Substance Use Disorder Counselor - Adolescent Detox

Job Description

Job Description

Substance Use Disorder Counselor – Adolescent Residential Mental Health

Compensation : $72,000 – $80,000 annually, exempt.

Location : In-person at our facilities in Bonsall and Fallbrook, CA.

Schedule : Sunday - Thursday

Mission Prep, part of AMFM Healthcare, is seeking a passionate and dedicated Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) to join our team at our Adolescent Residential Mental Health facilities. Mission Prep specializes in providing comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment for adolescents ages 12–17 facing behavioral, emotional, or substance use challenges.

As a Substance Use Disorder Counselor at Mission Prep, you will provide direct counseling services, support treatment protocols, and play a critical role in helping clients achieve and maintain recovery. We are looking for a compassionate, client-centered professional who is committed to clinical excellence and wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of adolescents and their families.

About Mission Prep Healthcare

Mission Prep is dedicated to supporting adolescents and families through the challenges of mental health and substance use disorders. Our goal is to empower teens with the tools, coping strategies, and support they need to build resilience and transition into adulthood with confidence.

We utilize a blend of evidence-based therapeutic approaches and innovative treatments to create a holistic care experience. Our focus is on treating the whole person, engaging the family system, and fostering long-term, sustainable change.

Position Overview

From admission through discharge, the Substance Use Disorder Counselor provides counseling, facilitates groups, and works collaboratively with the clinical team to ensure each client receives high-quality, individualized care. This role requires professional discretion, clinical judgment, and a commitment to supporting adolescents through the recovery process.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Knowledge of evidence-based practices for substance use and co-occurring disorders.

Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and in a team-based environment.

Knowledge of principles, practices, and ethics of counseling and addiction treatment.

Knowledge of substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and recovery models.

Knowledge of evidence-based interventions (e.g., CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention).

Knowledge of trauma-informed care and cultural competence in treatment.

Knowledge of federal and state regulations, including HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and mandated reporting.

Knowledge of community resources and aftercare support systems (12-step, peer support, housing, vocational programs).

Knowledge of individual, group, and family counseling techniques.

Skilled in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and conflict resolution.

Ability to accurately document and use electronic health records (EHR).

Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards of practice.

Ability to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.

Ability to balance caseload and documentation requirements with time management and organizational skills.

Ability to adapt to changing client needs and program requirements.

Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a team.

Ability to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care.

Ability to to demonstrate patience, empathy, and resilience when working with individuals in crisis or relapse.

Ability to communicate with family members, clients, and other staff members professionally and respectfully.

Ability to operate standard office machines and equipment, including telephones, computers, copy machines, fax machines, calculators, scanners, and shredders.

Ability to be professional and maintain a positive attitude and relationships with coworkers and clients.

Excel at both written and verbal communications to convey essential information; must be able to utilize the proper linguistic syntax and spelling.

Ability to use critical thinking skills and social perceptiveness to be aware of others reactions and understand what others are thinking, feeling, and needing.

Knowledge of clinical and medical terminology as it relates to the delivery of clinical care to the clients within our programs as required by our payers.

Knowledge of the clinical, medical, and miscellaneous services provided to the clients.

Ability to use computer software including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and G Suite products.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The Substance Use Counselor will be responsible for all the following, and additional duties may be removed or assigned as needed. These include but are not limited to :

Conduct initial screenings, biopsychosocial assessments, and intake evaluations for new clients.

Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and treatment team members.

Provide individual, group, and family counseling sessions using evidence-based practices.

Educate clients and families on addiction, relapse prevention, coping skills, and recovery strategies.

Monitor and document client progress, maintaining accurate and timely clinical records in compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.

Collaborate with medical, clinical, and case management staff to ensure coordinated care.

Facilitate crisis intervention and de-escalation when necessary.

Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and ethical guidelines for professional practice.

Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, and continuing education opportunities.

Support clients in aftercare planning and linkage to community resources.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function assigned satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications :

Must be 21 years of age or older to apply for this position.

Required Credential : Alcohol or Other Drug credential (CADC, CAC, ADC, CSAC, LAADC, SUDCC) or equivalent credential.

Successful completion of the ADP Selective Screening Services background check as well as any other state, federal or company required background / record check.

Possess valid driver’s license with ability to be insured by company auto insurance policy which includes, but not limited to, the following requirements : 4 continuous years of driving experience, 21 years of age or older, less than 3 moving violations in the last 3 years, and no more than 1 major violation in the last 3 years.

CPR / First Aid Certification

Current T.B. clearance

Physical Requirements : Ability to work on a computer / keyboard, use electronic systems, extensive communication with others through written and verbal formats, ability to sit for long periods of time, listening, reading comprehension, lifting up to 10 lbs.

Compensation & Benefits

Benefits :

Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Anthem.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA).

Employer-paid Life / AD&D insurance.

401(k) plan with employer match.

Paid Time Off (PTO) and Self-Care Days.

Educational Assistance Reimbursement Program.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Health and Wellness Memberships.

Why Work at Mission Prep?

At AMFM Healthcare, we are committed to changing lives by providing exceptional residential mental health and substance use treatment. You’ll join a team of professionals dedicated to clinical excellence, collaboration, and compassion. This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the lives of adolescents and their families while growing professionally in a supportive environment.

About AMFM Healthcare

After the tragic loss of a beloved son to mental illness, A Mission for Michael (AMFM Healthcare) was founded with the vision of preventing such heartbreak in the lives of others. Our mission is to provide exceptional, evidence-based residential care that transforms lives and promotes lasting recovery.

Join Our Team

If you are passionate about supporting adolescents on their journey to recovery, we encourage you to apply for the Substance Use Disorder Counselor position at Mission Prep. Together, we can help teens and their families build brighter, healthier futures.

AMFM Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws.