Substance Abuse Counselor

Purpose

The Substance Abuse Counselor provides certified counseling and support services to participants in Love Home’s interim housing programs, following a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach. This role helps participants address substance use, develop recovery goals, and access supportive services to promote housing stability, health, and overall wellness.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling focused on harm reduction, relapse prevention, and recovery planning.
• Conduct substance use screenings and assessments; develop service and treatment recommendations.
• Collaborate with case managers, nurses, and program staff to ensure coordinated care.
• Assist participants in accessing treatment programs, medical and behavioral health services, and community resources.
• Provide crisis intervention and support during emergencies, contacting appropriate staff or emergency responders as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including progress notes, incident reports, and treatment records, in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Facilitate educational workshops and groups on recovery, wellness, and life skills.
• Promote harm reduction strategies, including overdose prevention and safe use education.
• Uphold confidentiality standards and professional ethics at all times.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and ongoing professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned by program management.

Qualifications

• Certification: Current certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor through CADTP, CCAPP, or equivalent California-recognized certifying body.

• Experience: Minimum 1 year of counseling experience with individuals with substance use disorders, mental health needs, or housing instability.

• Knowledge & Skills:
• Harm reduction, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with professional documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building trust.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and electronic record systems.

• Other Requirements:
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Clean driving record required if transporting participants.

Additional Requirements

Employment is contingent upon the following, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws:

• Successful clearance of a background check conducted through Checkr (Live Scan may also be required, depending on program or funding requirements)
• Possession and maintenance of current CPR and First Aid certification throughout employment; if not current at time of hire, must obtain within 30 days of employment
• A current negative tuberculosis (TB) test; if not current at time of hire, must obtain within 30 days of employment and maintain as required
• COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test prior to initial workplace assignment; employee may also be required to undergo COVID-19 testing periodically, in accordance with public health guidance and company policy
• Participation in a drug screening program, including random urinalysis testing as permitted by law
• Must be able to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the role, including compliance with all drug-free workplace policies and behavioral standards

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Frequently required to: stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, and climb stairs.
• Occasionally required to: lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• May involve exposure to bodily fluids or biohazards, and interaction with challenging individuals.
• Noise level: moderate to loud.
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Support & Supervision

• Reports to: Program Manager for Main Site Assigned
• Training and ongoing support will be provided by the Founder or assigned delegate.

Dress Code

• Business casual, unless otherwise directed due to site-specific needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person