Direct First Responder Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Statement of Purpose 

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director/Supervisor, the Counselor I provides treatment and recovery services to participating clients, monitors, documents, and supports client treatment progress, maintains ethical and evidence-based care, and participates in treatment team activities. 

Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities 

• Conduct comprehensive substance use screening, care planning, and treatment activities. 

• Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with clients and treatment team. 

• Provide evidence-based services (e.g., CBT, MI, DBT, Seeking Safety) to assigned group and/or individual caseload. 

• Support clients with relapse prevention, life and coping skills, discharge and aftercare planning, and recovery support. 

• Develop general knowledge of evidence-based practices, medications for addiction treatment, co-occurring disorders, community resources, self-help support, and treatment philosophies. 

• Coordinate with medical providers, social services, and other community resources. 

• Monitor client progress and maintain accurate and timely treatment records and progress notes (e.g., daily activities, service entries, intake and discharge documentation, etc.). 

• Perform toxicology testing, take and record vitals as needed; chart relevant information. 

• For Counselors assigned to residential programs, make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours on withdrawal management clients, document and record withdrawal symptoms. 

• For Counselors assigned to residential programs, observe and document client self- administration of medications. 

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including but not limited to DMH, DHCS, SAPC, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, CARF, etc. 

• Assist clients with benefits, housing, vocational, and community reintegration needs. 

• Respond to behavioral crises, medical emergencies, suicidal ideation, overdose including administration of anti-overdose medications as needed, or acute intoxication safely, within scope of practice. 

• Occasionallyprovidetransportationforclients including DPSS and other linkages. 

• Report and record any changes observed in client condition or behavior, including unusual incidents. Identify, report, and assist with the management of emergencies. 

• Participate in safety programming to promote client and staff safety. Maintain health and safety standards of facility. 

• Attend supervision, clinical meetings, and continuing education to maintain credentials. 

• Participate in treatment team meetings, case conferences, and program planning. 

• Contribute to agency quality assurance and improvement initiatives. 

• Maintain professional boundaries and standards. Treat clients with respect, care, and concern. Comply with confidentiality requirements at all times.  

• Maintain familiarity with BHS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations; perform job duties accordingly. Represent BHS well in all contacts. 

• Courteously answer phones, appropriately directing calls and taking messages. Facilitate client external communication as approved by supervisor. 

• Attend meetings and trainings and participate in committees as assigned. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Counselor I Competencies and Performance Expectations: 

• Ability to complete the above major tasks, duties, and responsibilities. 

• Ability to demonstrate professional judgment and decision-making, including the ability to recognize and seek out supervision and/or consultation when required. 

• Ability to demonstrate familiarity with and practice of 12 core competencies for SUD counselors. 

• Ability to effectively document in required note structures (e.g., SOAP, GIRP, etc.). 

• Ability to recognize the symptoms and develop knowledge of appropriate treatment associated with substance use and co-occurring disorders (i.e., mental health, medical health, etc.). 

• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to a crisis within scope of practice including but not limited to overdose, behavioral challenges, contraband protocol, emergency codes, etc. 

• Ability to screen and/or assess for acute intoxication and withdrawal symptoms within scope of practice. 

• Ability to meet productivity standards as assigned. 

• Ability to recognize personal biases within diverse populations. Maintain cultural sensitivity at all times. 

• Ability to adhere to professional standards. 

Prerequisite Qualifications 

The following are the qualifications required to perform the essential functions of this position.  Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalency.  Registered and/or enrolled in a state-recognized substance use counselor certification program, with six months of substance abuse experience, with completion of required 80 hours of continuing education in accordance with AB 2473 when applicable. Maintain registration in good standing. 

Obtain NPI number, EMR system enrollment within 30 days of employment. 

Ability to operate required computer programs for position, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, electronic timekeeping system, electronic learning management system, upon hire or demonstrated competency developed within 90 days of employment. 

Must have valid California driver’s license and liability insurance if driving personal or company vehicle on BHS business. 

Vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination must be adequate for the performance of job duties. Able to sit at a desk, use a keyboard, write and physically perform other job duties.  Able to move about the facility to observe clients and staff. Complete annual TB and maintain good standing. 

Required Education:
- Counseling certification.
Required Experience:
- Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a counseling or mental health setting.
- Experience working with diverse populations and understanding of cultural sensitivities.
- Familiarity with behavioral health services and therapeutic practices.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to conduct assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
- Proficient in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
- Knowledge of ethical and legal standards in counseling practice.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency in using electronic health records and other relevant software applications.