Certified AOD Counselor II OTP Program,… at CLARE|MATRIX · Santa…

About CLARE|MATRIX: CLARE|MATRIX “CM” is a nonprofit organization providing effective and compassionate treatment, recovery, and prevention services for alcoholism and substance use to individuals, families, and the community. Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, CLARE|MATRIX maintains multiple facilities in the Southern California region.

Since 1970, CLARE|MATRIX has provided quality substance use and mental health treatment to individuals in treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in Southern California.

Summary

Under general supervision, the AOD II Counselor provides proficient, trauma-informed Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counseling services to participants each day, guiding them through the early stages of recovery by providing assessments, counseling, education, crisis intervention within scope, and delivers structured education to support participant growth. The AOD II Counselor collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team, ensures clear and timely documentation, and contributes to a stable, recovery-oriented treatment environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function, with or without accommodation. The requirements listed below are representative of the duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

1. Counselor Services

a. Screening: As assigned may conduct initial screenings to determine participant appropriateness and eligibility for SUD services, identifying immediate needs, risks, or referrals prior to admission.

b. Intake: Complete intake documentation and required consent forms, explain program expectations, and ensure all information is accurately entered into the Electronic Health Record.

c. Orientation: Provide participants with clear explanations of program rules, schedules, participant rights and responsibilities, confidentiality requirements, and the overall goals and structure of treatment.

d. Assessment: Gather information related to substance use history, social functioning, strengths, risks, and

treatment needs. Assist with completing assessment tools within the counselor’s scope of practice.

e. Treatment Planning: Develop individualized, goal-oriented treatment plans with participants. Update plans as needed and document progress in accordance with program and contractual requirements.

f. Counseling: Facilitate group counseling and educational groups and conduct goal-oriented individual counseling sessions focused on recovery skills, relapse prevention, coping strategies, and related topics.

g. Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support during participant crises within the counselor scope. Notify supervisory or clinical staff when situations require escalation.

h. Participant Education: Deliver educational content on substance use, recovery principles, wellness, community resources, and related topics to support participant understanding and engagement.

i. Consultation: Collaborate with supervisors, case managers, peer support staff, and other professionals regarding participant needs, treatment progress, and service coordination. Participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary meetings.

j. Medication Observation: Perform medication observation by monitoring participant self-administration of prescribed medications, verifying accuracy, documenting in the Medication Administration Record (MAR), ensuring proper storage and preventing diversion, and promptly reporting any errors, irregularities, or concerns to clinical or nursing staff.

2. Case Management

a. Participant Advocacy: Act as an advocate for participants by assisting with problem-solving, identifying needs, and supporting access to appropriate services and supports.

b. Care Coordination: Communicate and coordinate with internal staff, external providers, and community partners to support continuity of care, including collaboration with primary care providers, mental health providers, and other agencies involved in participant services.

c. Monitoring & Follow-Up: Maintain regular contact with participants while in program according to guidelines and contract requirements, ensuring that treatment goals, referrals, and interventions are progressing appropriately.

d. Managing Caseload: Manage an assigned caseload of participants, ensuring timely contact, session frequency, treatment plan updates, and documentation requirements are met.

e. Case Conferences & Team Collaboration: Participate actively in case conferences, staff meetings, multidisciplinary meetings, and collaborative discussions regarding participant needs, progress, and service plans.

f. Documentation for Case Management: Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant case management documentation in the Electronic Health Record, including participant contacts, interventions, and follow-up activities.

3. Documentation and Billing

a. Electronic Health Record (EHR) Documentation: Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the Electronic Health Record, including progress notes, treatment plan updates, group notes, participant contacts, and all required service entries.

b. File Compliance: Ensure all participant charts meet contractual, regulatory, and CLARE|MATRIX standards, including proper documentation of services, signatures, consents, assessments, and required program forms.

c. Real-Time Note Completion: Complete documentation in real time or within required timeframes to support quality care, billing accuracy, and compliance with program expectations.

d. Billing: Ensure all documented services meet billing requirements and accurately reflect the service provided. Verify that charts include necessary elements such as treatment plans, progress notes, session details, and attendance.

e. Shift and Service Reporting: Provide clear and concise shift reports or service summaries as required to ensure continuity of care, communication with staff, and accurate record keeping.

f. Record Keeping for Case Management: Document all case management contacts, referrals, follow-up activities, and participant coordination efforts in accordance with program expectations.

4. Safety and Compliance

a. Compliance: Adhere to all CLARE|MATRIX Policies and Procedures, program guidelines, and all state, county, local, and federal regulations. Ensure participant safety, dignity, and confidentiality in all aspects of service delivery.

b. HIPAA Compliance: Protect participant information by maintaining strict confidentiality and ensuring all records, conversations, and electronic data meet HIPAA and organizational privacy standards.

c. Professional Behavior: Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with participants in accordance with agency policies and ethical standards. Ensure a safe and ethical environment by upholding clear communication, appropriate conduct, and respect for participant privacy and dignity. Boundaries typically include but are not limited to personal disclosure limits, physical touch restrictions, and clear communication about the professional nature of the relationship.

d. Safety Standards: Follow all CLARE|MATRIX, OSHA, and CAL-OSHA health and safety regulations. Support the maintenance of a safe environment for participants and staff.

e. Incident Reports: Complete incident reports accurately and in a timely manner, in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements.

5. Teamwork and Collaboration

a. Communication: Demonstrate effective and appropriate workplace communication by speaking clearly, directly, and with purpose. Actively listen, ask clarifying questions, and confirm understanding before acting. Provide timely updates to staff and participants regarding needs, concerns, or changes in participant status, ensuring information is accurate and complete. Maintain professional tone, body language, and boundaries in all interactions, even in high-stress or emotionally charged situations. Address issues respectfully and constructively, avoid gossip or unprofessional dialogue, and follow established channels for reporting, documentation, and escalation. Consistently model courteous, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive communication that supports a safe and respectful environment.

b. Meetings: Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, case conferences, one-on-one supervision meetings, training sessions, and team-building activities as required by the program.

c. Collaborative Teamwork: Work collaboratively with counselors, peers, case managers, nursing staff, and other program team members to support participant care, resolve concerns, and maintain consistency in service delivery.

d. Interagency Collaboration: Maintain positive and professional relationships with community partners and collaborate with outside agencies as part of the continuum of care, when applicable.

e. Mission, Vision, and Philosophy: Maintain a working knowledge and understanding of CLARE|MATRIX’s mission, vision, philosophy, and operating principles. Support a healthy work environment and uphold organizational standards of conduct.

f. Supportive Work Environment: Contribute to a positive, safe, and team-oriented work environment by remaining receptive to constructive feedback, seeking guidance when needed, and supporting coworkers in program operations.

6. Secondary Areas of Responsibility

a. Other Duties as Assigned: Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

7. Qualifications

a. Education and Credentials: Successfully completed the requisite minimum hours of DHCS-approved SUD counselor education. Maintains active certification through an approved California certifying body such as CCAPP.

b. Additional Requirements: Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification. Must meet all additional

requirements mandated by applicable state or local regulations governing Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment services.

c. Transportation: May require transportation of participants between but not limited to program sites, partner locations, or medical services as needed.

8. Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Experience

a. Knowledge: Demonstrates practical application and experience working with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) recovery models, evidence-based counseling approaches, and co-occurring mental health disorders as they apply to AOD counseling and treatment planning.

b. Skills: Demonstrates professionalism while providing proficient counseling, communication, organizational, and documentation skills, including the completion of accurate, timely clinical notes, facilitating group and individual counseling, and engaging participants in a trauma-informed and culturally responsive manner.

c. Competencies: Maintains effective professional boundaries, sound judgment within scope, cultural humility, and adherence to ethical and regulatory standards. Collaborates effectively with multidisciplinary team members and contributes to a positive, recovery-oriented treatment environment.

d. Experience: Applies the emotional maturity, resilience, and interpersonal awareness necessary to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals in recovery. Effectively supports group dynamics, navigates challenging interactions, and works with diverse populations in a treatment setting.

Physical Demands:

While performing the responsibilities of this job, the employee is continuously required to talk and hear. The employee is continuously required to sit, stand, walk, and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel. The employee may regularly be required to reach with arms and hands overhead or below the waist, and may be required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is regularly required to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds. Vision abilities required for this job include close vision. The employee must be able to perform all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. These physical demands represent the essential physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Medical History:

All employees who have or may have contact with participants, or who work in food preparation, are required to complete a Health Screening Report or Health Questionnaire as part of onboarding. The Health Screening Report must be completed and signed by a licensed medical practitioner to confirm the employee’s ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position. All employees will also complete a confidential self-report health questionnaire in accordance with ADA/FEHA requirements.

A TB test must be completed under licensed medical supervision no more than 60 calendar days prior to hire or within 7 calendar days after hire and must be renewed annually based on the date of the last TB screening.

Employees with a known history of tuberculosis infection or a prior positive TB test are not required to undergo repeat TB skin or blood testing. Unless they have documentation confirming completion of at least six months of preventive therapy, they must obtain a chest X-ray within 45 calendar days of hire (a chest X-ray completed within the prior six months is acceptable) and provide a physician’s statement confirming they do not have active tuberculosis. This physician’s statement must be renewed annually. Repeat chest X-rays are not required unless clinically indicated.

Work Environment:

This position is primarily located in Santa Monica and may involve working in participant-accessible areas, group rooms, offices, and other designated program spaces. The work environment is fast-paced and requires the ability to adapt to changing participant needs and support a supportive program setting. The role involves regular interaction with participants who may exhibit challenging behaviors, including escalations or agitation.

The position requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and complete documentation at a computer workstation. The employee may be required to work in a confined or shared space at times. While performing the responsibilities of the job, the work environment characteristics are representative of those the employee will encounter during assigned duties. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer: The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship for the Company. Furthermore, job descriptions may change over time as requirements and employee skill levels change. The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Conclusion: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the functions, job responsibilities and expectations of the role. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.