Substance Use Clinician

Job Title: Substance Use Clinician (BBS registered level)

Department: Substance Use Treatment Services

Reports To: Director of SUTS OP and IOP Programs

Classification: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $86,940 + Full Benefits Package

Caminar and our divisions transformed the lives of over 31,000 youth and adults across San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Francisco, Solano, Contra Costa, and Butte counties last year through education, behavioral health care, and support. Driven by compassion, science, and our understanding of root causes, we deliver high‑quality prevention, treatment, and recovery services to those with complex mental health, substance use, and co‑occurring needs.

We understand that quality behavioral health outcomes occur when a person is supported in all their basic human needs, and we actively partner with our clients and the community to address the social determinants of health that lead to sustained well‑being. We are here to empower and support the most vulnerable members of our community to move toward wellness, resilience, and independence.

Caminar values diversity. People of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, faith, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities are welcome here.

The Substance Use Clinician is responsible for providing high quality, compassionate care through various mediums that include intakes, individual and group counseling, treatment assessment, treatment planning, and case management as needed. The position may also require conducting intakes for the SUTS OP team and working alongside certified staff to determine medical necessity for new incoming clients.

• Provide direct counseling services, including individual and group counseling, treatment assessment and planning, and case management as needed.
• Plan and administer therapeutic treatment such as behavior modification and stress management therapy to assist patients in controlling disorders and other problems.
• Adjust counseling methods and intensity when indicated by client reactions.
• Communicate progress toward treatment goals with clients.
• Refer clients to supportive services to supplement treatment and counseling.
• Maintain excellent client records and complete all agency–required reports and paperwork.
• Comply thoroughly with Santa Clara County Substance Use and DHCS contract documentation and auditing standards in a timely manner.
• Participate in group and individual supervision.
• Monitor clinical documentation for accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with Santa Clara County Drug Medi Cal and SCC waiver regulations.
• Provide clinical support and documentation support to non‑LPHA status substance abuse counselors in assisting with signing off on medical necessity for new intake clients and with clinical documentation for clients needing re‑authorization.
• Train peers as needed and as requested by management.
• Monitor and maintain compliance with clinical chart requirements and agency audit standards.

• Experience providing substance use or behavioral health services (two years preferred).
• Master’s degree in a BBS qualifying field (required).
• CA BSS registered as an AMFT, ASW, or APCC (required).
• LPHA waiver eligibility with the County of Santa Clara.
• Thorough understanding and experience delivering services to an ethnically and economically diverse population.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of EHR software, Microsoft Office products, and overall computer skills (required).
• Knowledge of group development and dynamics (required).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with initiative, using good judgment, and to avail resources.
• Demonstrated ability to organize workload, maintain multiple priorities, and sustain productivity and accuracy.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is strongly preferred.

Physical:
Occasionally required to push/pull objects up to 50 lbs, and to lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs. Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing and writing. Must be able to walk, stand, and sit for extended…