SUD Counselor – Certified Sun Street Centers | Salinas, CA – Full – Time | non – exempt

About the role

Lead Transformational Impact in Behavioral Health
Sun Street Centers is seeking a certified professional who can balance compassionate client care with accurate Medi-Cal-compliant documentation, understands ASAM and DHCS requirements, embraces a recovery-oriented philosophy, and is committed to helping individuals achieve long-term recovery outcomes. This individual is equally comfortable facilitating a therapy group, developing a treatment plan, coordinating community resources, and ensuring every service is fully compliant with Medi-Cal and CARF standards, and has a passion for serving vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling using ASAM-informed, person-centered treatment approaches.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team that includes counselors, licensed clinicians, medical providers, peer support specialists, and case managers.
• Gain experience in a CARF-accredited environment focused on quality improvement, client outcomes, and clinical excellence.
• Develop expertise in Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) services, DHCS regulations, Medi-Cal documentation, and integrated behavioral healthcare practices.
• Utilize evidence-based interventions, including the Matrix Model, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, social model, and trauma-informed care practices.
• Support individuals involved with the criminal justice system, housing instability, co-occurring disorders, and other complex behavioral health needs.
• Contribute to an organization committed to recovery, wellness, health equity, and community impact throughout Monterey County.

Requirements

• Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor (CSUDH)
• Experience with ASAM and DHCS requirements
• Recovery-oriented philosophy and passion for helping individuals achieve long-term recovery outcomes
• Ability to facilitate therapy groups and develop treatment plans
• Knowledge of Medi-Cal, DHCS, CARF, and ASAM standards
• Experience in a CARF-accredited environment
• Skills in documentation and treatment planning
• Eagerness to work in a fast-paced behavioral health environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related field
• Master's degree preferred
• Valid California Driver's License
• Current CSUDH certification
• Experience in substance use disorder treatment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Passion for recovery and client-centered care

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Flexible work schedule
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance program
• Retirement savings plan
• Generous paid time off

Pay

$25.81 – $29.03 DOE

Schedule

Full-time, non-exempt