SUD Counselor (Admissions and Discharge)

Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Outpatient or Residential Clinical Services 

Direct Supervisor: Admission and Discharge Manger 

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:30AM - 5:00PM

Job Summary

The Integrated Care Practitioner provides direct clinical services to individuals participating in substance use treatment programs. The role encompasses individual counseling, group facilitation, intake and discharge procedures, and interdisciplinary care coordination, with a special focus on admissions and discharge. This position ensures all services are delivered in alignment with Medi-Cal, DHCS, and organizational standards for documentation, compliance, and client-centered care.

Essential Functions

• Conduct individual counseling sessions addressing substance use, mental health, recovery planning, relapse prevention, and motivational engagement.
• Build and sustain therapeutic rapport while maintaining professional and ethical boundaries.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate structured therapeutic and psycho-educational group sessions using approved evidence-based curricula.
• Apply evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), in individual and group services.
• Screen clients for admission criteria, complete intake forms, obtain consents, and follow ARS intake procedures including insurance verification, UA collection, and eligibility review.
• Conduct clinical and case management assessments, maintain accurate and timely documentation for admission, progress, and discharge, ensuring files are audit-ready.
• Prepare clients for discharge, coordinate aftercare support, link to community resources, and document discharge summaries according to operational and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain regular client meetings to assess ongoing needs, provide advocacy, and support life skills, employment readiness, housing, financial literacy, and health access.
• Collaborate with residential and outpatient teams, external providers, probation/parole partners, and family supports to ensure integrated, individualized care planning.
• Lead or participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary team meetings to support client care and continuity of services.
• Serve as an outreach liaison to engage individuals in recovery or reentry initiatives and build community resources.
• Document progress notes, assessments, treatment plans, and discharge summaries according to ARS, Medi-Cal, and DHCS standards; submit client data into ARMS or other systems regularly.
• Participate in internal quality assurance reviews and implement corrective actions as directed.
• Attend mandatory training, supervision, and team meetings; stay informed on clinical best practices and regulatory changes.
• Mentor interns or early-stage practitioners and contribute to program development and continuous improvement.

Knowledge, Skills, & Experience

• Ability to obtain and maintain CDCR clearance.
• A valid identification card. 
• Able to lift 51 lbs.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and current negative Tuberculosis test.
• RADT/SUDRC - CADC/SUDCC I, II, III license to provide AOD services
• In SUD or graduated from accredited SUD Studies program
• 1 - 3+ years experience working in behavioral health
• NPI number
• ASAM Certified or ability to become ASAM Certified