Position Purpose:
The Substance Use Counselor (SUC) will have a strong background in Chemical Dependency and Behavioral Health, as well as a strong desire to work with patients who may have co-occurring disorders. The SUC will be part of a multidisciplinary team consisting of LCSWs, 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 outpatient and residential JWCH locations.
The Counselor is responsible for all assessments, interventions, documentation, and coordination with internal or external treatment options, including our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Experience and a commitment to providing patient-centered care with unconditional positive regard and without judgment are required for individuals with complex medical and psychosocial histories, including people experiencing homelessness, drug use, sex work, and/or incarceration.
The SUC must understand and be able to provide care in a manner that adheres to the principles of harm reduction and trauma-informed care. This includes, for example, an understanding of unhealthy drug use as a complex phenomenon driven by structural violence, racism, poverty, trauma, and social isolation, along with a commitment to providing care that acknowledges these forces.
Principal Responsibilities:

• Utilizes compassion and understanding of harm reduction to assist patients seeking treatment for opioid, alcohol, and other substance use in an outpatient primary care setting.
• Provides extensive knowledge and education to patients, families, and community members regarding FDA-approved medications designed to treat opioid or alcohol use disorders.
• 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, as well as community-based organizations, to administer assessments outlined by the DSM-IV, determine the level of care, offer a menu of options, and link patients to appropriate care services.
• Provides intensive case management and psychosocial support to individuals 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.
• Guides patients through treatment, including appointment reminders and medication management.
• Collaborates with outside agencies to offer referral options.
• Documents patient information accurately and in a timely manner in medical records.
• Enters data for project evaluation and analysis, assists in preparing reports for grants, and ensures collected data is securely maintained.
• Maintains client confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and CFR 42 federal regulations.
• Participates in all required staff, team, and community meetings.
• Performs 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, such as CADTP and CCAPP, or hold an Associate Social Work/Master's Social Work degree with SUD Certification, or be registered with one of these agencies and working towards certification.
• Experience and knowledge of the Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) and Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) system of care.
• Priority should be given to applicants who have lived or current experience of homelessness, drug use, sex work, incarceration, structural racism, poverty, and/or who have lived or currently live on Skid Row.
• Knowledge of and training in the delivery of harm reduction models, trauma-informed treatment, and evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders (e.g., Matrix, Seeking Safety, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Nurturing Parenting Program).
• Proficient in administering the ASAM, ASI, and other substance use assessment tools.
• Must have a valid California driver's license, proof of insurance, and an excellent driving record.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Two years of experience in a healthcare setting is preferred.
• Two years of experience 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 diverse populations, including low-income, homeless, and trauma-impacted individuals.

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
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 robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• 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 (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient/client at a time.
JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.