AOD Counselor

AOD Counselor

In-Person Full-Time (40 hours per week) Position in Castro Valley, CA / Oakland, CA (Non-Exempt)

Who We Are

Ruby's Place dba Restorative Pathways (RP) is an innovative nonprofit committed to ending domestic violence, human trafficking, and violent crime through hope, advocacy and connection. Our services include emergency shelter, transitional housing, rental subsidies, mental health services, substance recovery, and wrap-around services. All our services are trauma-sensitive and client-centered and are provided at no cost to our clients. All programs are low barrier.  

RP is led by survivors with a focus on reflection, innovation, and connection.  We believe in fostering relationships, both in our direct service work and throughout our internal work culture. We aim to cultivate a workplace that appreciates and emphasizes the voices of those most impacted by violence. We recognize these voices are vital to interrupting the cycle of violence and transforming lives towards safety, unity, and trust.

Who You Are

You have a strong commitment to preventing interpersonal violence as well as an understanding of, and sensitivity to, serving diverse populations. You have excellent interpersonal skills and strong techniques for relationship building. You believe people should determine their own path towards healing, and have an orientation towards survivor-centered services.

You are a go-getter who enjoys fast paced environments. You enjoy working both collaboratively and independently. You are adept at time management and highly organized with a proven ability to ensure you can meet deadlines, plan, organize and execute. You are comfortable working as part of a team and are an accountable collaborator. You excel at organizing, prioritizing, and following through on multiple time-sensitive projects. You are flexible, creative, and take initiative in handling emergencies. 

What qualifications are required for this position?

You Are Also:

In possession of a high school diploma (required); associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience facilitating SUD groups for youth or adults preferred.

Training or experience in relapse prevention, group facilitation, and trauma-informed care preferred.

Ability to work effectively with adolescents, adults, families, and multidisciplinary teams

Must be registered with a DHCS-approved certifying organization (CCAPP, CADTP, or CAADE) prior to first day of employment.

Full AOD certification required within 12 months of hire (Riley Recovery Centers standard).

Fully certified AOD counselors are strongly preferred at time of hire.

CE requirements per certification board: 40 hours every 2 years.

TB/Health screening annually

In possession of a valid CA driver's license, proof of insurance, and be approved by RP insurance as a driver in order to drive agency vehicles.  If a staff member cannot be approved by RP insurance as a driver, employment might not be able to continue.  Instances where staff cannot be approved to drive will be reviewed on a case by case basis to determine if employment can continue in their role without driving agency vehicles.  Items considered include but are not limited to: the shift the staff member holds and the frequency/necessity of driving during that shift, the amount of time before the staff member may be approved to drive by the insurance carrier, the availability of other staff on site to drive agency vehicles as program needs require, etc.

Able to complete all required background checks. Additional requirements may be deemed necessary, including fingerprinting (Live Scan), completion of all Community Care Licensing (CCL) documents, and ability to meet CCL licensing requirements.

What You Will Do

The AOD Counselor provides group facilitation, client engagement, relapse prevention education, and documentation support for Youth IOP (in person) and Adult IOP (telehealth). This role delivers trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive SUD services consistent with DHCS Title 9, CARF, Medi-Cal, and ASAM 2.1 requirements. The AOD Counselor collaborates closely with licensed clinicians, medical staff, and case coordination teams to support integrated care and positive outcomes for both youth and adults.

Responsibilities include

Facilitate evidence-based group sessions for youth (in person) and adults (telehealth).

Support treatment plan development by providing recovery-focused input and client goal tracking.

Document group notes, progress notes, and services in compliance with DHCS Title 9 and Medi-Cal requirements.

Assist with screenings, orientations, and engagement of new youth and adult participants.

Provide relapse prevention coaching, early recovery skills, and psychoeducation.

Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and support coordination of services.

Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and 42 CFR Part 2/HIPAA compliance.

Deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and gender-affirming SUD services.

Support overdose prevention and emergency procedures, including Naloxone readiness.

Participate in quality improvement activities, training, and program development.

Complete functional timesheets by assigned due dates in compliance with time allocations.

Actively participate in reflective supervision sessions.

Create and maintain documentation of processes and procedures related to job duties.

Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

This position is 100% in-person.  You must be able to stand for long periods of time and perform physical activities, including lifting up to 25 pounds. You will be subject to frequent interruptions and must be able to multitask and handle stress.  Local travel in the greater Bay Area may be required.

Applying

The pay scale for the AOD Counselor is $36.10 per hour (non-exempt). The benefits that come with working at RP at full-time hours include medical, dental, and vision plans, a life insurance policy, significant vacation, sick time, restorative care time, and immediate vesting in our 403(b) with a generous match. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, salaried position. This is a hybrid position (flex work), with some days required in our Castro Valley Office. Applicants must be located in the greater Bay Area.

Preference will be given to internal applicants. 

At RP, we are committed to workplace diversity and providing equal employment opportunities. Please also note that we are going to be especially excited about candidates who understand the unique nature of a mission-driven organization and have lived experience or direct experience working with survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, or violent crime.