Substance Use Disorder Counselor

JOB SUMMARY The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor reports to the Supervising SUD Counselor and provides evidence-based substance use treatment and case management services to justice-involved adults residing in the Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP). The SUD Counselor delivers individual and group counseling, conducts comprehensive assessments, develops and implements individualized treatment plans, and provides ongoing case management to support residents’ recovery efforts.

As the MCRP is designed to assist individuals in transitioning from incarceration to successful community living, the SUD Counselor plays a critical role in facilitating this process through structured residential treatment, reentry-focused services, and coordinated support.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain an assigned caseload of up to 18 Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) Residents and ensure all SUD Counseling and Case Management activities align with the CDCR contract requirements.

Maintain accurate and timely case notes documenting resident behavior, interventions, and changes to Individualized Treatment Plans (ITPs)
Conduct comprehensive resident orientations upon intake, ensuring residents understand program rules, expectations, and available services. Educate residents on program procedures and expectations, reinforcing accountability, and promoting successful reintegration.

Conduct initial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans that address residents’ criminogenic needs including behavioral patterns, antisocial personality traits, criminal thinking patterns, peer associations, family dynamics, educational and vocational goals, substance use, and reentry needs such as financial stability, housing, social support, and transportation. All assessments and ITP must include input and approval from the Supervising SUD Counselor.

Develop individualized, comprehensive treatment plans for all assigned residents and conduct treatment plan reviews every thirty days for each case to ensure compliance and continuity of care.

Provide individual and group counseling geared toward the client’s specified goals and objectives in their individualized Treatment Plan.

Ensure availability for one-on-one meetings with residents as needed to address emerging needs or concerns.

Attend team meetings and Case Review Team (CRT) meetings and other scheduled meetings as directed by the Management Team.

Plan, organize, and implement special groups and seminars for residents as needed.

Assist the residents in appropriate utilization of referral services.

Deliver case management services, as required, to address resident needs and promote successful treatment outcomes.

Maintain complete and compliant resident files in accordance with MCRP contract requirements. Ensure all documentation is current, filed promptly, and organized to reflect accurate and timely case activity. Document progress and all services in the residents file (including employment effort/status, case conference results).Act as a resource to residents by offering guidance and information on community-based education, vocational training, and employment opportunities.

Provide assistance to residents in preparing pass requests and conduct thorough reviews of each request to verify accuracy and maintain accountability.

Verify the accuracy, completeness, confirmation of appointment, and verify the path of travel to and from the Kennemer site for non-work or educational related passes.

Review weekly ARMS reports to monitor participant compliance with required programming hours and support the implementation of the corrective action plan as needed.

Verify and document the approval status of visitors to ensure compliance with MCRP visitation and family reunification requirements.

Assist residents with reintegration planning, including discharge planning, community reintegration strategies, relapse prevention, and coordination with supervision agencies. Provide effective case management by ensuring residents have timely access to essential services upon release, including medical care, behavioral health treatment, and stable housing support.

Maintain professional…