Residential Counselor (SUD) at Janus of Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz, California

Janus of Santa Cruz is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency and well-being through compassionate, high-quality services. We partner closely with public agencies, funders, and community organizations to deliver impact-driven programs rooted in equity, dignity, and accountability.

Join our team as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor, where our commitment to compassionate care and cultural enrichment sets us apart.

We are seeking a dedicated counselor to provide direction and support for our patients, develop treatment and recovery plans, and identify behaviors that impede rehabilitation. You will facilitate individual and group therapy sessions, collaborate with other mental health care specialists, and stay updated on the latest treatment methods. Top-notch candidates will have excellent clinical knowledge, demonstrable counseling experience, and a passion for making a meaningful impact in a culturally rich setting.

In this role you will:

Work with clients impaired by substance abuse with or without co-occurring mental or physical health issues

Perform comprehensive assessment and develop and conduct individualized treatment plans

Counsel individuals with (SUD) substance use disorder in groups, individual and educational sessions

Coordinate with community agencies and other professionals as required for care coordination

Complete comprehensive clinical documentation for clients in Janus Residential Programs, including ASAM assessments, care plans, daily notes, crisis intervention documentation, and care coordination.

Provide excellent customer service while accurately and efficiently completing assessments, administrative paperwork, and data entry within the eHR electronic medical record system

Responsibilities:

Conduct client and family orientations, including program structure and guidelines

Develop, implement, and periodically review clients’ Individual Care Plans, including discharge plans

Perform clinical evaluations and comprehensive assessments, and conduct individualized treatment services

Maintain client treatment files in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements

Utilize the Electronic Health Record (eHR) to document client information accurately and promptly

Alert Program Manager regarding potential crises, urgent situations, or incidents

Follow Janus of Santa Cruz policies and program procedures

Ensure timely, accurate completion of all clinical and non-clinical documentation in compliance with legal and regulatory standards

Interact with referral sources as necessary

Attend all required administrative meetings and training sessions

Maintain:

Schedule of important treatment events

Weekly census log of active clients

Close client records promptly

Safety and integrity of the unit

Record supply stock and equipment and coordinate provision of materials as required

Monitor:

Treatment schedule, house rules, client behavior and pass to off-site activity

Completion of paperwork and client files

Execution of client chores and other responsibilities

Residential Functions:

Meet with Clinical Supervisor and the Program Manager for consultation and direction

Maintain a professional work environment with attention to client and staff health and safety, by maintaining safety protocols, alerting management to unsafe conditions, etc

Provide general client supervision including planning and scheduling therapeutic activities

Participate in facilitating ancillary services, i.e., family support groups, family education groups, continuing care, and networking with community agencies

Prepare client progress reports, when necessary

Regularly request and monitor client drug tests

Qualifications:

A CCAPP certification or equivalent (CADTP, CAADE, CAAPE) as a Substance Abuse Counselor

Knowledge of the dynamics of chemical dependency, self-help recovery programs, and organizational skills

Experience of providing direct substance abuse counseling services in an intensive setting under supervision (preferred)

Ability to learn and implement Electronic Medical Software (AVATAR) to perform essential job functions which will include thoroughly documenting and entering program – required documents into AVATAR system in a timely manner

Valid CA driver’s license and three years of a safe driving record

Compensation & Benefits

Janus of Santa Cruz offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that may include health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan; generous paid time off; and professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Janus of Santa Cruz is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences.