Program Counselor

About the Role

The Counselor assists men and women who come to The Salvation Army for assistance with their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through a structured program of rehabilitation and work therapy. The primary responsibility is to support beneficiaries in ensuring program compliance, treatment planning, and recovery goals.

Responsibilities

• Produce and process all correspondence, including Adult Rehabilitation Program inquiries.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments and facilitate the intake of eligible participants.
• Work with participants, staff, and referring agencies to develop program admissions plans.
• Conduct or facilitate groups, coursework, house meetings, and other onsite services.
• Process incoming applications and screen for program recommendation or denial.
• Prepare outgoing mail and maintain correspondence for inquiries, follow-ups, acceptances, or denials.
• Maintain correspondence with law enforcement, court officials, and county offices for admissions and progress reports.
• Follow security procedures related to ARP confidentiality and record retention.
• Maintain an accurate and organized filing system for all incoming beneficiaries.
• Compile reports, forms, and other necessary information as assigned.
• Conduct UA testing and maintain accurate logs as required by law.
• Attend in-services, workshops, and staff development sessions as required.
• Assess and monitor beneficiary progress in completing program expectations and recovery objectives.
• Provide advocacy, support, and guidance for beneficiaries’ participation in services.
• Work with the Program Administrator to review and modify the beneficiary handbook.
• Participate in staff meetings, case management reviews, and program evaluations.
• Drive Salvation Army vehicles when needed, completing compliance checks and paperwork.
• Input accurate and timely case notes in BITS.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Pursuing education in Human Services (e.g., social work, psychology, or chemical dependency).
• Ideally, certification in Chemical Dependency Studies, Certification of Alcohol and Drug Counseling, or an AA/BA in a related field.
• One year of social services work experience.
• Counseling experience, preferably in the Chemical Dependency field.
• Valid California Class C Driver License and ability to drive a Salvation Army vehicle.
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Authorization for The Salvation Army to add name to the CA DMV Pull Notice Program.
• Completion of The Salvation Army vehicle course training.
• Must pass a background check as required by the Territorial Legal Department.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, data entry, and mail-merge.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist intermittently or continuously.
• Ability to grasp, push, and/or pull objects.
• Ability to reach overhead.
• Ability to operate a telephone and computer.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to process written, visual, and/or verbal information.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment (PC, fax machine, telephone, calculator, copier, printer).