Telehealth SUD Counselor

Description

Telehealth SUD Counselor – full-time, non-exempt position with compensation $30-$32 per hour, shift Monday‑Friday 12:30 pm‑9:00 pm (hybrid).

• Health Insurance (Medical, Vision, Dental)
• PTO (Vacation, Sick)
• Equity Shares (ESOP)

The SUD Counselor in a Substance Use Prevention Treatment (SUPT) Program combines clinical expertise, administrative proficiency, and a commitment to client-centered care. The role conducts ASAM assessments, manages billing in the Smart Care Electronic Health Record (EHR) platform, and reports to the Program Manager.

• Assessment:
  Conduct comprehensive ASAM assessments, including mental health, substance use, and medical, social, and environmental factors, to create care plans focused on psychosocial rehabilitation and vocational goals.
• Planning:
  Develop personalized treatment plans addressing clients’ recovery goals using motivational interviewing and supportive counseling skills.
• Group Facilitation and Skills Training:
  Lead psycho educational groups teaching recovery, relapse prevention, and independent living skills.
• Case management:
  Connect clients to resources and services such as mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, medical care, housing assistance, and vocational support.
• Monitoring and Support:
  Keep regular contact with clients, offering support, encouragement, and crisis intervention as needed and assist the primary therapist in increasing motivation to engage in treatment.
• Collaboration and Discharge Planning:
  Work closely with the treatment team, including therapists, licensed vocational nurses, clinical technicians, and other professionals to ensure coordinated and effective care; keep referral partners informed of client progress and discharge plan.
• Documentation:
  Adhere to program and regulatory requirements, including Drug Medication guidelines, by maintaining accurate and timely documentation of client progress, interactions, and services provided.
• Crisis Management:
  Respond effectively to crises, de‑escalating and coordinating with emergency services when necessary.

• Monitors cases by verifying clients’ attendance; evaluating treatments and responses and advocating for needed services and entitlements, obtaining additional resources and intervening in crises and providing personal support.
• Maintains clients’ records by reviewing case notes; logging events and progress.
• Communicates clients’ progress through weekly interdisciplinary meetings and evaluations, disseminating results and obstacles to therapeutic team and family and identifying treatment influences.
• Improves staff competence by providing educational resources, balancing work requirements with learning opportunities, evaluating the application of learning to changes in treatment results.

• License/Certification: CADC / SUDCC Certification or higher (required)
• Experience:
  
  Substance abuse/Behavioral Health 2+ years (required)
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification (required)
• Valid CA Driver’s License
• Current Health Screen (required)
• TB Clearance (required)
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Professional conduct always
• Strong Internet connection required
• Ability to keep patient information confidential

Akua Behavioral Health is California’s leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center. We provide individualized, compassionate treatment and offer various levels of care from master’s and doctorate level clinicians at fully licensed and accredited facilities throughout Northern and Southern California. Our mission is to create an environment of healing and transformation for each client seeking change.