endorsed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA).
• Lived experience with criminal justice involvement, behavioral health systems, substance use recovery, or related life experience strongly preferred.

Counselor III – AOD Certified Counselor

• Current certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor through a DHCS-approved certifying organization.
• Experience providing SUD counseling, group facilitation, case management, and recovery support services preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working with justice-involved populations, behavioral health systems, and/or substance use disorder treatment services preferred.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Intermediate computer skills required.
• Ability to maintain timely and accurate documentation.
• Must meet security clearance requirements.
• Must successfully pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) Live Scan background check.
• Must possess a current TB Test.
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License, maintain a relatively clean driving record, and be insurable under the organization’s automobile insurance carrier.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Ability to promote culturally responsive and gender-responsive services.
• Ability to comply with applicable ethical and professional standards of conduct.

Work Schedule

• Tuesday - 3 PM to 11:30 PM.
• Wednesday - 3 PM to 11:30 PM.
• Thursday - 3 PM to 11:30 PM.
• Friday - 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Saturday - 8 AM to 4:30 PM.