SUD Counselor (Bilingual) - True Life Recovery Program

SUD Counselor (Bilingual) - True Life Recovery Program

Position Summary

Lifeline Services is hiring a Substance Use Disorder Counselor to support our growing team. You will be responsible for providing evidence based early intervention services to adolescents (ages 12 through 17 and high school students over age 17) regardless of income, Medi-Cal eligibility, and insurance coverage. Substance Use Disorder Counselors are responsible for screening adolescents referred by school partners, community, and self-referrals. Services are provided at our Vista main site and school sites, and other community-based locations as needed. Services will be composed of education and individual group services, family engagement, prosocial activities, and tobacco cessation education. Substance Use Disorder Counselor will develop with youth an individualized Problem List. This is a state of California as a SUD Counselor role that will help our team provide outpatient substance use disorder services and early intervention work with youth and families to help them live better lives without substance related problems.

We're looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who enjoys working with adolescents and is knowledgeable of the substance abuse, counseling and co-occurring treatment field. This role requires patience and a spirit of honesty, humbleness, and self-awareness since your day-to-day work will be working independently at different school sites, and the Substance Use Disorder Counselor is expected to make sound, independent decisions for the benefit of the clients and their families. The Substance Use Disorder Counselor works in a culturally sensitive manner and abides by the legal and ethical standards of the profession.

Required Qualifications

• Bilingual in English/Spanish required. Bilingual pay available


• Registered in the state of California as a SUD Counselor, or ability to be registered within 30 days of hire and actively working towards certification.


• 2 years related experience or equivalent experience in substance abuse and/or counseling, co-occurring treatment highly desired.


• Demonstrated knowledge, training, and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, DBT, or Seeking Safety highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Responds to service requests from schools and community partners. Verifies client eligibility and conducts screenings and intakes.


• Provides education, individual services, and process groups using evidenced based curriculum.


• Facilitates and arranges family engagement, case management services, prosocial activities, and tobacco cessation education.


• Collaborates with multi-disciplinary team to plan and develop monthly program activities, services.


• Completes accurately all progress notes following county guidelines and documentation standards, as well as entering them into SmartCare electronic health record system.


• Completes outreach and presentations relating to substance use disorder and early intervention services to students, parents, and staff at school sites and community.


• Participates in staff and stakeholder meetings, and assigned training


• Utilizes a trauma informed, client-centered, culturally respectful approach and abides by the legal an ethical standards of the profession.

• Completes other duties as assigned.

Schedule/Compensation

• Full-Time, Non-exempt position


• 40 hours/week. Monday-Friday (may include evening and occasional weekend hours).


• Salary will commensurate with experience and education. Differential pay offered for bilingual skills. EEO.

Additional Requirement

• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation with a good driving record.


• Willing to use own, properly insured, reliable vehicle for the job (mileage reimbursed).


• Employment subject to clearances, including background fingerprinting checks, driving record, tuberculosis testing, and drug testing.

About the Company

North County Lifeline, Inc. is a non-profit human services organization that offers a wide range of services to the people of San Diego County. Our mission is to build self-reliance among youth, individuals and families through problem solving, skill-building and accessible community-based services. Come be part of a team who CAR2Es! At North County Lifeline, you will find people who are Connected to the communities we serve, Authentic, and Resourceful. We are Responsive to the needs of our clients and Engaged in our mission to build self-reliance among youth, adults, and families. Equal Opportunity Employer.

We offer flexible work hours and excellent benefits to our employees.

• Generous paid vacation


• Paid sick time (6 days)


• Paid holidays (12 days)


• 100% employer paid medical, dental, vision, chiropractic and acupuncture coverage


• 100% employer paid life insurance


• Health and wellness programs


• Employee Assistance program


• Professional development assistance


• Great employee incentive awards program


• Training and education assistance


• Matched 403b retirement plan


• Flexible Spending Account


• Paid supervision hours (clinical positions)

As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our clients and maintaining the integrity of our workplace, North County Lifeline conducts comprehensive background and drug screening processes for all prospective employees. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Driving Record Check: Verification through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure a good standing driving record.


• Employment Verification: Confirmation of your employment history to verify your experiences and qualifications.


• Reference Checks: Contacting provided references to gain insights into your work ethic, professionalism, and suitability for the role.


• Tuberculosis (TB) Screening: A TB test to ensure the health and safety of our clients and staff, in line with public health recommendations.


• Drug Screening: A 10-panel non-DOT drug test to screen for the presence of common illicit substances, ensuring a drug-free workplace.


• Criminal Background Checks: Comprehensive checks through the Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI, and Child Abuse Index to identify any history that may impact your suitability for employment, particularly in roles involving vulnerable populations.

These screenings are a vital part of our hiring process and must be successfully completed for employment eligibility. North County Lifeline is dedicated to fair and responsible hiring practices and ensures that all screenings are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, respecting the privacy and rights of all candidates. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this process, aimed at creating a safe and productive work environment for everyone.