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Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor

About The San Diego Freedom Ranch

San Diego Freedom Ranch, Inc. was established in 1972 as a nonprofit, 501 (c) (3), Alcohol and Drug Residential Treatment facility. Led by a highly trained staff and an active and experienced board of directors. We offer gender responsive, trauma informed, person-centered services and evidence based interventions. Through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Evidence Based Practices and the 12 Steps, We envision the Freedom Ranch as a leader in the alcohol and drug treatment community, utilizing all feasible resources in providing treatment and recovery services to the maximum number of alcoholics and drug addicts possible. Our mission is to provide a safe, healthy, and sober environment offering a program of recovery through which alcoholics and drug addicts can achieve and maintain sobriety-- and adopt “A new life through love and service.”

The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor provides direct clinical counseling services to adult men receiving residential substance use disorder treatment at San Diego Freedom Ranch, a DHCS-licensed facility. Working under clinical supervision, the SUD Counselor delivers evidence-based individual and group counseling, contributes to ASAM-aligned treatment planning, and supports participant recovery through trauma-informed, gender-responsive care.

Clinical & Counseling Responsibilities: Provide individual counseling services to assigned caseload in accordance with treatment plans and program schedules. Facilitate psychoeducational and process groups as assigned. Utilize evidence-based practices to support recovery, relapse prevention, and behavior change. Conduct ongoing clinical assessments and contribute to ASAM-aligned level-of-care determinations. Support participants in developing coping skills, recovery strategies, and pro-social behaviors. Perform crisis intervention within scope and escalate appropriately to supervisory or medical staff.

Treatment Planning & Coordination: Collaborate with participants and the interdisciplinary treatment team to develop and update individualized treatment plans. Monitor participant progress and adjust clinical interventions as appropriate. Coordinate with care coordinators, medical staff, and residential staff to support continuity of care. Support transition and discharge planning activities.

Documentation & Compliance: Complete clinical documentation, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries. Ensure documentation meets DHCS Title 9, DMC-ODS, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2 requirements. Maintain timely, accurate, and complete documentation that reflects the “golden thread” of treatment. Document missed, canceled, or rescheduled sessions in accordance with agency policy.

Professional & Program Responsibilities: Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards at all times. Participate in clinical supervision, staff meetings, and required trainings. Comply with agency policies, procedures, and quality standards.

Perform other clinical duties as assigned within the scope of practice.

(To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies):

Clinical Counseling Skills

ASAM & Medical Necessity Understanding

Professional Boundaries & Ethics

Trauma-Informed & Gender-Responsive Care

Documentation Accuracy & Timeliness

Crisis Intervention

Collaboration & Teamwork

Cultural Sensitivity

Education and Experience

Required:

Active Drug and Alcohol Counselor registration recognized by DHCS (e.g., RADT, CADC, LAADC)
High School diploma or equivalent
TB clearance at hire and annually thereafter
CPR and First Aid certification within 60 days of hire
Valid California driver’s license

Desired:

Experience in residential SUD treatment settings
Experience with criminal justice-involved population
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Knowledge Required:

ASAM Criteria
DMC-ODS standards
Trauma-informed and co-occurring treatment
HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements

Skills and Abilities Required:

Strong clinical assessment and counseling skills
Excellent written and verbal communication
Accurate and timely documentation skills
Ability to manage a clinical caseload
Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team

Sitting: 2

Standing: 4

Walking: 2

Driving: Occasionally

Equal Opportunity Employer

San Diego Freedom Ranch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits: