Substance Abuse Counselor at Amity Foundation - Los Angeles, CA

About Amity Foundation

Amity Foundation is an internationally recognized teaching and therapeutic community dedicated to fostering trust, responsibility, and lasting relationships in a supportive environment. We focus on aiding individuals marginalized by addiction, homelessness, trauma, incarceration, poverty, and social injustices through research, development, and community-building initiatives.

Role Overview

As a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, you will provide both group and individual rehabilitative treatment services within a residential therapeutic community. This role emphasizes supporting the re-entry population through prison programs while enriching your clinical skills and practical experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and engage in individual and group therapeutic sessions under certified behavioral health supervision.
• Conduct comprehensive intake assessments ensuring students’ basic needs are met, including supporting special situations like quarantine.
• Advocate for students by maintaining awareness of their backgrounds and fostering a supportive social environment.
• Evaluate students’ social, legal, and personal histories and collaborate with family, legal representatives, and probation officers as needed.
• Monitor and document behavioral changes and maintain sensitive student records accurately, responding promptly to emergencies.
• Maintain and restore Amity’s physical environment standards to ensure a clean, culturally inclusive, and welcoming community space.
• Oversee daily community living care, teaching students to maintain personal and shared living environments.
• Plan and facilitate engaging student activities, seminars, ceremonies, and communal events that support community values.
• Contribute actively to community-building efforts, recognition of accomplishments, and uphold the vision and values of the community.
• Attend ongoing training sessions, workshops, and conferences to enhance teaching and community-building skills.
• Ensure compliance with documentation and reporting requirements while safeguarding students' health, safety, and confidentiality.
• Provide mentorship and example-setting in work habits to students and assist in overseeing interns and volunteers.
• Participate in faculty staffing, community activities, and perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required AOD/SUDT certification from a California state-approved body.
• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health with at least one year of experience in substance abuse or behavioral health treatment, or a High School diploma/GED with a combination of education and two years’ relevant experience.
• Familiarity with therapeutic community methodologies, group dynamics, and substance abuse treatment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, capability to supervise staff, and sensitivity towards individuals with substance abuse challenges.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain objectivity and sensitivity under pressure.
• Knowledge of substance abuse causes, symptoms, and impact.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday time.
• 401K retirement plan, Health Savings Account (HSA), and life insurance options.
• Workplace dedicated to community involvement and action.