Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Counselor works directly with program participants, community-based providers, and government agencies to support participants in successfully navigating their community reintegration and recovery processes. Through strength-based participant engagement, the Counselor assists participants in addressing barriers related to reentry, substance use, relapse prevention, housing instability, employment, life stressors, and other obstacles that may impact long-term success and stability.

This position provides individualized and group services utilizing evidence-based and participant-centered practices, including, but not limited to, Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, Information and Referral, Advocacy, and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care. Counselors are responsible for maintaining timely and accurate documentation and delivering services in accordance with Drug Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal standards of practice and care.

This role works face-to-face with participants and may incorporate lived experience, recovery support principles, and rehabilitative approaches to enhance participant engagement and outcomes. Counselors are expected to promote culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and gender-responsive services while maintaining professional and ethical standards of conduct.

Counselor Levels: Center Point utilizes a three-tier Counselor model within this position classification:

Counselor I – AOD Registered Counselor:

• Registered with an approved California certifying organization as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor.
• Must remain in good standing and continue progression toward certification requirements.

Counselor II – Certified Peer Support Specialist:

• Current Peer Support Specialist Certification from a granting institution endorsed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA).
• Lived experience with criminal justice involvement, behavioral health systems, substance use recovery, or related life experience strongly preferred.

Counselor III – AOD Certified Counselor:

• Current certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor through a DHCS-approved certifying organization.
• Experience providing SUD counseling, group facilitation, case management, and recovery support services preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience working with justice-involved populations, behavioral health systems, and/or substance use disorder treatment services preferred.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Intermediate computer skills required.
• Ability to maintain timely and accurate documentation.
• Must meet security clearance requirements.
• Must successfully pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) Live Scan background check.
• Must possess a current TB Test.
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License, maintain a relatively clean driving record, and be insurable under the organization’s automobile insurance carrier.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Ability to promote culturally responsive and gender-responsive services.
• Ability to comply with applicable ethical and professional standards of conduct.

Center Point, Inc. (CPI) serves more than 6,000 men and women each year. CPI provides comprehensive, evidence-based services for homeless individuals, veterans, substance users, women with children, families, adolescents, those who are unemployed and those involved with the criminal justice system. CPI offers a wide range of treatment options and social services for at risk individuals. Services include assessment and evaluation, outpatient, residential programs, transitional and permanent housing, job preparation training, vocational programs, job placement assistance, case management and specialized gender-appropriate services. Ongoing support is provided through continuing care, aftercare, transitional housing and supportive services.