Outpatient Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor at Janus of Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz, California

Janus of Santa Cruz is seeking a compassionate and skilled Outpatient Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor to provide client-centered therapeutic services with a primary focus on the emotional, behavioral, and mental well-being of individuals served. This position delivers individual and group counseling, assessment, and education to clients diagnosed with substance use disorders.

The hours for this role are Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm.

The SUD Counselor is responsible for providing high-quality clinical and care coordination services, including but not limited to:

• Actively supporting the mission, philosophy, and goals of Janus of Santa Cruz.
• Conducting client interviews to obtain biopsychosocial history and assist in the development, implementation, and revision of treatment plans.
• Providing individual and group counseling services using evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches.
• Assessing and supporting clients diagnosed with substance use disorders.
• Educating clients about substance-use-related concerns and coping strategies.
• Collaborating with clients to identify treatment goals and monitor progress.
• Maintaining regular communication with facilities, referral sources, agencies, and other professionals involved in client care.
• Actively participating in multidisciplinary treatment teams and treatment planning meetings.
• Developing and implementing appropriate discharge plans in collaboration with clients, caregivers, agencies, and facilities.
• Completing all clinical documentation and care coordination records in compliance with accreditation, regulatory, and program standards.
• Assisting with required paperwork from pre-admission through post-discharge.
• Complying with all administrative, clinical, human resources, regulatory agency, state, local, and host facility requirements.
• Maintaining the highest ethical standards in all program activities.
• Assisting with referral development and participating in community networking activities.
• Participating in program performance improvement initiatives and quality assurance measures.
• Meeting regularly with clients and providing tools and support necessary for recovery and stability.

Education & Experience

• Certification in drug and alcohol counseling or registration with a California-approved certifying organization required (CCAPP, CADTP, ACCBC).
• Prior experience in a substance use disorder treatment setting, including individual counseling and group facilitation, required.
• Bilingual ability preferred.

• Ability to pass a criminal background investigation.
• CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Annual Tuberculosis test (provided by Janus of Santa Cruz upon hire).
• Employees must reside in California and be able to work onsite as required.

As required by California law, Janus of Santa Cruz will not consider an arrest not followed by conviction, referral to or participation in a pretrial or post-trial diversion program, or convictions that have been sealed, dismissed, expunged, pardoned, or are more than seven (7) years old. Any conviction considered will be evaluated based on the nature and seriousness of the offense, the time elapsed, and the relevance to the position.

If Janus of Santa Cruz identifies a conviction that is directly related to the job, applicants will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances, provide mitigating information, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Janus of Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.