The Salvation Army Southern California·Bell, California
The counselor promotes participant recovery and self-sufficiency in a residential program by serving as the initial point of contact, completing phone assessments, conducting orientations, and facilitating psycho-educational groups. Essential functions include managing intake documentation, performing data entry in various systems, providing individualized case management, and coordinating referrals for mainstream benefits and services.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
The Wellness Center is a state-licensed residential drug and alcohol recovery program. As such, the DMC SUD Counselor role is to promote the recovery and self-sufficiency of participants during their stay in accordance with licensing, funder, and Salvation Army requirements/policies and providing direct supervision and case management services for participants. The Wellness Center/DMC SUD Counselor is responsible for serving as the initial point of contact for all inquiries regarding treatment services, completing phone assessments, ensuring all necessary documents are understood and signed by clients and providing a thorough orientation during intake appointment. The DMC SUD Counselor is also responsible for facilitating a variety of psycho-educational groups and documenting client participation in the patient’s file as well as the Netsmart PCNX computer system.
Essential Functions
Responsible for the timely answering of the Drug MediCal (DMC) phone intake line during business hours as well as scheduling all intake appointments for assessment.
Update the SBAT daily and keep daily census. Update intake spreadsheets daily.
Manage intake calendar and complete the intake process including completing all documentation requirements. Perform the initial orientation on the same day as arrival. Must meet timeliness standards of Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Standards.
Perform timely data entry and reporting in HMIS, SBAT, PCNX, and SASH systems.
Create and maintain data related to the census, daily client roster and contractual assignments
Coordinate bed assignments and changes
Network with collaborative agencies and community partners for referrals/resources
Drive company vehicles & transport clients to appointments, as needed
Individualized case management, advocacy, and referral services for participants, who are generally experiencing homelessness with histories of substance abuse, possibly with co-occurring mental health disorders.
Referrals for group and/or individual mental health counseling; educational, vocational, and/or employment preparation and placement services; and a variety of social and recreational activities – on or off site.
One-on-one case management meetings with each participant at least once per week, with appropriate documentation of participant progress and case notes documented in the participant’s chart (HMIS and PCNX).
Updating of participant’s progress notes, recovery plans, and other documents required by State Licensing Standards, funders, The Salvation Army, and Bell Shelter. Inputting all appropriate data for DMC billing purposes into the PCNX system.
Ensuring that all newly arriving clients are interviewed and participate in a comprehensive needs assessment within 24 hours of written notice of the participant’s assignment to the case manager’s caseload.
Providing advocacy, counseling, and support in applying for and accessing mainstream benefits, including but not limited to Unemployment Benefits, General Relief, SSI, and other federal, state, and local assistance programs.
Facilitating psycho-educational groups sessions as assigned and overseeing client chores and assignments.
Participating in all in-service training classes as scheduled.
Collaborate with other staff members to ensure adherence to safety and security measures and assist with client medication monitoring.
Assist in random searches, UA testing, daily rounds, client roll ups, chore checks and other activities to ensure client safety.
Assist with file and data entry reconciliation in preparation for audits.
Report all disciplinary concerns and notable incidents to program staff.
Perform all other duties as assigned by Wellness Center Program Manager, Clinical Director and Facility Director
$ 26.45-$34.50/hr.
Must be able to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Must be able to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
A Bachelor's Degree is preferred along with one year of experience in medical or psychiatric models, and certification/registration as an Addiction Treatment Counselor is required. Candidates must also possess a current TB test, be CPR and First Aid Certified, and have a clean MVR to transport clients.
Market context
In California, behavioral-health roles tied to substance use disorder counseling and case management are typically supported by ongoing community and treatment-program demand. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, at least 2 years of SUD counseling or case management experience, and current Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and note that professional development and paid continuing education are listed as benefits.
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