Substance Abuse Counselor

StarVista is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has helped people of all ages throughout San Mateo County navigate life challenges for over 55 years. Our mental health, crisis intervention, youth housing, substance use, and early childhood services help thousands of individuals each year.

We are seeking a skilled Substance Abuse/AOD Counselor to join our team at the First Chance Sobering Station and Detox Program. As a member of our multidisciplinary team, you will provide supportive supervision, counseling education, and referral services to individuals struggling with addiction and mental health disorders.

• Conduct intake interviews with clients and follow program guidelines for accepting and orienting them.
• Provide supportive supervision and check on clients in an unobtrusive manner as assigned.
• Maintain confidential records and case notes documenting interventions with clients.
• Prepare incident reports and notify the Program Manager or Department Director in case of an emergency or situation requiring urgent consultation.
• Follow all program guidelines for exiting clients from the facility and request exit interviews and consent to call back from all clients.
• Provide referral packets, information, and assist clients with needed transportation, phone numbers, and other issues related to their stay at First Chance.
• Make appropriate referrals to additional resources, including mental health counseling, family counseling, housing services, and other social or medical services.

• High school diploma or GED.
• CADAC or other State of California approved certification.
• Ability to function as a member of a multidisciplinary team with diplomacy and professionalism.
• Available to work at a 24/7 facility and accept schedule as assigned.

• Medical, dental, vision, basic life, and AD&D insurance.
• Flexible spending account and dependent care spending account.
• Employee assistance program.
• Retirement plan (non-matching).
• Sick time, vacation time, holiday pay, and birthday floating holiday.

We encourage you to apply if you think you would be a great fit for this role, even if you don't meet the preferred education/experience level. We welcome folks from all backgrounds and lived experiences and would love to learn more about how you may be a great fit for this role.