SUD Counselor

Description

Join McAlister Institute, a 49-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community. We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor to join our McAlister team. The ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse populations in various settings such as outpatient programs, residential facilities, and/or other treatment facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Uphold and promote the mission, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute.
• Maintain an active caseload of clients, providing individual and group counseling in adult and/or teen programs.
• Conduct comprehensive, individualized screening and assessments, including the ASI and ASAM PCC to determine the needs of clients and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Facilitate evidence-based, culturally competent, trauma-informed treatment programs and interventions tailored to the specific needs of the population served.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including social workers, therapists, case managers, and medical professionals.
• Educate clients and their families about the recovery process and available resources.
• Cook with community resources and provide referrals when necessary.

Requirements

• Certified or Registered SUD Counselor (CAADE, CADTP, or equivalent required).
• Minimum of two years’ experience in behavioral health services preferred.
• Experience working with adult populations in a counseling or therapeutic setting.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Demonstrated success working with the unique needs of clients referred through agencies such as the Probation Department, Child Welfare Services, Dependency Drug Court, and the criminal justice system preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated empathy for, and knowledge of the needs of clients with co-occurring conditions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in substance use treatment.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and the ability to apply it in counseling.
• Proficiency in maintaining confidential client records and case documentation.
• Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as persons or families and defuse crisis or high intensity situations.
• Proficiency with software and/or equipment (Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Proficient with EHR Systems (e.g., Electronic Health Records such as Welligent or Smartcare).
• Compliance with all agency and contract requirements related to trainings, public health, certifications, and reporting.
• Maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; effectively regulates emotions, especially under stress; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Able to pass all pre-employment screening, including references, education verification, a criminal background check with at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Benefits

• 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday;
• 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave;
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility;
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match;
• Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp);
• EAP;
• Key Benefits:

1. On-site position.
2. Equal Opportunity Employer: McAlister Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, any other non-job-related factors, and other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.

Posting Details

• Employment type: Full Time
• Work arrangement: On Site
• Experience: 2-5 yrs
• Salary: $21 - $30/hr
• Location: Escondido, California
• Posted: Aug 27, 2026