Bilingual Recovery Counselor
Posting Details
Job Details
Description
PAYRATE:
Pay is based on current status of candidate.
- $32 Hourly for Registered AOD
- $36 Hourly for Certified AOD
OVERVIEW:
The Recovery Counselor is a certified counselor that is responsible for providing ethical and professional addiction counseling and case management services to our program participants. The Recovery Counselor carries out administrative functions to support the Center in its overall operations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Attend all meetings
- Identify, network, and refer participants to community-based services
- Act as lead and point of contact for situations regarding clinical responses
- Participate in intake and orientation to the program
- Develop, implement, and document action plans with program participants
- Evaluate program participant progress during all phases of the program
- Maintain files, correspondence, and statistics
- Submit required reports and information documenting services provided to participants
- Report evidence or suspicion of abuse to proper authorities
- Refer program participants to internal and external resources based on their treatment needs
- Accompany program participants to off-site appointments
- Review and be ready to present the progress of each program participant in weekly case conferences
- Create and update discharge and aftercare planning to support ongoing long-term recovery, including referrals to appropriate post-care resources
- Respond to emergencies that occur in the residence
- Assist with all emergency evacuations
- Follow and reinforce program policies, requirements, and expectations
- Facilitate group counseling sessions
- Other related duties as required
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- High School Diploma or equivalent (required)
- Experience in substance abuse and/or mental health counseling (2 years required)
- Certification pursuant to CA Code of Regulations, Title 9 § 13010 (required)
- Maintain compliance with the requirements for continuing education hours and/or units (CEH or CEU) as determined by the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and/or other regulatory agencies
- First Aid and CPR certification (within first fourteen days of employment – company provided)
- Tuberculosis clearance (within first seven days of employment)
- Experience working successfully with issues of substance abuse, mental illness, and other potential barriers to self-sufficiency
- Experience with Microsoft programs
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Bilingual in Spanish (required)
- Ability to work with a highly diverse population
- Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner
- Ability to multi-task
- Excellent organizational skills
- Knowledge of clinical documentation
- Knowledge of Medi-Cal Delivery System
- Knowledge of co-occurring disorders, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed treatment
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. (usually file boxes)EQUIPMENT USED:
Modern Office Equipment and Relevant SoftwareADA Statement:
Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests if the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.
Acknowledgment of Religious Purposes of The Salvation Army
Please note that The Salvation Army has a religious purpose and status as a church. We ask our employees that they do nothing to their relationship with The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission. Employees must agree and understand that their services are a necessary part of The Army’s religious purposes and their work-related conduct must not conflict with, interfere with, or undermine such religious programs or The Army’s religious purposes.
At-Will
Any employment relationship with this organization is of an “at-will” nature, which means that an Employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge an Employee at any time with or without cause. It is further understood that this “at will” employment relationship may not be changed by any written document or by conduct unless such change is specifically acknowledged in writing by an authorized executive of this organization.
Qualifications
Skills
Required
CPR/AED
Behaviors
Motivations
Education
Required
High School or Equivalent or better.
Experience
Required
Bilingual in Spanish
Bilingual in Spanish2 years:
Experience in substance abuse and/or mental health counselingRegistration pursuant to CA Code of Regulations, Title 9 § 13010
Registration pursuant to CA Code of Regulations, Title 9 § 13010Licenses & Certifications
Required
TB cleared certificate
Substance Abuse Counselor
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Freqently Asked Questions
Being bilingual in Spanish enhances communication with San Francisco’s diverse population, allowing recovery counselors to build trust and deliver tailored addiction support. This skill improves client engagement, making counseling sessions more culturally sensitive and effective for Spanish-speaking participants.
Handling co-occurring disorders requires nuanced understanding of both mental health and substance abuse. Counselors must carefully coordinate treatments, recognize trauma triggers, and adapt interventions to individual needs, ensuring comprehensive recovery plans that address multiple complexities simultaneously.
Certification pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 9 § 13010, is essential for this role. Additionally, CPR/AED and tuberculosis clearance are required. These credentials ensure counselors meet state standards and are prepared for medical emergencies while serving the local community.
The Salvation Army expects counselors to align their work with the organization's faith-based values. While providing professional addiction support, counselors contribute to the agency’s spiritual goals by respecting its religious purpose and fostering an environment consistent with its mission.
Yes, pay rates vary with certification: registered AOD counselors earn $32 per hour, while certified AOD counselors receive $36 per hour. This tiered pay scale reflects the added qualifications and responsibilities associated with advanced certification.
San Francisco’s demand for bilingual recovery counselors is relatively high due to its diverse demographics and robust mental health services. Spanish bilingual skills significantly boost employability, as many local agencies seek professionals who can bridge cultural and language gaps in addiction treatment.
This position combines direct counseling with case management duties such as documenting progress, facilitating group sessions, and coordinating community referrals. The bilingual aspect adds a layer of cultural competence, essential for effective communication and participant advocacy.
At The Salvation Army, counselors engage with a faith-based framework that shapes program policies and participant interactions. The role demands adherence to religious values alongside professional ethics, fostering a unique blend of spiritual and clinical support.
Qualified individuals can request reasonable modifications to meet physical or operational needs without compromising job performance. The Salvation Army commits to accommodating disabilities when feasible, ensuring an inclusive environment for all employees.
While $32 to $36 hourly pay reflects industry standards for certified counselors, San Francisco’s high living expenses may require supplemental income or benefits. However, the wage is competitive for recovery roles and can provide a stable foundation when combined with other resources.
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