SUD Counselor

About the role

The SUD Counselor in a Substance Use Prevention Treatment (SUPT) Program combines clinical expertise, administrative proficiency, and a commitment to client-centered care. This role conducts ASAM assessments, manages daily billing in the Smart Care EHR platform, and reports to the Program Manager. Akua Behavioral Health is California’s leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center, providing individualized, compassionate care across Northern and Southern California with an integrative East-meets-West approach that blends Western evidence‑based treatment with holistic Eastern traditions to treat mind, body, and spirit.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive ASAM assessments of the client's needs, strengths, and challenges, including mental health, substance use, and medical, social, and environmental factors to create care plans focused on psychosocial rehabilitation and vocational goals.
• Using motivational interviewing and supportive counseling skills, develop personalized treatment plans that address clients' recovery goals.
• Lead psychoeducational groups to teach recovery, relapse prevention, and independent living skills.
• Provide case management: connect clients to appropriate resources and services such as mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, medical care, housing assistance, and vocational support.
• Maintain regular contact with clients, offering support, encouragement, and crisis intervention as needed; assist the primary therapist in increasing motivation to engage in treatment.
• Collaborate with the treatment team (therapists, licensed vocational nurses, clinical technicians, etc.) to ensure coordinated care; keep referral partners informed of client progress and discharge plans.
• Adhere to program and regulatory requirements (Drug Medi‑cal guidelines) by maintaining accurate and timely documentation of client progress, interactions, and services provided.
• Respond effectively to crises, de‑escalating and coordinating with emergency services when necessary.
• Monitor cases by verifying attendance, observing and evaluating treatments, advocating for needed services, obtaining additional resources, intervening in crises, and providing personal support.
• Maintain clients’ records by reviewing case notes, logging events and progress.
• Communicate clients’ progress through weekly interdisciplinary meetings and evaluations, disseminating results and obstacles to the therapeutic team and family, and identifying treatment influences.
• Improve staff competence by providing educational resources, balancing work requirements with learning opportunities, and evaluating the application of learning to changes in treatment results.

Qualifications

• CADC / SUDCC Certification or higher (required)
• Two or more years of experience in substance abuse/behavioral health (required)
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification (required)
• Valid CA Driver's License (required)
• Current Health Screen (required)
• TB Clearance (required)

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Professional conduct at all times
• Ability to keep patient information confidential

Benefits

• Health Insurance (Medical, Vision, Dental)
• PTO (Vacation, Sick)
• Equity Shares (ESOP)

Pay

$28‑$32 per hour

Schedule

Tuesday‑Saturday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm