Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor

About the role

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Counselor works directly with program participants, community-based providers, and government agencies to support participants in successfully navigating their community reintegration and recovery processes. Through strength-based participant engagement, the Counselor assists participants in addressing barriers related to reentry, substance use, relapse prevention, housing instability, employment, life stressors, and other obstacles that may impact long-term success and stability. This position provides individualized and group services utilizing evidence-based and participant-centered practices, including, but not limited to, Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, Information and Referral, Advocacy, and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care. Counselors are responsible for maintaining timely and accurate documentation and delivering services in accordance with Drug Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal standards of practice and care. This role works face-to-face with participants and may incorporate lived experience, recovery support principles, and rehabilitative approaches to enhance participant engagement and outcomes. Counselors are expected to promote culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and gender-responsive services while maintaining professional and ethical standards of conduct.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and group counseling services using evidence‑based practices (Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, Information and Referral, Advocacy, Recovery‑Oriented Systems of Care).
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation per Drug Medi‑Cal and Medi‑Cal standards.
• Work face‑to‑face with participants, incorporating lived experience, recovery support principles, and rehabilitative approaches.
• Promote culturally responsive, trauma‑informed, and gender‑responsive services.
• Adhere to professional and ethical standards of conduct.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

• Experience working with justice‑involved populations, behavioral health systems, and/or substance use disorder treatment services preferred.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Intermediate computer skills required.
• Ability to maintain timely and accurate documentation.
• Must meet security clearance requirements.
• Must successfully pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) Live Scan background check.
• Must possess a current TB Test.
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License, maintain a relatively clean driving record, and be insurable under the organization’s automobile insurance carrier.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Ability to promote culturally responsive and gender‑responsive services.
• Ability to comply with applicable ethical and professional standards of conduct.

Counselor Levels (Center Point utilizes a three‑tier Counselor model):

• Counselor I – AOD Registered Counselor: Registered with an approved California