Heluna Health·Los Angeles, California
Provide substance use disorder and mental health prevention, treatment, and recovery services within a multi-disciplinary team. Focus on conducting comprehensive assessments and coordinating post-release linkages to improve health outcomes and reduce recidivism.
$23.00-$28.27 per hour
The Substance Abuse Counselor will provide a variety of substance use disorder and/or mental health prevention, brief intervention, treatment and recovery services, such as patient/client screenings/assessments, and case management, with a focus on linkages for post-release services. The Substance Abuse Counselor will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. These services will be provided in accordance with California’s Medicaid 1115 JI Reentry Initiative and other Department requirements with the goal of improving health outcomes and reducing recidivism.
Essential functions
Conducting comprehensive client assessments that evaluate behavioral health, physical health, substance use, and social needs, consistent with CalAIM’s whole-person care approach.
Connecting clients to community-based resources such as housing, employment, legal assistance, health benefits, and medical or behavioral health services, which aligns with CalAIM’s focus on addressing social determinants of health and reducing barriers to care.
Providing screening, counseling, recovery support, care coordination, and case management services that promote integrated and person-centered treatment planning.
Assisting with interdisciplinary collaboration, workforce development, and program support activities that strengthen integrated behavioral health systems and expand access to care.
Collaborating with multidisciplinary treatment teams to develop and implement individualized care plans related to release planning and linkages for post-release services that improve health outcomes and continuity of care.
Supporting behavioral health prevention, education, and community engagement efforts that advance population health and community-based care initiatives under CalAIM.
Monitoring and documenting client progress to support data-driven care management, quality improvement, and coordinated service delivery.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to exercise sound judgement while working in a stressful environment. Able to lift up to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting.
Stand: Frequently
Walk: Frequently
Sit: Frequently
Handling / Fingering: Occasionally
Reach Outward: Occasionally
Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
Occasionally - Up to 10 lbs
Occasionally - Up to 10 lbs
See: Constantly
Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable
Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions
Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)
Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day)
Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)
It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.
Requires one year of experience in a substance abuse program, equivalent training, or 60 college units in a related field. Candidates must pass a LA County Live Scan and health clearance and be willing to work in correctional facilities.
Market context
In California, Substance Abuse Counselor roles often draw steady demand from behavioral health, treatment, and community care settings. Competition tends to center on candidates with a master’s degree, direct counseling experience, and preferred licensure or certification, especially when programs need clinicians who can work across mental health and substance use needs. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform against the original posting, then confirm your license status and tailor your application to the populations and settings you’ve served.
