Substance Abuse Counselor/Associate Social Worker
Ritter Center·San Rafael, California
Ritter Center·San Rafael, California
Develop and implement treatment plans for clients while providing alcohol and drug assessments and referral services. Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions and maintain detailed clinical records according to CalAIM standards.
All positions require Background and LiveScan fingerprinting This position is eligible for a 6% differential for bilingual candidates (English/Spanish), pending passing of a test before employment.
Position Description: The Substance Abuse Counselor/Associate Social Worker is an integral aspect of the Safety Net program and larger Behavioral Health Department.
This person works with clients to develop and implement appropriate treatment plans.
The Substance Abuse Counselor/Associate Social Worker 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 Substance Abuse Counselor/Associate Social Worker 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 and engagement skills, administrative capacities, as well as a thorough understanding of alcohol and drug treatment options.
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 Behavioral 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 manner of care. Carry a caseload of 20-25 clients in Intensive Outpatient, Outpatient, and Recovery Services levels of care. 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. Observe and monitor client’s behavior and intervene 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 treatment team for feedback on best practice interventions. Be prepared to provide services on schedule and in accordance with therapeutic expectations in accordance with industry standards. Maintain appropriate boundaries with residents and refrain from unnecessary self-disclosure.
Per OSHA requirements, employment at Ritter Center requires compliance with being able to produce a negative TB test prior to the start of employment, as well as being vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless applying for an exemption) per the August 5th, 2021, State Public Order for Healthcare Facilities, providers, and employees. 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). Preferred qualification below can be substituted for this requirements.
Possess a pre-licensed status through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (AMFT, ASW, APCC) or be fully licensed (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC). For pre-licensed individuals, clinical supervision will be provided. Must have strong group, individual, documentation, and administrative skills
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, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Requires certification from CAADE, CADTP, or CCAPP, or a pre-licensed/licensed status (AMFT, ASW, APCC, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC). A minimum of 2 years of experience in drug and alcohol counseling is required, or 1 year for master's level clinicians.
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.
