Substance Use Disorder Counselor-Bilingual Spanish

Job Posted 2/17/2025
Ritter Center
San Rafael, CA 94901
United States
Category Healthcare
Full-Time
Job Description
ABOUT RITTER CENTER:

For over 40 years, Ritter Center has been dedicated to preventing and resolving homelessness and improving the health, dignity, and well-being of people living in poverty in Marin.

When you join Ritter Center, you join a highly trained staff that combines national clinical best practices with a whole-person care approach to solving each person's medical and mental health, housing, and food needs.

We are growing to meet the needs of our community. We are looking for staff who are ready for a career with a mission-driven organization, want to be valued, have diverse experience, and have compassion. If this sounds like you, we would love to have you join us!

All positions at Ritter Center require a background check and Livescan fingerprinting.

CURRENT OPENING:

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor, Bilingual - Spanish

Full Time (40 hours weekly), Non-Exempt

Hourly Compensation: $30.00 + 6% Differential

$5,000 Education Bonus towards full certification through BHSE

Please visit our jobs page on our website for a complete list of our employee benefits.

Ritter Center is recruiting a Spanish-speaking Substance Use Disorder Counselor for our Behavioral Health Department. This full-time, non-exempt position reports to the Clinical Director and is based in San Rafael, CA; the role operates out of our Main Campus.

Please find the full job description below.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) is integral to the Safety Net program and the larger Behavioral Health Department. This person works with clients to develop and implement appropriate treatment plans. The SUDC provides critical alcohol and other drug assessment and referral services to clients referred to the Safety Net Program in a manner that reflects Ritter Center's mission and values. Through individual and group counseling, the SUDC assists clients in mobilizing their resources so they can participate in the exploration of a problem and its ramifications. This individual will consider clients' attitudes and feelings and develop solutions to support informed decision-making. This individual must possess strong interpersonal communication in English and Spanish and engagement skills, administrative capacities, and a thorough understanding of alcohol and drug treatment options.

This role is based in SAN RAFAEL, MARIN COUNTY, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Develop problem lists, progress notes, group notes, ASAM assessments, and discharge plans for all clients.
  • Facilitates 2-3 groups (1-2 evenings required) per week, including process groups, didactic groups, and specialty focus groups.
  • Have a basic understanding and utilization of Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Relapse Prevention Therapy, or other evidence-based practices for substance use disorders.
  • Have a basic understanding and willingness to work in a trauma-informed and harm-reduction manner of care.
  • Carry a caseload of 20-25 clients in Intensive Outpatient, Outpatient, and Recovery Services levels of care.
  • Serves as a backup coordinator for the Contingency Management/Recovery Incentives Program.
  • Works with referral sources to communicate client progress.
  • Must be able to prepare and present alcohol and drug awareness psychoeducation lectures.
  • Conducts client intake assessments and Comprehensive Substance Abuse Evaluations.
  • Observes and monitors client's behavior and intervenes based on schedule, individual client's treatment plan, and program needs.
  • Facilitates assigned groups/meetings/activities on time as per program schedule.
  • Maintain client records, including daily documentation of all client appointments in the client clinical chart to meet CalAIM documentation standards.
  • Orientation of new clients to the program.
  • Maintain confidentiality of all client identifying information.
  • Attend program staff meetings according to schedule and present cases to the treatment team for feedback on best practice interventions.
  • Be prepared to provide services on schedule and following therapeutic expectations by industry standards.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries with residents and refrain from unnecessary self-disclosure.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:
  • Per OSHA requirements, employment at Ritter Center requires compliance with being able to produce a negative TB test prior to the start of employment and being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless applying for an exemption) per the August 5th State Public Order for Healthcare Facilities, providers, and employees.
  • Per the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, Ritter Center requires all employees to receive the Influenza vaccine (unless applying for a qualified medical or religious exemption)
  • Fluent in Spanish and English
  • 4-year degree in Psychology or related field preferred but not required
  • Minimum of 2 years' experience in drug and alcohol counseling (1 year of experience required for Master's level clinicians)
  • Must be registered or certified by the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE), California Association of Drinking Driver Treatment Programs (CADTP), or California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
  • Must have strong group, individual, documentation, and administrative skills

Employment Practices:
Ritter Center is an Equal Opportunity institution and does not discriminate against any person in employment or in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs and benefits on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary Description

$30.00 per hour + 6% Differential
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