SUD Counselor I

Job DetailsJob Location: Sacramento, CA 95823Salary Range: $23.00 - $26.00 HourlySUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Substance Use Disorder Counselor provides direct counseling, recovery support, client supervision, and treatment-related services to individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment. This position requires a compassionate, professional, and non-judgmental approach to supporting clients in achieving and maintaining recovery.
The SUD Counselor collaborates with the multidisciplinary treatment team to support a holistic approach to care, addressing the physical, emotional, behavioral, and social needs of each client. Responsibilities may include group counseling, individual counseling as appropriate, substance use assessments, treatment planning support, client documentation, safety monitoring, client accountability, and daily program support.
The level of responsibility, independence, counseling complexity, and leadership expectations vary based on credential level, experience, demonstrated competency, documentation quality, and organizational need.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Substance Use Disorder Counselor may perform the following duties within scope of certification, registration, training, and organizational policy:

Facilitate substance use disorder counseling groups to support clients’ recovery, relapse prevention, coping skills, emotional regulation, accountability, and treatment engagement.
Provide individual counseling or recovery support sessions as appropriate and within scope of credentialing and program needs.
Conduct or assist with Substance Use Assessments and other client screenings as assigned.
Assist with developing, implementing, reviewing, and updating individualized treatment plans, as appropriate to level, scope, and program requirements.
Participate in case conferences, treatment planning meetings, shift handoffs, and multidisciplinary team communication.
Address behavioral, emotional, and recovery-related issues contributing to substance use and treatment barriers.
Support clients in identifying triggers, relapse warning signs, recovery goals, coping strategies, and healthy support systems.
Monitor client behavior, participation, engagement, and progress in treatment.
Maintain accurate, timely, objective, and confidential documentation of client interactions, group services, assessments, progress, and other required records.
Ensure adherence to program rules and hold clients accountable when necessary using fair, consistent, trauma-informed, and progressive accountability practices.
Conduct safety checks in accordance with regulatory requirements, facility protocols, and client safety needs.
Conduct or assist with searches of client property and rooms in accordance with organizational policy and applicable regulations.
Supervise client online orders to ensure compliance with DHCS and organizational requirements.
Provide client support with daily activities, treatment schedules, and program expectations.
Assist with general residential duties as needed, including serving meals, cleaning, room preparation, laundry support, and maintaining a safe and orderly environment.
Collaborate with clinical staff, nursing staff, behavioral health technicians, program leadership, and other team members to support continuity of care.
Maintain professional boundaries and uphold ethical standards applicable to SUD counseling and client care.
Follow HIPAA, confidentiality, infection control, client rights, DHCS, Joint Commission, and organizational standards.
Safely operate company vehicles, when assigned and authorized, to transport clients to appointments, treatment sessions, meetings, or other approved locations.
Perform other duties as assigned.

QualificationsPOSITION REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:
•Completion of a Substance Use Disorder, Addiction Studies, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or related program or degree preferred.
•Current substance use disorder counseling registration or certification recognized in California required.
•Credential level must align with assigned position level:
        •SUD Counselor I: RADT, SUDRC, or equivalent entry-level registration.
        •SUD Counselor II: RADT II, CADC I, CADC-CAS, SUDCC, or equivalent or higher.
        •SUD Counselor III: CADC II, SUDCC II, LAADC, or equivalent or higher.
•Current CPR/First Aid certification required.
•Prior experience in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, residential treatment, detox, outpatient treatment, or a related setting preferred.
•Strong client engagement, communication, documentation, and critical thinking skills.
•Ability to facilitate recovery-focused groups and support clients in a structured treatment environment.
•Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
•Compassionate, empathetic, culturally responsive, and non-judgmental approach to working with individuals in recovery.
•Knowledge of HIPAA, confidentiality, professional boundaries, client rights, DHCS requirements, Joint Commission expectations, and applicable ethical standards.
•Ability to maintain accurate, timely, objective, and confidential client records.
•Successful completion of background check, drug test, physical, and TB screening.
•Valid driver’s license