Client Engagement Counselor (Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist) - SUD Treatment
Confidential
Posted: March 3, 2026
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Quick Summary
The Client Engagement Counselor for SUD Treatment is responsible for providing peer support to clients in a culturally competent manner, utilizing a holistic approach to promote long-term recovery and well-being. This role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of the complexities of substance use disorder. The ideal candidate will be able to work with clients from diverse backgrounds and populations.
Required Skills
Job Description
CLIENT ENGAGEMENT COUNSELOR
(CERTIFIED MEDI-CAL PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST)
SUD TREATMENT
CRI-Help is a substance use disorder treatment center with several locations across Los Angeles County. We've been around since 1971 and are noted as an organization practicing integrity in our commitment to ethical and meaningful client care. Our mission is to improve the welfare of the community by providing first-class substance use disorder treatment to adults and families seeking freedom from the bondage of addiction, and we live out that mission everyday with our staff and clients.
As a nonprofit organization, CRI-Help is a qualifying employer affording our full-time employees the opportunity to begin, or continue, the process of seeking PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness). In addition, our benefits package for full-time employees is quite robust- especially the option for 100% employer-paid Medical insurance, including an additional 40% paid coverage for dependents, which accompanies our 401k with 4% match option nicely. Please see the full list of benefits below, especially the 12 paid holidays per year (we are a 24/7 facility, so not all employees will be able to take all 12 paid holidays off- but will still get paid for the holiday in addition to their hours worked).
CRI-Help is an amazing organization to be a part of and I strongly encourage you to consider joining the team! We opened a new facility in Lincoln Heights in January 2025 and are still hiring for all roles- keep referring back to https://crihelp.bamboohr.com/careers/ for current openings at all sites.
Basic Functions
Utilize lived experience with substance use recovery to promote client engagement, self-determination, resiliency, and sustained recovery.
Responsibilities
Keep a schedule of regular peer engagement sessions with clients and be available for crisis support and recovery coaching when needed.
Provide individual and group Peer Support Services as defined under DMC-ODS, including:
Engagement and rapport building.
Recovery support and skill development.
Self-advocacy coaching.
Relapse prevention support.
Linkage to community-based recovery resources.
Oversee mentorship program in collaboration with Support Technician Department and Clinical Program Manager.
Conduct follow-up surveys with recently completed clients.
Complete all required documentation in compliance with DMC-ODS standards.
Interface with all staff regarding client treatment and engagement issues.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinical Director.
Skills / Knowledge
Must meet California DHCS requirements for DMC-ODS Peer Support Specialist services.
Demonstrated lived experience with substance use recovery and sustained recovery as defined by agency and county standards.
Must be able to identify patterns common to individuals with substance use disorders.
Ability to establish genuine, strength-based relationships with clients.
Ability to utilize peer support strategies to educate, model recovery behaviors, elicit insight, and motivate clients toward treatment engagement and retention.
Education / Training
Current Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification required.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience
Must have working knowledge of the 12 Steps of NA and AA.
Working Conditions
Frequently remain in stationary positions, standing and / or sitting for prolonged periods.
Occasionally crouching below the waist and / or reaching above the shoulders.
Occasionally lifting and / or moving objects up to 20 lbs.
Special Conditions
Must be willing to undergo random drug screenings.
Position Reports To
Clinical Director
Position Type
Full-Time, In-Person, Non-Exempt, Hourly
Pay Range
$23.00 - $25.00 / Hour
Benefits
100% Paid Blue Shield Trio Plan Medical Insurance Option
80% Paid Blue Shield Access+ Plan Medical Insurance Option
80% Paid Kaiser Medical Insurance Option
40% Dependent Coverage on Medical Insurance Plan
80% Paid Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid time off (10 Paid Sick Days Annually, 12 Paid Holidays Annually, Paid Vacation)
Educational Assistance Tuition Reimbursement Program
401(k) 4% Employer Match
100% Paid $25,000 Life Insurance Plan with option to voluntarily increase coverage
CRI-Help ensures that all applicants are treated with equal consideration, without regard to age, race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, ethnic / cultural identification, religion, sexual preference, or disability.