AOD Counselor; Intake

AOD Counselor (Intake)

In-Person Full-Time (40 hours per week) Position in Alameda, CA (Non-Exempt)

Ruby's Place dba Restorative Pathways (RP) is an innovative nonprofit committed to ending domestic violence, human trafficking, and violent crime through hope, advocacy and connection. Our services include emergency shelter, transitional housing, rental subsidies, mental health services, substance recovery, and wrap‑around services. All our services are trauma‑sensitive and client‑centered and are provided at no cost to our clients. All programs are low barrier.

RP is led by survivors with a focus on reflection, innovation, and connection. We believe in fostering relationships, both in our direct service work and throughout our internal work culture. We aim to cultivate a workplace that appreciates and emphasizes the voices of those most impacted by violence. We recognize these voices are vital to interrupting the cycle of violence and transforming lives toward safety, unity, and trust.

You have a strong commitment to preventing interpersonal violence and an understanding of, and sensitivity to, serving diverse populations. You have excellent interpersonal skills and strong techniques for relationship building. You believe people should determine their own path toward healing and have an orientation toward survivor‑centered services.

You are comfortable being one of the first points of contact for prospective participants entering substance use disorder treatment. You know how to build rapport quickly, ask sensitive questions with care, and help individuals feel safe, respected, and informed during the intake process.

You are organized, detail‑oriented, and able to document intake information clearly and accurately. You understand that intake appointments are not just administrative—they are a critical part of helping participants feel welcomed, assessed, and connected to the right services.

You are comfortable supporting outreach and engagement efforts within Restorative Pathways programs and, when needed, with outside organizations and referral partners. You can explain services clearly, build trust with staff and participants, and help create warm pathways into care.

You are a go‑getter who enjoys fast‑paced environments. You enjoy working both collaboratively and independently. You are adept at time management and highly organized, with a proven ability to meet deadlines, plan, organize, and execute. You are comfortable working as part of a team and are an accountable collaborator. You excel at organizing, prioritizing, and following through on multiple time‑sensitive projects.

You are flexible, creative, and take initiative in handling emergencies.

• High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience conducting intake appointments, screenings, assessments, or participant engagement calls preferred.
• Experience working in admissions, outreach, case management, or participant engagement within behavioral health, SUD, mental health, or social services preferred.
• Experience facilitating SUD groups for youth or adults preferred.
• Training or experience in relapse prevention, group facilitation, and trauma‑informed care preferred.
• Strong ability to build rapport with prospective participants, especially individuals who may be ambivalent, hesitant, or new to treatment.
• Strong documentation skills and ability to complete intake notes, screenings, progress notes, and participant records accurately and on time.
• Comfortable conducting outreach presentations, program introductions, or participant engagement activities within partner organizations.
• Ability to provide substitute group facilitation coverage as program needs require.
• Ability to work effectively with adolescents, adults, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Must be registered with a DHCS‑approved certifying organization CCAPP, CADTP, or CAADE prior to first day of employment.
• Full AOD certification required within 12 months of hire Riley Recovery Centers standard.
• Fully certified AOD counselors are strongly preferred at time of hire.
• CE requirements per certification board: 40 hours every 2…