Substance Use Recovery Counselor

DescriptionPosition Title: Substance Use Recovery Counselor

Program/Dept: FSP/REACH

Reports to: Director of Case Management

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Regular

About us

Caminar is a leading behavioral health organization that supported over 48,000 youth and adults across six counties in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area last year. ​

​

Caminar's mission is to build strength and stability through comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment and wrap-around services delivered through evidence-based, whole-person care. The organization was founded in 1964, and our vision is to be a BEACON of SAFETY, COMPASSION, and FULFILLMENT, supporting all those in our communities who need it most. ​

Position Description: The position is responsible for delivering comprehensive substance use disorder treatment and case management services in accordance with agency policies, contractual requirements, and applicable professional and regulatory standards. Responsibilities include conducting client intakes, screenings, biopsychosocial evaluations, and SUD assessments; developing, implementing, and monitoring individualized treatment plans; providing individual and group counseling; maintaining an assigned caseload; and regularly evaluating client progress toward identified treatment and recovery goals. The position also provides crisis intervention, care coordination, referrals, resource linkage, advocacy, and collaboration with internal teams, healthcare providers, community partners, and other involved systems. Additional responsibilities include maintaining timely and accurate clinical documentation, supporting continuity of care, and addressing barriers to treatment.

Qualifications & SkillsEssential Duties & Responsibilities

Maintain an active client caseload and provide comprehensive, recovery-oriented case management services and provide individual counseling to assigned caseload.

Facilitate and co-facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups as assigned.

Triage client needs, respond to urgent clinical situations, and coordinate timely interventions to ensure continuity of care.

Demonstrate a passion for Caminar's mission, vision, and values by providing person-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented services.

Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, community providers, and natural supports to promote positive client outcomes.

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Behavioral Health, or a related mental health field preferred; or Clinician Trainee currently enrolled in an accredited Master of Arts or Master of Science graduate program in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Behavior Analysis, or another related behavioral health discipline.

Substance Use Disorder experience required; SUD certification or registration strongly preferred.

Working knowledge and understanding of the DSM-5-TR and behavioral health diagnoses preferred.

Strong knowledge of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive service delivery.

Excellent computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite, email, internet navigation, and electronic health record systems. Experience with web-based timekeeping and online learning management systems is strongly preferred.

Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, adaptability, integrity, and a strong work ethic while maintaining high ethical standards.

Utilize strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify issues, develop solutions, and make sound clinical and operational decisions.

Deliver exceptional customer service by responding professionally to client, family, and stakeholder needs while effectively managing challenging situations.

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including facilitating meetings, documenting clinical services, completing progress notes, and preparing professional correspondence.

Promote quality improvement by maintaining accuracy, thoroughness, and compliance with documentation and program standards, following a Fee-For-Service Model.

Effectively prioritize workload, organize tasks, manage time efficiently, and develop realistic action plans in a fast-paced environment.

Adapt successfully to changing priorities, competing demands, and evolving program needs while maintaining flexibility and professionalism.

Demonstrate accountability by maintaining punctuality, following organizational policies and procedures, responding appropriately to supervision, and incorporating constructive feedback into practice.

Promote workplace safety by adhering to agency safety policies, maintaining confidentiality, and utilizing equipment and resources appropriately.

Function as a dynamic self-starter with the ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as a collaborative member of a multidisciplinary team.

Maintain compliance with all agency, county, state, and federal regulations, including documentation standards, confidentiality requirements, and mandatory training.

Physical, Environmental and Mental Requirements

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

•Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and plans. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, interacting with residents and staff, etc. Must be able to speak clearly and understand/be understood using the English language.

•Cognitive: Frequently required to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption. Must be able to attend a task/function for 20-45 minutes at a time. Frequently required to understand and relate to specific ideas, several at a time. Must be able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over a period of several days.

•Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (residential/office) environments. Occasional exposure to toxins and poisonous substances, dust, and loud noises.

•Equipment: Frequently required to use a computer, phone, and fax machine.

Special Requirements

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations, and Caminar practices.
• This position requires frequent driving. A valid California driver license, reliable personal vehicle, current personal auto insurance as required by law, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies are all essential job requirements.
• Must be able to pass post offer, pre-employment medical and drug tests as required under State Community Care Licensing regulations and/or agency policies.
• A personal cell phone with reliable service and, if applicable, a data plan to use for business purposes.
• May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.

We've Got You Covered

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Health coverage choices to fit you and your family’s needs. A zero-cost option for employee only and generous contributions to employee and dependent premiums.

Flexible Spending Account

Receive tax savings on out-of-pocket health care costs.

Employee Wellness Program

We’ll reimburse you for a portion of your gym/fitness dues.

Life, Long-term Disability, and AD&D Insurance

Provided at no cost to our full-time employees. Includes an option to purchase additional life coverage for both employees and dependents.

Paid Time Off

We offer thirteen paid holidays and a generous sick and vacation benefit.

401(K) Retirement Savings Plan

• We offer options for both pre-tax and post-tax (Roth) contributions.
• The plan also offers an employer match on eligible employee deferrals at one year of service.

Commuter Benefits

Commuting to work each day can be expensive. Receive tax savings on your commuting costs!

Employee Assistance Program

For whatever issue you might face, our Life Assistance Program offers free, confidential assistance at no cost to you.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time based on business need. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Caminar is a leader in providing innovative client-oriented mental health services. We are an equal opportunity employer. Please visit our web site at <www.caminar.org>