Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Certified Counselor II, III, IV

Job Overview: Our Culture & Trauma-Informed Values

At Heartland House, we believe that the environment is a co-facilitator in the healing process. We specialize in supporting adult men, including those navigating the complexities of co-occurring disorders and the justice system. Our mission is to provide more than just treatment; we provide a pathway to dignity. You aren’t just managing a caseload—you are a collaborative architect of a resident's new life. We are looking for an SUD Counselor who embodies the following core principles:

• Safety Through Consistency: You understand that for those healing from trauma, predictability is medicine. You take pride in maintaining a calm, stable, and reliable environment while performing your duties.
• Empowerment Over Control: You approach boundaries not as "rules to be enforced," but as "agreements to be upheld." You seek to collaborate with residents rather than command them, even during difficult moments or crises.
• Compassionate Vigilance: You recognize and bring to those in early recovery a sense of compassionate care and are present when interacting, bringing about a connection of understanding and protection.
• Radical Respect & Dignity: Whether you are conducting a drug screen or a medication count, you perform your duties with a level of respect that honors the individual’s humanity and their courageous choice to seek treatment.

What We Offer (The Essentials)

· Competitive Pay: $28.00 – $37.00 per hour (commensurate with certification/experience).

· Comprehensive Benefits: Fully paid Medical, Dental, and Vision for employees.

· Work-Life Balance: A consistent 5-day shift schedule in a 24-hour facility. Two weeks of paid vacation, plus paid sick time.

· Impact: A collaborative, trauma-informed culture where your clinical voice is heard and respected.

· Professional Growth: Continuing education and reimbursement for licensure fees.

· Stable & Purpose-Driven Environment: A fiscally responsible non-profit with a 66-year history of success and a clear sense of purpose.

· Peace of Mind Coverage: We offer employer-paid life insurance because we care about the long-term security of our team and their families.

Position Overview

As an SUD Counselor at our residential facility, you serve as a foundational pillar of safety and emotional stability for our community. You are a vital catalyst for change in a high-impact, 24-hour treatment environment. This role is designed for a dedicated professional who excels in navigating the complexities of recovery for adult men, including those with co-occurring conditions, by integrating trauma-informed care with evidence-based SUD clinical practices. You will collaboratively lead the clinical journey for a dedicated caseload of residents.

Key Responsibilities:

· Clinical Leadership: Facilitate dynamic group sessions and individual counseling using evidence-based practices (CBT, MI, RP, and Seeking Safety).

· Comprehensive Case Management: Drive the treatment process from intake to discharge and "warm handoffs" to community resources.

· Documentation Excellence: Maintain high-standard clinical charts (electronic and hard copy) that reflect the true progress of our residents.

· Crisis Advocacy: Provide immediate intervention and support for residents in a 24-hour residential setting.

Line of Supervision

To ensure a high standard of care and professional growth, our SUD Counselors receive clinical guidance from the Medical Director, Clinical Director, and our Program Manager through weekly team clinicals, working collaboratively.

Position Requirements

· Professional Credentialing: Current SUD registration recognized by the CA Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)

· Safety Preparedness: Valid First Aid/CPR certification, driver’s license, and insurance

· Integrity of Care: Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing screenings to ensure a safe environment for vulnerable populations

· Technical Literacy: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic health records (EHR) to maintain the continuity of client care.

· Privacy Stewardship: A commitment to the highest standards of HIPAA and professional confidentiality.

· Collaborative Spirit: Ability to work effectively as a self-directed professional while maintaining seamless communication with the clinical team.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

· Certification: Current SUD Certification recognized by the California DHCS (e.g., CADC-II III IV.

· Clinical Knowledge: Strong understanding of SUD recovery methods, Trauma-Informed Care, and ASAM criteria.

· Compliance: Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

· Licensure: Valid driver’s license (California preferred).

· Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) and experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS).

· Working with New Technology: Endorsement of Cutting-Edge Technology.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical & Case Management

· Manage a dedicated caseload, including individual and group counseling.

· Conduct clinical intakes, treatment planning, and discharge processing.

· Maintain accurate, up-to-date client charts (both electronic and hard copy), ensuring all progress notes meet medical necessity and regulatory standards.

Crisis & Support Services

· Facilitate crisis prevention and intervention as needed within a 24-hour residential setting.

· Provide collateral services and support clean/sober-related activities.

· Perform drug testing via urinalysis specimen collection and screening.

Professional Development

· Participate in clinical meetings, staff development, and mandated In-Service training.

· Maintain Continuing Education Units (CEUs) as required by management and certification boards.

Clinical Support & Crisis Wellness

· Intervention: Provide compassionate crisis intervention, individual support, and group facilitation as needed during overnight hours.

· Medication Stewardship: Oversee medication protocols with high accuracy, including bi-weekly inventory counts to ensure the continuity of health services.

· Screening with Dignity: Conduct drug testing using a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes transparency and the client's recovery journey.

Administrative Excellence

· Documentation: Maintain thorough, accurate, and person-centered documentation that reflects the client’s progress and challenges.

· Quality Review: Perform daily file audits to ensure the clinical narrative is up to date and compliant with BHS/DHCS and Insurance standards.

· Professional Growth: Proactively stay current on all professional certification requirements and trauma-informed best practices.

· Cultural Humility: Remain committed to understanding our residents' diverse backgrounds and providing care that is sensitive to their unique life experiences and identities.

Pay: $28.00 - $37.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• SUD Counseling: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• California SUD Certificate (Required)

Work Location: In person