SUD Counselor

Location: Bakersfield, CA

Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time

Compensation: $23–$30/hour

About the Role

Our client, an established behavioral health organization serving individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health needs, is seeking an SUD Counselor to join its growing clinical team in Bakersfield.

The SUD Counselor will provide direct substance use disorder services to clients participating in an outpatient treatment program. This individual will manage an assigned caseload and provide a combination of assessment, individual counseling, group facilitation, case management, referrals, treatment planning, and clinical documentation to support clients throughout their recovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-assessments for new clients
• Develop individualized problem lists based on client needs and barriers to recovery
• Maintain and update client information within the EHR
• Provide individual SUD counseling
• Facilitate group counseling sessions
• Deliver relapse prevention, psychoeducation, and other evidence-based programming
• Utilize motivational interviewing and other evidence-based counseling techniques
• Provide case management and connect clients with appropriate community resources
• Coordinate with courts, probation, employers, and referral partners when appropriately authorized
• Assist clients with resources related to housing, employment, transportation, and recovery support
• Complete progress notes, treatment reviews, discharge summaries, incident reports, and other required documentation
• Maintain compliance with applicable DHCS requirements, HIPAA, and confidentiality standards
• Participate in team meetings, training, supervision, and case consultations

Qualifications

• Registration or certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor through a DHCS-approved certifying organization such as CCAPP, CAADE, CADTP, or equivalent, OR
• LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, or Associate clinical professional with SUD specialty training
• Knowledge of SUD treatment and individualized treatment planning
• Group facilitation experience
• Strong clinical documentation skills
• EHR experience preferred
• Familiarity with ASAM, MATRIX, Seeking Safety, or MAT is helpful
• Bilingual Spanish preferred, but not required

Ideal candidate: An experienced SUD/AOD counselor who is comfortable managing a caseload, conducting individual counseling sessions, facilitating groups, and maintaining thorough clinical documentation while supporting individuals throughout the recovery process.