WELCOME TO YOUR CENTER!
Established as a community non-profit in 1972, The Center provides targeted programs and services to the full diversity of the San Diego LGBTQ community. The mission of The Center is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, nonbinary, immigrant, and HIV communities for the betterment of our entire San Diego region. Our vision is to create a Center and Center culture where every person feels and knows that they are welcomed, valued, and supported. As the beacon for our regional LGBTQ community, we actively recommit to being a more vibrant, bold, innovative, safe, and modern center each day than the day before. The Center is sex-positive and provides advocacy and critical health and social support services to support our community members through all stages of life, focusing on our deeply held values of equity, social justice, and client-centered, trauma-informed care. The Center currently has over 75 staff working at five facilities across San Diego County.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director of Behavioral Health Services, the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor position provides affirming, inclusive, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed SUD counseling, assessment, and treatment planning to help LGBTQ+ individuals build resilience, and access life-saving resources and care. This position is a part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team that will offer education, support, and consultation under clinical supervision. The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor will engage clients in a full continuum of care, starting with assessment/intake, treatment planning, individual and group therapy, referrals, case management, and related documentation to help set up a long-term recovery support plan.
PRIMARY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Client Support:
- Conduct initial comprehensive face-to-face biopsychosocial intake assessments, as well as any additional needed assessments.
- Develop and implement individualized, client-centered treatment plans that outline goals, weekly/monthly plans, diagnoses, and methods to be used.
- Assess progress with clients, being reviewed weekly and monthly.
- Assist clients with any additional referrals needed and connection to external services.
- Provide supportive SUD treatment and psycho-educational therapies using individual, group, and/or family counseling.
- Act as a liaison between community agencies and/or families to maintain coordination of goals.
Record Management and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate documentation of client treatment progress, including intake, progress notes, and other documentation required, using electronic health records.
- Ensure that all documentation is up to date on clinical encounters.
- Utilize the Self-Sufficiency Matrix at intake, quarterly, and at the end of care, as a tool to track client needs and progress over time.
- Maintain minimal productivity standards.
Multidisciplinary Work:
- Participate in BHS Department meetings, check-ins, consultation, training, and clinical supervision, as applicable, as well as agency meetings and training.
- As appropriate, collaborate with other Center team members to develop and implement a client-centered treatment plan.
- Maintain relationship with and remain knowledgeable about current agencies and organizations in the community that provide affirming services to LGBTQ+ individuals with substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Education/Experience: A minimum of one year experience working in the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities, specifically with individuals who live with substance use disorders.
- Professional Skills: Knowledgeable about current issues/trends related to the LGBTQ+ community. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Skilled in interviewing and assessment techniques, including motivational interviewing.
- Licenses & Certifications: Maintain active registration or certification through CCAPP, CAADE or CADTP.
- Personal Skills: Skilled at critical thinking, verbal communication, active listening, and empathy, as well as organization and management skills.
- Technology Skills: Must be comfortable working in PC/Windows-based environments. Must have proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Outlook, and Excel. Experience with using electronic health records.
- Language Skills: Fluency in English.
preferred QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education/Experience: Successful completion of an Associate's Degree or Bachelor's in Mental Health. A minimum of one year experience as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor.
- Language Skills: Fluency in Spanish is highly preferred.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
- Compensation: The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00 per hour and is commensurate with experience. This is a Full-Time Regular Non-Exempt position.
- Benefits: The CENTER offers a robust benefits package, inclusive of Competitive Pay Scales, 401(k) Retirement Plan (with company match), Full Medical, Dental, Vision, and Chiropractic Health Coverage, Out-of-Pocket Optional Coverage for Spouses, Domestic Partners, and Dependent Children, Full-time and Part-Time Schedules, Generous Vacation and Holiday Benefits, Professional Training & Development Experiences, Opportunities for Promotion & Advancement.
Please review the current job openings by clicking the button below. If you believe you possess the heart and skills for any of these (or any other) exciting job opportunities, we encourage you to apply. Instructions for how to apply are included in each job announcement. We regret that we are unable to accept telephone inquiries.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The San Diego LGBT Community Center is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.