Job Title: Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Classification: Non-exempt, full time, benefits eligible

Who We Are:

Pathway Society (PSI) is a community-based nonprofit organization founded in 1964, and incorporated in 1968, that promotes individual, family, and community wellness in Santa Clara County. For over 50 years we’ve supported individuals in creating healthy lifestyles for themselves and their loved ones. We offer a wide range of substance abuse and counseling services to adults and families who suffer the consequences of alcohol and substance abuse.

Pathway Society’s legacy of compassionate treatment has helped thousands of individuals find their path to wellness—and often a new life. Our inpatient/residential and outpatient treatment programs are nurturing environments that foster hope and allow the space and time necessary to create lasting change. Our treatment programs feature individual and group counseling, healthy lifestyle skills development, and safe and supportive environments that enhance personal growth and health.

Licensure and Certification

All of Pathway Society’s facilities are licensed and certified by the State of California Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS). We work with numerous systems of care within Santa Clara County and throughout the state. We regularly consult with physicians, therapists, and numerous practitioners to ensure the best care of those we serve.

Pathway Society’s expert practitioners understand the journey of those whose lives have been disrupted by alcohol and substance abuse. All of our practitioners are licensed and/or credentialed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and California Certification Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Many hold advanced degrees in behavioral sciences, addiction studies, and additional certifications related to health and wellness.

Regardless of a clients’ situation (Private Pay, Insured, and Uninsured), our staff aim to walk them through the process of recovery and into a new life—free of the harmful effects of alcohol and substance abuse.

Job Function:

• Facilitate weekly process and education groups based on structured curriculum
• Conduct individual sessions with clients to monitor client progress and program compliance
• Conduct intakes and exit interviews to support client flow
• Maintain client records in a timely manner, utilizing an electronic health records system
• Coordinate/link clients to resources in the community

Accountable to:  Administrative Supervisor and Clinical Supervisor

Required Shift: Sunday – Thursday, 2:30 – 11:00pm (Friday and Saturday off)

Compensation: Depending on education and experience: starting at $21.50 with fully paid health benefits

Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of the needs of individuals diagnosed with co-occurring disorders and substance abuse. Ability to engage and communicate effectively with others; basic understanding of treatment and rehabilitation techniques; general knowledge of community resources; tact and diplomacy; exercise good judgment and respond calmly in emergency situations; able to work within a program structure, monitor and support developmental growth and the recovery process; and an ability to work effectively with people differing in value systems, ethnicity, cultural backgrounds, language capabilities and disabilities.

Qualifications:

• Registered with an alcohol and drug certifying organization; Certified AOD counselor preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in a social services related field is preferred but not required.
• ASW and MFT-I candidates are encouraged to apply.  Clinical supervision is available for candidates working towards their licensure.
• Experience facilitating groups, conducting intakes and providing individual counseling with adult populations who have substance abuse issues.
• Experience working with dual diagnosed populations preferred.
• Must be able to physically respond to clients’ needs, climb stairs and walk through the facility throughout the work day.
• Possess a valid driver license, current auto liability insurance and a clean driving record.
• Basic computer knowledge/skills and the ability to maintain electronic client records system.
• Provide client services orientation with a professional demeanor, positive attitude and able to problem solve as needed.
• Bilingual candidates who are proficient in reading and writing are highly encouraged to apply.
• Must be able to pass clearance/background check through the probation department per contract with the County of Santa Clara.

Physical Requirements

 Climbing; ascending or descending stairs, ramps, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Kneeling; bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees. Crouching; bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine. Reaching; extending hand (s) and arms above head in any direction. Hearing; perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound. Lifting; able to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 40 pounds. Visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures and viewing a computer terminal.

Equal Employment Opportunity

 It is the policy of Pathway Society to provide equal employment opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, disability, medical condition, gender, age, sexual orientation or marital status.