Substance Use Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Counselor, Spanish (Sepulveda Substance Use)

This is a full-time and on-site position based in Culver City, CA. The hours are Monday through Friday 7:00am-3:30pm.

Candidates are required to be on-site 4-5 days per week at either our Culver City office and Exodus Urgent Care Westside.

The pay range for this position is between $21.38 - $24.59 per hour.

Ask us about loan repayment programs you may qualify for by working at Didi Hirsch.

About Didi Hirsch

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services has been a national leader in whole-person mental health, crisis care, and substance use services since 1942 and is home to the nation's first Suicide Prevention Center. We are a nonprofit organization providing care to about 270,000 people annually across our programs. Didi Hirsch has deep roots in community-based mental health and a commitment to providing culturally responsive services that are just and equitable. More than 1,000 dedicated employees and volunteers make Didi Hirsch's work possible.

Summary

As a Bilingual Substance Use Counselor, you will provide comprehensive counseling services to children and families impacted by alcohol and other drug use within an urgent care setting serving individuals experiencing severe mental health conditions. Many clients are receiving care during or immediately following a behavioral health crisis, including individuals transitioning from a 5150 psychiatric hold. In this role, you will conduct assessments, facilitate individual and group counseling sessions, document client progress, and monitor treatment outcomes.

You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to support clients through stabilization and recovery while ensuring compliance with agency policies, state licensing requirements, and regulatory standards. Through compassionate, trauma-informed care, you will help foster a safe, supportive environment that promotes hope, dignity, and lasting positive change for clients and their families.

Primary Duties

• Conducts/facilitates individual and group substance use prevention education and awareness, and counseling sessions and provides routine case management including assessment, intake, crisis intervention, and exit interviews for adults or adolescents with a history of substance use.
• Provides parent training.
• Interfaces with such agencies as the Department of Mental Health, Department of Child and Family Services, criminal justice services, Department of Public Health and other related community agencies and resources to give and receive information relative to clients.
• Maintains documentation of all counseling sessions, substance use services and other services; ensures compliance with Didi Hirsch policies and procedures, contracts and other regulatory agencies.
• Supervises program participants with conflict resolution and medication compliance as needed.
• Developing and refining program curricula and materials.
• Develops and maintains counselor skills through seminars, workshops, or other forms of training/education.
• Attends and actively participates in all team and staff meetings, community meetings and supervision/consultation.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree is a plus.
• Certified in one of the state approved certification agencies for substance use.
• Fluency in required language for assigned program (Spanish).
• Experience working with youth, young adults, and adults in group presentations and process including at least one year of experience working with youth.
• Sensitivity to ethnic and cultural differences.
• Experience with community organization, program planning and implementation.
• Knowledge of substance use prevention and community resources.
• Have a working knowledge of case management and conducting/facilitating individual and group counseling sessions for appropriate clients to be served.
• Support the values and mission of Didi Hirsch as related to employment.
• Know and comply with Didi Hirsch Agency policies and procedures, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, SAPC policies and documentation guidelines, and other state, federal regulations relating to program.
• First Aid, CPR certification required for all Residential counselors. Non-certified individuals hired into the position must be willing to complete certification course within 30 days of employment and maintain certifications in active and current status throughout employment.
• Demonstrate current knowledge of all job specific skills: to include mental health programming, psychiatric crisis intervention; documentation; group/individual counseling; multi-cultural and socio-economic issues.
• Basic advocacy skills.
• Present ideas, information, and viewpoints clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Efficiently use the personal computer including word processing and electronic chart system software.
• Utilize analysis, experience, and judgment to make decisions within policies and practices.
• Demonstrate commitment to team objectives and Didi Hirsch philosophies.
• Adapt to changing needs by acquiring new skills and knowledge.
• Current California driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the Agency's insurance carrier.