SUD Counselor - Teen Center

Description

Join McAlister Institute, a 48-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community.

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor to join our McAlister team at one of our Teen Centers. This role is specifically focused on supporting adolescents, and the ideal candidate will have experience working with youth and diverse populations in outpatient programs, schools, and other treatment environments. As a SUD Counselor, you will report to the site Program Manager and will be responsible for providing individual and group counseling, developing youth-centered treatment plans, and guiding teens through their recovery journey with empathy, structure, and encouragement. 

Benefits for YOU:

• 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation  days, paid sick leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
• Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
• EAP

Key Responsibilities:

• Uphold and promote the mission, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute. 
• Manage an active caseload of clients, providing individual and group counseling, intake and assessment services, treatment planning, educational workshops, urinalysis testing, and client receipts. 
• Maintain working knowledge of IOS, OS, and Medi-Cal standards, ensuring accurate implementation and reporting. 
• Provide client transportation as needed, by agency van or public transit. 
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including social workers, therapists, case managers, and medical professionals.
• Educate clients and their families about the recovery process and available resources.
• Coordinate with community resources and provide referrals when necessary.
• Perform other assigned duties as needed. 

Requirements

• Certified or Registered SUD Counselor (CAADE, CADTP, or equivalent required). 
• Minimum of two years’ experience in behavioral health services. 
• Experience working with adult and/or teenage populations in a counseling or therapeutic setting. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated empathy for, and knowledge of the needs of clients with co-occurring conditions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in substance use treatment. 
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and the ability to apply it in counseling.
• Proficiency in maintaining confidential client records and case documentation.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English strongly preferred.
• Compliance with all agency and contract requirements related to trainings, public health, certifications, and reporting.
• On-site position.
• Ability to pass all pre-employment screening, including references, education verification, a criminal background check with at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

McAlister Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, any other non-job-related factors, and other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.

 
Reasonable Accommodations:

McAlister Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the jobs@mcalisterinc.org., for more information. Please include your name and position you are applying for.

 
Work Authorization Requirement:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. McAlister Institute does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

 
Pre-Employment:
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from McAlister Institute employment as we are subject to County of San Diego contractual hiring requirements). A pre-employment physical examination, and post-offer background check is required. Candidates must have at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.

 
General Information & Considerations:

Placement on the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications.

 
Current McAlister Institute employees may receive priority consideration for positions when they meet essential qualifications.