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WP
Whole Person Care Clinic
Behavioral Health & Recovery Counselor
Career Insights for Mental / Behavioral Health Counselor
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Based on California data
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What they do
A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
$44,834 / year median in California
+22% projected growth
Job Description
Our Mission:
At Whole Person Care Clinic (WPCC), our mission is to provide holistic, compassionate, and accessible care that nurtures the physical, emotional, and social well-being of every individual we serve. Through an integrated approach that combines medical care, behavioral health services, and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, we address the full spectrum of patient needs. Within our Medical Respite / Recuperative Care program, we support individuals experiencing homelessness who are recovering from acute illness, injury, or hospitalization—ensuring a safe environment for healing while promoting stability and long-term recovery.Position Summary:
The Behavioral Health & Recovery Counselor is a frontline behavioral health, SUD-focused role responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, recovery-oriented environment within a medical respite / recuperative care setting. This position integrates behavioral health and substance use disorder support, post-acute care stabilization, and safety monitoring for vulnerable clients. Clients served often present with co-occurring medical conditions, behavioral health needs, and substance use disorders. The Safety and Stabilization Counselor plays a key role in supporting recovery engagement and safe healing environments following hospital discharge. This role requires strong judgment, emotional regulation, and the ability to balance awareness with safety oversight in a high-acuity care setting. The ideal candidate is someone who: Has experience working with behavioral health, SUD, co-occurring conditions, and medically vulnerable populations Applies a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, harm reduction approach Demonstrates strong professional boundaries, communication, and reliability Remains calm and effective in high-acuity or crisis situations Supports both clinical goals and program safety expectations This position works closely with case managers, SUD counselors, medical providers, and behavioral health staff to support client stabilization and recovery.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Client Support & Crisis Response Create a safe and welcoming environment with clients using empathy, professionalism and cultural humility Maintain a safe and orderly environment through consistent monitoring of facility grounds Observe and report changes in medical or functional status to clinical staff Identify and respond to medical, behavioral, and safety risks proactively Utilize de-escalation and non-violent crisis intervention techniques Respond to emergencies in coordination with clinical staff and emergency services Enforce program expectations consistently and therapeutically Substance Use Disorder Support Provide recovery-oriented support, reinforcing treatment goals, relapse prevention, and harm reduction strategies Monitor for withdrawal symptoms, relapse risk, or substance use activity and escalate concerns appropriately Encourage participation in SUD services, groups, and recovery planning Support development of coping skills, structure, and recovery routines Case Coordination & Team Collaboration Work closely with medical and behavioral health providers, nurses, SUD counselors, and case managers to support care plans Communicate relevant updates on client status, risks, and engagement Participate in team huddles and care coordination meetings Documentation & Compliance Complete timely and accurate documentation (shift logs, incident reports, client observations) Maintain compliance with HIPAA, and program policies Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct in all interactions Qualifications and Requirements Education High School Diploma or GED- Required Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Addiction Studies, or related field
- Preferred Experience Minimum 1 year of experience in SUD treatment, recuperative care, residential programs, or behavioral health settings Experience with homeless populations, medical vulnerability, and co-occurring disorders Knowledge of recovery principles, crisis intervention, and post-acute care support Certifications or Licenses
- Candidates must possess at least one of the following, or a combination where applicable: CADTP Registration or Certification (SUDRC or SUDCC)
- Required at time of hire California Guard Card or PSO Registration
- Company will provide BLS Certification
- Required Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Preferred Core Competencies Recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care Understanding of substance use and co-occurring conditions Ability to recognize and escalate medical or behavioral changes Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills Effective crisis management and de-escalation Cultural humility and adaptability in a high-acuity environment Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, EHR systems) Working Conditions & Physical Requirements Frequent walking and monitoring of facility grounds Ability to assist with basic client mobility and non-clinical needs Standing for extended periods and occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.
EEO / ADA
Statement WPCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. WPCC provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Disclaimer This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for the position. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.Benefits
- Dental Insurance