Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Description

Position Title: Care Coordinator III, Addiction & Recovery

Employment Classification: Full Time/Hourly/Non-Exempt

Shift: Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-8:30pm

Reports to: Young Adult Court Supervisor

Department: Young Adult Court (YAC)

Program Summary:

The Young Adult Court Program (YAC) works in collaboration with University of California Irvine, Orangewood Foundation, Probation, the District Attorney's Office, Defense Attorney's Office, and The Orange County Superior Court. The YAC program provides engagement, assessment, clinical case management and resource coordination support to Transitional Age Young Men (ages 18-25) as part of a collaborative research study to reduce recidivism.

Position Summary:

The Care Coordinator III (CADC I) plays a vital role in supporting participants through a trauma-informed, person-centered approach. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the Care Coordinator III provides intensive case management services to young men with a history of nonviolent felonies and history of substance abuse. This role is primarily based at the YAC Recovery-Focused Home, a voluntary transitional housing program serving up to six YAC participants, with a focus on recovery support, life skills development, and maintaining a safe, structured living environment, with additional services provided at the Orangewood Foundation office and during court sessions on Fridays.

The primary focus of this role is to support participants in their recovery journey, helping them navigate legal, social, and substance-related challenges to achieve long-term stability and success. The Care Coordinator III delivers direct services, including assessments, case planning, workshops and referrals, while fostering a safe and supportive environment that promotes personal growth and accountability.

The program offers a structured support system through four key stages: Engagement, Accountability, Stability & Sustainability, and Attainment

When considering this job opportunity, please be aware that the role may involve high stress levels due to mitigating participant crises and potential exposure to vicarious trauma. It is essential to prioritize self-care and seek appropriate support when needed.

Requirements

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of participant's substance use history, legal background, and psychosocial needs to develop individualized treatment and case management plans.
• Manage a caseload that includes both YAC Recovery Home residents and other YAC participants with identified substance use needs.
• Assist with YAC Recovery-Focused House programming, such as managing incentives, communicating expectations, and developing house-based treatment plans.
• Develop and support an atmosphere of support and accountability within the house through leading house meetings with residents, creating activities and opportunities for peer-to-peer and staff-to-resident connections, and collaborating with overnight staff to ensure continuity of support, address safety concerns, and support residents in navigating house expectations.
• Provide intensive care coordination, focusing on substance abuse recovery, relapse prevention, and behavioral health, while addressing the unique challenges of young men with nonviolent felonies.
• Collaborate with probation officers, legal representatives, and community partners to ensure compliance with legal obligations and treatment plans.
• Coordinate services, such as mental health care, housing assistance, employment programs, educational opportunities, and other resources, to support participants' holistic recovery and reintegration into society.
• Facilitate group workshops on substance use education, life skills, and coping strategies.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all participant interactions, case plans, progress reports, and treatment outcomes in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Conduct regular case reviews and adjust care plans based on participants' progress, emerging needs, or setbacks.
• Engage family members, mentors, and community supports to promote positive participant outcomes.
• Participate in team meetings and case conferences to discuss strategies, challenges, and successes in supporting program participants.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards in all interactions, ensuring participant confidentiality and respectful treatment.
• Identify opportunities and challenges, providing coaching and mentoring to help participants overcome barriers and succeed in the program.
• Provide phone support to participants in crisis, offering assistance with de-escalation and ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Additional duties as assigned by program leadership.

Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field, OR High School diploma with Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADAC I).
• At least two (2) years of experience in the substance use disorder treatment and recovery field is required.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience working with the Transitional Age Youth (TAY) population is preferred

Certification Requirements:

• CADAC I certification is required if the candidate does not have a bachelor's degree

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of addiction recovery principles, relapse prevention strategies, and the unique needs of individuals with criminal justice involvement.
• Strong communication, de-escalation, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with community partners.
• Familiarity with local resources, including housing, employment, and recovery services, is a plus.
• Proficiency in case management software and electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and trust with participants.
• Collaborative mindset, able to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience working sensitively with youth impacted by trauma, using trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Ability to make sound and timely decisions under pressure, particularly when managing participant crises.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate ethical decision-making in all aspects of the role.
• Ability to think critically and strategically, identifying opportunities and challenges and developing solutions to support participant success.
• Possess a valid California driver's license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.
• Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification.
• A Plum.io assessment is a required part of the application process, and your application will not be considered complete until the assessment is submitted. Visit this link to learn more: https://www.plum.io/about

Essential Qualities:

• Understanding of and passion for the Foundation's mission, vision, and values.
• Enjoys working directly with youth, volunteers, community partners, etc.
• Passion for and enjoys working directly with TAY population.
• Demonstrates operating principles of communication and teamwork.
• Displays the essential attitudes by approaching projects, activities and other job functions with flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Ensure a welcoming environment that supports and respects all participants regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Displays ethical decision-making ability and confidentiality.
• Models' leadership and professionalism.
• Adaptable and able to maintain organization in a housing environment and with multiple stakeholders.
• Must be detail-oriented team player with the ability to self-start.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending, and lifting up to approximately 25 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.).
• Working environments includes a house, office, courthouse, and the community.
• Position will require use of personal vehicle. Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending and lifting up to approximately 50 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.).
• Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Foundation.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Benefits:

• Medical - Blue Shield HMO & PPO + HRA
• Delta Dental
• Vision (EyeMed Network)
• FSA - Healthcare & Dependent Care
• Mental Health through Headspace (virtual & in person therapy included)
• EAP - through Umum & Headspace
• Life/Disability/Accident/Critical Illness
• Pet Insurance
• 403b with company match
• Cell Phone Stipend

Time-off Benefits:

• 5 Sick Days per year
• Up to 3 Floating Holidays per year
• Year one - 15 Days of PTO accrued at 5 hours per pay period
• 13 Company Paid Holidays

Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws.