SUD Counselor

Harmony Health is a Tribally owned wellness clinic that treats a broad-spectrum population of Native and Non-Native patients. Harmony is established to provide those with substance use disorders whole person care: primary care, infectious disease, and mental health care. We are building a team of dedicated and compassionate individuals who align with this mission.

Harmony Health brings an innovative model of highly individualized, compassionate care to patients with -substance use disorder. From the moment someone walks through the door of our state-of-the-art outpatient facility, they will encounter our thoughtfulness and intention for a humanizing and respectful experience with us. The comforting and safe setting of our nature-inspired facility and the friendly, professional attitude of our staff help to define our journey with each patient - and with each other - from day one.

Each employee at Harmony Health creates their own ripple effect in the larger circles of the families and communities that we touch.

We are currently seeking a Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUD Counselor) to support our clinic in Perris, CA. This position will report to the OTP Manager and will work in collaboration with clinic leadership and OTS leadership.

Indian Preference applies. Qualified Indian (American Indian or Alaskan Native) applicants will receive preference in accordance with 25 U.S.C. § 5323 and 25 U.S.C. § 472a.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUD Counselor) provides compassionate, evidence-based counseling and clinical support to individuals and families navigating recovery from substance use disorders. Reporting to the OTP Manager, this role works within a multidisciplinary care team to deliver individual and group counseling grounded in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and harm reduction principles - prioritizing patient empowerment, respect, and non-judgmental care.

We are looking for a certified counselor who balances clinical skill in addiction treatment with deep empathy, cultural humility, and organizational diligence. The ideal candidate actively engages patients in individualized treatment planning, collaborates closely with medical and administrative staff, and maintains high standards of clinical documentation and regulatory compliance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Individual & Group Counseling

• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions for patients and families affected by substance use disorders, utilizing evidence-based modalities including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and harm reduction strategies
• Evaluate patient needs, conduct clinical assessments, and collaborate with patients to develop, review, and modify individualized treatment plans based on medical necessity
• Review toxicology/urine drug screen results with patients and tailor clinical interventions and treatment goals accordingly
• Assist patients in developing emotion regulation techniques, communication skills, healthy coping mechanisms, and comprehensive aftercare plans to support long-term recovery

Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Case Management

• Collaborate closely with medical, nursing, and psychiatric staff regarding patient progress, referral status, treatment plan updates, and responses to MOUD medications
• Communicate with administrative and billing staff to support insurance verification, payor documentation, and care access
• Participate in multidisciplinary case conferences, clinical team huddles, and individual/group supervision sessions
• Assist with patient intake evaluations, scheduling, and phone inquiries regarding addiction treatment services when needed to support team workflow
• Participate in an on-call rotation schedule as required by program needs

Documentation, Compliance & Professional Standards

• Complete clear, concise, and timely clinical documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system in accordance with program standards, state regulations, and accreditation bodies
• Uphold strict patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, state regulations, and mandatory reporting guidelines under the Indian Child Protection Act
• Maintain professional credentials and active certification as required by California licensing bodies and organizational policies
• Treat all patients with dignity, courtesy, and respect, fostering a safe, non-coercive environment that honors diverse cultural backgrounds and tribal traditions
• Engage in ongoing professional development, workshops, and team education to stay current in addiction treatment methodologies

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Chemical Dependency, or a closely related field
• Active certification or registration as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor in California (e.g., CADTP, CCAPP, or CAADE) in good standing
• Minimum 1 to 2 years of clinical work experience providing counseling, case management, or behavioral health services in a substance use disorder setting
• Active American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (or ability to obtain prior to start date)
• Proficiency with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and clinical documentation platforms
• Knowledge of traditional forms of governance, tribal customs, and Native American cultural traditions
• Ability to pass background screening, drug screen, and any applicable state, federal, or tribal credentialing requirements
• Ability to provide health clearance and tuberculosis (TB) clearance
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of counseling experience within a licensed Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) or Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT/MOUD) clinic
• Demonstrated experience in trauma-informed care, harm reduction models, and intensive case management
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish

SKILLS

The ideal candidate embodies the following:

• Strong clinical counseling, assessment, and group facilitation skills
• Proficiency in Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and evidence-based addiction interventions
• Deep empathy, active listening skills, and a non-judgmental, patient-centered approach
• Ability to build rapport quickly with patients, families, and multidisciplinary team members
• High degree of organization, accuracy, and timeliness in clinical documentation and record-keeping
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and kind in emotionally demanding or stressful clinical situations
• Commitment to patient privacy, cultural humility, and ethical clinical practice

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to keyboard or type, handle materials used in performing the essential functions of the classification, and reach with hands and arms. The employee will be asked to perform repetitive behaviors (e.g., typing and data entry). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds (think boxes of paper). Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person, by telephone. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in an office setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee must also analyze and evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action.

We support our team through a competitive salary and benefits package and opportunities for continuing education and professional advancement. Harmony Health Center staff will also be cross trained to meet the needs of patients and to make each day a success. On-the-job training will empower team members, as we believe the excellence of the clinic and the professional development of our staff complement one another.

Please visit www.harmony.health for more information.