Substance Use Disorder Counselor

For more than 55 years, Family Health Centers of San Diego’s (FHCSD) mission has been to provide caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons.

FHCSD is one of the top 10 largest federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in the country. We operate more than 90 sites across San Diego County, including 29 primary care clinics, 23 behavioral health facilities, 10 physical rehabilitation clinics, nine dental clinics, five vision clinics, four outpatient substance use treatment programs, three mobile medical units, two mobile counseling centers, two urgent care centers, and a pharmacy.

Our staff provides care to over 227,000 patients each year, of whom 91% are low-income and 29% are uninsured. FHCSD provides care to all. Services include, but are not limited to adult care, chronic disease management, pediatrics, comprehensive women’s care including obstetrics, dental, vision, case management, physical rehabilitation, speech therapy for children, vaccinations, infectious diseases, behavioral health, substance use counseling and a host of specialty services including cardiology, podiatry, endocrinology, dermatology, among others.  FHCSD also offers supportive services to those who are unsheltered and in need of intensive case management.   

The breadth of our clinic locations, services and programs has grown over the last five decades, making us the largest community clinic provider of health care to the uninsured in the county and one of the top 10 largest community clinic organizations in the nation. We are also the largest health care safety-net provider, largest school-based health care provider and the largest mental health provider in the San Diego region.

The Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) - CERTIFIED, provides substance abuse screening, brief interventions, therapy for individuals and groups, and coordinates referrals for patients. Responsibilities also include providing leadership and training to staff related to chemical dependency issues, and serving as a subject matter expert in the cross-functional treatment team. Depending on assignment, the SUDC may be working with patients living with serious mental illness, HIV, or homelessness.

General Job Description

The Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) - CERTIFIED, provides substance abuse screening, brief interventions, therapy for individuals and groups, and coordinates referrals for patients. Responsibilities also include providing leadership and training to staff related to chemical dependency issues, and serving as a subject matter expert in the cross-functional treatment team. Depending on assignment, the SUDC may be working with patients living with serious mental illness, HIV, or homelessness.

Job Roles

• Completes all required documentation accurately, in a timely manner, and thoroughly in accordance with department standards; in addition, documentation complies with patients' insurance requirements.
• Develops and maintains community resources information and contacts related to assigned patient population. Acts as a liaison and may provide consultations with community agencies.
• Participates in the design and implementation of mental health and substance abuse service delivery, working closely with multi-disciplinary team to ensure continuity of care.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Provides direct substance abuse counseling services, including crisis intervention and individual, group, and family counseling, targeting assigned patient population groups experiencing substance abuse/dependency disorders. Provides support and assistance to maintain patients' treatment and recovery.
• Provides substance abuse education and referral information to patients, families, and other staff members in the areas of substance abuse counseling and treatment services.
• Provides substance abuse screening and assessments. Participates in the development of patients' individualized care plans. Assesses patients' need for enrollment in medical, self-help programs, outpatient services, and/or residential facilities and makes referrals, if necessary.

Education/Certifications/Licenses/Registrations

• Bachelor's degree in related field required.

• Current American Heart Association healthcare provider CPR (BLS), or Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support, or Advance Resuscitation Training required. 
• Certification from a California State Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Services certifying agency required.

Within 30 days of employment, the following certifications, licenses, or credentials are required based on patient population served:

• Licensed Practitioner of Healing Arts (LPHA)
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
• Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT)

Traveling between sites and other locations is occasionally required. Must have a valid California driver’s license, an automobile, and proof of minimum levels of car insurance as required under California law, although limits of $100,000 are recommended. An acceptable driving record is also required. California law requires all drivers to obtain a valid California driver’s license within ten days of establishing residency. Reasonable accommodation may be provided on a case-by-case basis. Mileage and other reimbursement governed by policy.

Experience/Specialized skills (including Language)

• 1 year experience in providing counseling required; 2 years of experience providing counseling to assigned patient demographics, such as patients diagnosed with serious mental illness or HIV, preferred.

We are excited to share that the salary range for this position is:

$30.50 - $33.50

Information on our extensive benefits package can be found here: FHCSD Wellness – Employee Hub (gobenefits.net)

FHCSD provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.