Position Summary
20-28 hours per week, M-F onsite in downtown San Jose
$28-$32/hour depending on experience
Can also be structured as an internship
Substance Use Disorder Specialist / Counselor provides trauma-informed, recovery-oriented support to Café members navigating substance use and mental health recovery journeys. This role helps create a safe and welcoming environment while offering individualized support, encouragement, accountability, and connection to resources and services. 

Key Responsibilities

Provide compassionate, nonjudgmental support to members navigating substance use recovery
Build trusting relationships with members through consistent engagement and presence
Conduct informal recovery coaching, motivational support, and resource connection
Support members experiencing relapse, crisis, or barriers to stability
Collaborate with Systems Navigation staff and external providers for warm handoffs and referrals
Assist with facilitating or supporting recovery circles, workshops, and recovery programming
Maintain appropriate documentation and data tracking as required by organizational and grant guidelines
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and community partner coordination
Help maintain a welcoming, trauma-informed community environment rooted in dignity and belonging

Qualifications

Commitment to upholding and embodying the Café’s mission, values, and culture of radical hospitality & loving accountability
CADC, CADTP, CCAPP, or Peer Support Specialist certification or previous related experience preferred; Good fit for retired therapist or other clinical support of various kinds 
Knowledge of the local recovery ecosystems, including substance use disorder treatment options and the continuum of support and service providers preferred 
Lived experience in recovery strongly valued and encouraged
Understanding of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented systems of care
Ability to work effectively and compassionately with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and justice system involvement
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
Ability to maintain healthy boundaries while leading with empathy and compassion
Bilingual skills preferred

To Apply

Recovery Cafe San Jose is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of recovery. Please send a resume and a cover letter sharing why this role speaks to you to jobs@recoverycafesj.org. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

About Recovery Cafe San Jose

Recovery Cafe San Jose is a healing community of support and services for people recovering from addiction, homelessness, mental health challenges, and other kinds of life trauma. Our unique model of loving accountability empowers stabilization, personal growth, and a new engagement with life.