Safety Stabilization Counselor (SSC)

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 Safety & Stabilization 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 – Required at time of hire
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.)
On-site work in a recuperative care setting with medically vulnerable individuals
Schedule and Travel Requirements
Full-time (40 hours/week)
Shift schedules may vary, including evening, overnight, and weekend availability
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.

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No