Clinician-SUD Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Clinician: SUD Counselor is a master’s level position that also holds a certification is substance abuse treatment, responsible for supporting clients experiencing First Episode Psychosis (FEP) that may also be struggling with substance abuse. This role focuses on helping clients clarify their personal goals, cope with stress, develop healthier interpersonal interactions, and overcome barriers to recovery. Using an empowering and strengths-based approach, the Clinician: SUD Counselor will guide clients through structured behavioral interventions aimed at learning new skills and supporting behavior change. These interventions include social skills training, substance use treatment, behavioral activation, harm reduction techniques, relapse prevention, and psychoeducation. The Clinician: SUD Counselor will also foster peer support, promoting a sense of self-efficacy and autonomy in clients' recovery journey.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The CSC (Coordinated Specialty Care) Early Psychosis Program is a specialized treatment approach designed to help individuals who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The goal of the program is to provide comprehensive, team-based care that addresses the various needs of young people (typically ages 16-30) who have recently experienced symptoms of psychosis. The program is aimed at improving long-term outcomes and minimizing the impact of psychosis on the individual's life.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with clients to identify personal recovery goals and develop concrete, achievable plans for reaching those goals.
• Provide prevention services to individuals at risk for developing substance use problems, focusing on early intervention and harm reduction strategies.
• Work with clients to identify personal goals and motivations for reducing substance use and help them take actionable steps toward these goals.
• Provide ongoing support and counseling to reinforce behavior change, addressing setbacks and promoting long-term recovery.
• Collaborate with clients to identify obstacles to recovery and work together to create strategies for overcoming them.
• Provide structured behavioral interventions aimed at promoting positive behavior change, including techniques such as behavioral activation and social skills training.
• Facilitate coping skills training to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges associated with First Episode Psychosis.
• Support clients in learning and practicing new strategies for managing interpersonal relationships and navigating social situations effectively.
• Offer psychoeducation on mental health, recovery, and coping strategies to clients and their families.
• Educate clients about the nature of First Episode Psychosis, including symptoms, treatment options, and recovery pathways, with the goal of increasing self-awareness and self-management.
• Promote emotional regulation and resilience through various therapeutic techniques.
• Foster a peer support environment by promoting the sharing of lived experiences and helping clients connect with others who are on similar recovery journeys.
• Use strengths-based and person-centered approaches to empower clients, supporting them in developing confidence and taking ownership of their recovery.
• Collaborate closely with the CSC team (including Team Leaders, Education/Employment Specialists, Outreach Specialists, and SUD Counselors) to ensure clients’ needs are being met holistically and that interventions are integrated across the team’s efforts.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned to assist the needs of the program or organization

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Education/Experience

1. Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
2. Certification in addiction studies, certified alcohol and drug counselor, certified substance abuse counselor, or equivalent. 
3. Minimum of 2 years of experience working with individuals with substance abuse, psychosis, mental health disorders, or related conditions.
4. Experience in working with adolescents and young adults is highly desirable.
5. Familiarity with Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) models or similar evidence-based treatment approaches for psychosis is a plus.

Licensure, Registration, Certification

1. Active BBS registration. 
2. Certification in addiction studies, certified alcohol and drug counselor, certified substance abuse counselor, or equivalent. 
3. Valid CA driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
4. Completion of CPR/First Aid certification within the first thirty (30) days of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to drive a motor vehicle without restrictions, often in heavy traffic and frequently long distances (one hour or more) to ensure safe transport to client settings and to safely transport clients to appointments as needed.
• Senses of vision, hearing and smell sufficient to regularly operate a motor vehicle, to visualize threats in the environment or risks to clients, and to operate safely in the field.
• Required to occasionally lift and carry 10-20 pounds.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, climb stairs (1 or more flights) and walk while in route to and during family visits.
• Regularly required to sit and use computer in office settings.