Position: SUD DUI Counselor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Department: Driving Under the Influence Program
Reports To: Director of DUI Program
Hours: Full-Time or Part-Time
Compensation: Salary/Hourly – Competitive, Dependent on license
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Schedule: Mon–Fri; Evenings/Weekends as Needed
About STEPS, Inc.
STEPS, Inc. is a Bakersfield-based nonprofit providing evidence-based substance use disorder treatment across Kern County. We operate an Driving Under the Influence (DUI) program which includes a state-certified DUI education, group counseling, and one-on-one counseling serving court-mandated participants. Our mission is to INSPIRE participants to make life changes, EMPOWER them with the tools to make it happen, and ELEVATE our participants to a new and healthier lifestyle. We have an encouraging culture focused on our participants. Come join a wonderful team and help change lives.
Position Overview
STEPS, Inc. is seeking an experienced, credentialed, and mission-driven SUD Counselor to provide direct program services to our Driving Under the Influence (DUI) program. This role is central to the delivery of our DUI program services and is ideal for a counselor who is committed to recovery-affirming, evidence-based care and who thrives in a structured, community-based treatment environment.
The SUD/DUI Counselor will carry an assigned caseload of participants enrolled in the DUI program, conduct intake interviews to determine appropriate program level (SB38, AB541, AB1353). The Counselor will facilitate education classes, group counseling sessions, and provide individual counseling. This position requires strong clinical documentation skills, a thorough understanding of California DHCS/KBHRS program requirements, and the ability to work collaboratively with referral partners including courts, probation, and community agencies.
What Success Looks Like
In the first 90 days, a successful Mental Health Therapist will:
30 Days — Complete required onboarding and KBHRS orientation; review all active participant files; begin co-facilitation of DUI counseling groups under supervision of DUI Director.
60 Days — Carry an assigned caseload of participants independently; conduct initial pre-assessments, develop individualized problem lists, and facilitate assigned group sessions with minimal oversight.
90 Days — Function as a fully contributing clinical team member — meeting productivity targets, maintaining documentation compliance, and participating in case consultations and quality review.
Key Responsibilities
Client Services & Counseling
● Conduct intake interviews to determine appropriate DUI program level (SB38, AB541, AB1353, or 30-month program)
● Facilitate DUI education and counseling groups in accordance with DHCS-approved curricula
● Provide individual counseling sessions focused on alcohol and drug misuse, relapse prevention, and behavioral change
● Develop individualized service plans in coordination with the client and supervisor
● Monitor client attendance and participation; enforce program rules consistently and equitably
Documentation & Compliance
● Maintain accurate, timely client records including intake assessments, progress notes, attendance logs, and treatment plans in compliance with CCR Title 9 and 42 CFR Part 2
● Prepare and submit court-mandated progress reports and program completion certificates to courts, probation officers, and the DMV within required timeframes
● Document all client contacts, absences, infractions, and discharges in the EHR system
● Participate in internal chart audits and quality assurance reviews as requested by the Compliance Officer
Coordination & Communication
● Communicate with Kern County courts, probation departments, and DMV regarding client enrollment status, attendance, and program completion
● Coordinate with referral sources, attorneys, and family members as appropriate and within 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements
● Participate in case consultations, supervision meetings, and all-staff training sessions
● Maintain current knowledge of California DUI law requirements and program regulatory updates from DHCS and KBHRS
Documentation & Compliance
● Complete all required documentation accurately and within established timeframes — including progress notes, treatment plan reviews, discharge summaries, and incident reports.
● Maintain compliance with California DHCS DUI program standards (CCR Title 22), HIPAA, and STEPS, Inc. internal policies.
● Participate in scheduled chart audits, peer review, and quality assurance activities.
● Ensure all required consents, authorizations, and DHCS required forms are completed at intake and maintained throughout treatment.
● Prepare and submit required reports to funding agencies, courts, and probation as authorized.
Team & Organizational Participation
● Attend program team meetings, staff trainings, and case consultation sessions.
● Participate in peer supervision and individual clinical supervision with the Director as required for registration or certification maintenance.
● Support new staff onboarding and student/intern supervision as capacity allows.
● Uphold and model the organization’s values of compassion, accountability, and recovery in all professional interactions.
Qualifications
● Current, valid AOD Counselor Certification (or in process) from a DHCS-recognized certifying organization (CCAPP, CAADE, or CADTP)
● Working knowledge of California CCR Title 9 DUI program requirements and California Vehicle Code sentencing provisions
● Strong written and verbal communication skills for documentation and court reporting
● Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and manage challenging client behaviors
● Associate's or Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field, preferred
● Experience working with court-mandated or criminal justice-involved populations
● Bilingual English/Spanish, preferred
● Lived experience with recovery, with sustained sobriety meeting organizational standards
Core Competencies
● Program Excellence — Applies evidence-based practices with fidelity; adapts interventions to individual participant needs while maintaining program structure.
● Participant Rapport — Builds genuine, trusting relationships with participants that support engagement, retention, and meaningful progress toward recovery.
● Documentation Discipline — Maintains accurate, timely, and clinically defensible records that reflect the quality of care delivered.
● Regulatory Awareness — Understands and consistently operates within DHCS DUI program requirements, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality rules.
● Collaborative Teamwork — Works effectively with clinical peers, leadership, and community partners to deliver coordinated, comprehensive participant care.
● Professional Accountability — Meets productivity expectations, manages caseload responsibilities independently, and seeks supervision appropriately.
Systems & Resources
Candidates should be proficient in, or able to quickly learn, the following:
● Documentation: Electronic Health Record (EHR) system (training provided); DHCS PAVE or CalOMS reporting
● Communication: Microsoft Outlook, Teams or equivalent messaging platform
● Productivity: Microsoft Word, Excel (for reporting and caseload tracking)
● Reference: DHCS Title 9 regulatory resources, intake criteria, program-specific treatment manuals
● Storage: SharePoint, OneDrive, or equivalent cloud-based file management
Working Conditions
● Full-time or Part-time position with possible schedule Monday through Friday and sometimes Saturday with schedule determined by DUI Director based on group programming needs.
● On-site position at STEPS, Inc. offices in Bakersfield, CA; some offsite appointments may be required.
● Regular interaction with participants in various stages of the program
● Physical requirements include extended periods of sitting, standing during group facilitation, and occasional light lifting of program materials.
● Must maintain required certification hours, complete STEPS mandatory training, and obtain required clinical supervision hours for credential maintenance.
Equal Opportunity Employer
STEPS, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Pay: $23.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
