Position Title: SUD/HIV Counselor

Department: Outpatient

Report to: Program Manager/Outpatient

Salary Range: Registered ($25 - $30 / hour) or Certified ($29 - $34 / hour)

Type: Full Time Non-exempt

Position Summary

Join our dynamic team of SUD counselors who are keeping some of San Diego’s most vulnerable populations safe and healthy. Stepping Stone of San Diego has been specializing in LGBTQIA+ addiction recovery, mental health and housing programs for 50 years!

The SUD/HIV Counselor specializes in providing counseling services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, with a comprehensive understanding of LGBTQ issues. This role involves coordinating supportive services, making referrals, conducting intakes, screenings, assessments, and individual counseling sessions, and maintaining client files.

Essential Functions

• Provide SUD counseling tailored to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, incorporating an understanding of LGBTQ issues.
• Conduct intake, screening, and assessments to develop and track progress on treatment plans. Facilitate group sessions as assigned and needed, modifying treatment plans based on client status changes.
• Facilitate group sessions as assigned and needed, modifying treatment plans based on client status changes.
• Coordinate counseling efforts with the mental health team and plan follow-up or aftercare programs
• Plan or implement follow-up or aftercare programs for clients discharged from treatment programs.
• Perform data entry into county database systems, attend staff meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Conduct drug testing as required and maintain strict confidentiality guidelines regarding all client conversations and referrals.
• Attend all scheduled staff meetings.
• Maintain strict confidentiality guidelines regarding all clients, conversations, and referrals.
• Other duties as assigned or necessary to support the program, office and/or the agency (outreach/tabling events, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications

• Maintain active registration through CCAPP, CAADE, or CADTP with completion, and complete certification within 5 years of hire
• Assure timely renewal of registration/certification
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and related skills.
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification (or within 90 days of hire)
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office programs.
• Cultural competency and understanding working in the social determinants of health impacting LGBTQI+ communities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to work independently and in a group setting.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner according to program expectations.
• Valid CA Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 to 2 years’ experience serving clients in a human services setting
• Previous experience working in an AOD outpatient/residential program setting
• Experience with electronic health records
• Written and spoken bilingual fluency in Spanish and English
• Completion of AOD credentialing education requirements

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

• While primarily working indoors, counselors also work with clients outdoors
• Regularly lift 15 pounds, and occasionally up to 50
• Holiday, evening, and weekend work may be required
• Transporting residents to and from activities and or appointments

Benefits Package

Stepping Stone is proud to offer a generous benefits package for full-time employees, representing the potential addition of $10,000, on average, per full-time employee above base pay, including but not limited to:

• Health Premiums company paid, including Acupuncture and Chiropractic

• Dental & Vision company paid
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care & Dependent Care)
• Generous paid time off – sick & vacation
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) Retirement Employer Match up to 5%
• 15 Paid Holidays
• Life/AD&D Insurance company paid
• Long Term Disability Insurance company paid