SUD IOP Counselor — Job Description

Position Title: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor – Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Department: Clinical Services Reports To: Program Director / Clinical Supervisor FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Position Summary

The SUD IOP Counselor provides structured group facilitation, individual counseling, case management, and treatment planning within a DHCS‑licensed Intensive Outpatient Program. This role ensures high‑quality, trauma‑informed, culturally responsive services that support clients in achieving recovery goals. The counselor maintains strict compliance with DHCS, ASAM criteria, 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, and program policies.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical Services & Counseling

Facilitate IOP‑level groups (3–4 days/week) including psychoeducation, process groups, relapse prevention, and skills development.
Provide individual counseling using evidence‑based practices (MI, CBT, DBT skills, trauma‑informed approaches).
Conduct intake assessments, biopsychosocials, ASAM screenings, and level‑of‑care recommendations.
Develop and update individualized treatment plans with measurable objectives aligned to ASAM dimensions.
Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and support during acute emotional or behavioral episodes.
Maintain therapeutic rapport and professional boundaries.

Case Management & Coordination

Assist clients with referrals to medical, psychiatric, housing, employment, and social services.
Coordinate care with external providers, probation/parole, and community partners.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and clinical reviews.
Support clients with discharge planning, continuing care, and relapse‑prevention strategies.

Documentation & Compliance

Complete progress notes, treatment plans, group notes, discharge summaries, and collateral documentation within required timeframes.
Ensure documentation meets DHCS, ASAM, 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, and program standards.
Track attendance, engagement, and clinical outcomes.
Maintain certification/registration logs and supervision requirements if applicable.

Program Support & Professional Conduct

Uphold ethical standards and adhere to CCAPP, CADTP, or CAADE requirements.
Participate in staff meetings, training, QA/QI activities, and audits.
Support a safe, respectful, recovery‑oriented environment.
Maintain CPR/First Aid, TB clearance, and background checks as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Certification

Registered or certified with a DHCS‑approved organization:

CCAPP (RADT/CADC)
CADTP (Registrant/SUDCC)
CAADE (Student/CATC)

Completion of required AOD/SUD education hours (minimum 315 hours).
Must maintain active registration or certification throughout employment.

Experience

Experience facilitating groups in SUD or behavioral health settings preferred.
Experience with IOP or structured outpatient programs strongly preferred.
Experience working with diverse populations and co‑occurring disorders.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of addiction, co‑occurring disorders, ASAM criteria, and recovery principles.
Strong group facilitation skills and ability to manage group dynamics.
Excellent documentation, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to respond calmly and effectively in crisis situations.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit, stand, and facilitate groups for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 20 lbs occasionally.
Ability to respond to emergencies quickly and safely.

Work Environment

Outpatient behavioral health treatment setting.
May involve exposure to individuals in crisis or under the influence.
Requires professionalism, emotional resilience, and adherence to safety protocols.