Intensive Outpatient Counselor

Janus of Santa Cruz is seeking a compassionate and skilled Counselor to support individuals on their recovery journey from substance use disorders (SUD). In this role, you will provide therapeutic services that promote the emotional, behavioral, and mental well-being of clients while helping them develop the tools and resources needed to achieve lasting recovery.

The Counselor is responsible for conducting assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, facilitating individual and group counseling sessions, coordinating care with community partners, and supporting clients throughout the treatment process. Services are provided with a primary focus on counseling, education, and recovery support.

This positoin is Monday - Friday 5:30am - 2:30pm onsite in Santa Cruz.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission, values, and goals of Janus of Santa Cruz.
• Conduct client assessments and gather psychosocial histories to support treatment planning.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans based on client needs and recovery goals.
• Provide individual counseling, group facilitation, and psychoeducational services related to substance use and recovery.
• Collaborate with clients to establish measurable treatment goals and evaluate progress throughout treatment.
• Participate actively in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and treatment plan reviews.
• Maintain communication and collaboration with referral sources, healthcare providers, community agencies, and other professionals involved in client care.
• Coordinate discharge planning and aftercare services with clients, families, caregivers, and community partners.
• Provide clients with evidence-based tools, coping strategies, and resources that support recovery and personal growth.
• Complete timely and accurate clinical documentation in accordance with accreditation standards, funding requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Assist with required documentation and administrative processes from admission through discharge.
• Ensure compliance with all organizational policies, ethical standards, licensing requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Support performance improvement initiatives and quality assurance activities.
• Participate in community outreach, referral development, and professional networking opportunities.
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all interactions.

Education & Credentials

• Master's degree in a behavioral health, social work, counseling, psychology, or related human services field, or current enrollment in a graduate program.
• Current certification or registration through a California-approved alcohol and drug counselor certifying organization (CCAPP, CADTP, ACCBC, or equivalent).
• CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal background check consistent with California Fair Chance laws.
• Completion of a tuberculosis (TB) screening upon hire and as required thereafter.

Experience

• Experience providing counseling services and facilitating groups in a substance use disorder treatment setting.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, treatment planning, and case management practices.
• Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and community service providers.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to engage clients from diverse backgrounds with empathy, respect, and cultural humility.
• Excellent documentation, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Bilingual language skills are highly desirable.

Work Environment

• Employees must reside in California and be available to work onsite as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Janus of Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with dignity and respect. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including California Fair Chance hiring regulations