How to Apply to Amityfdn

Key Takeaways

Before applying, verify that your AOD certification or clinical license meets the exact level specified in the Amity job title (Counselor I vs. II vs. III, LCSW vs. LMFT) — mismatched credentials are a common reason for early disqualification
Tailor each Lever application to the specific facility and role rather than submitting one generic resume across multiple postings — Amity's recruiters can see your application history in Lever
Place your clinical credentials and license numbers in a prominent, dedicated section at the top of your resume so both Lever's parser and human reviewers can instantly confirm your qualifications
Prepare for interviews by researching Amity's therapeutic community model — articulate how community-based, peer-driven treatment differs from traditional clinical approaches and why you value it
Factor in the CDCR background clearance timeline when planning your job transition — facility clearance can add two to six weeks beyond a standard hiring process
Incorporate specific behavioral health terminology (ASAM criteria, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, trauma-informed care) throughout your resume to align with both Lever keyword searches and Amity's clinical language
If you have lived recovery experience, consider mentioning it appropriately — Amity's culture genuinely values this as a strength, not a liability

About Amityfdn

Amity Foundation is a nonprofit organization with deep roots in therapeutic community-based programs, primarily serving individuals within the criminal justice system and those recovering from substance use disorders. Founded in 1969, Amity has built a national reputation for delivering evidence-based rehabilitation, reentry, and recovery services — often operating directly within California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) facilities such as San Quentin, High Desert State Prison, Mule Creek State Prison, and several youth conservation camps. Their program model centers on the belief that transformative human connection, rather than punishment alone, drives lasting behavioral change. Amity's mission-driven culture attracts professionals who are passionate about social justice, behavioral health, and second chances. The organization employs a diverse workforce of AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) counselors, licensed clinical supervisors (LCSW, LMFT), recreational therapists, administrative professionals, and reentry specialists. With approximately 176+ open openings at any given time, Amity is in a significant growth phase, expanding its reach across correctional, community-based, and aftercare settings throughout California and beyond. Working at Amity Foundation means joining an organization where the work is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. Employees frequently describe a culture of compassion, lived experience, and mutual accountability — many staff members bring their own recovery journeys into their roles. The organization values clinical credentials alongside real-world empathy, making it a uniquely welcoming environment for professionals at various stages of their behavioral health careers. Competitive compensation, professional development support, and the chance to contribute to meaningful systemic change make Amity a compelling employer in the nonprofit behavioral health space.

Application Process

1
Explore Open Positions on Amity's Lever-Powered Careers Page
Begin by visiting Amity Foundation's careers page, which is hosted on the Lever applicant tracking system. Browse the approximately 150 active listings, filtering by facility location (e.g., San Quentin, High Desert State Prison, Mule Creek) or role type (AOD Counselor, Clinical Supervisor, Administrative). Pay close attention to role-specific requirements such as AOD certification levels, LCSW/LMFT licensure, or specific facility clearance needs, as these vary significantly between postings.
2
Prepare Your Resume and Supporting Documents
Before applying, tailor your resume to the specific Amity role. Ensure your clinical certifications (AOD I, II, or III), active licensure status (LCSW, LMFT, CADC), and any correctional facility experience are clearly listed and easy to scan. Gather copies of your certifications, as Amity roles within CDCR facilities typically require verification of credentials and may also require background clearance documentation at later stages.
3
Submit Your Application Through Lever
Complete the Lever application form, which typically asks for your resume upload, basic contact information, and may include custom screening questions. Amity's Lever portal commonly includes questions about your licensure or certification status, your willingness to work within correctional facility settings, and your availability for specific shifts. Answer these screening questions thoroughly — they are often used as initial filters by the hiring team.
4
Initial Screening and Recruiter Review
After submission, Amity's HR or recruiting team reviews applications within Lever. Given the volume of openings and the specialized nature of the roles, candidates with clearly stated credentials and relevant correctional or behavioral health experience typically advance more quickly. You may receive an initial phone screening to verify your licensure status, discuss facility assignment preferences, and confirm your understanding of the work environment.
5
Interview Round(s) with Hiring Manager and Clinical Leadership
Qualified candidates are typically invited to one or two interview rounds. For counselor-level positions, expect a behavioral interview focused on your clinical approach, experience with therapeutic communities, and comfort working in correctional settings. Clinical Supervisor roles (LCSW/LMFT) often include a more rigorous interview assessing your supervisory philosophy, familiarity with evidence-based practices for substance use disorders, and crisis management experience.
6
Background Check and Facility Clearance
Because many Amity positions are located inside state correctional facilities, a thorough background check and CDCR security clearance process is typically required before a formal offer is finalized. This process can take several weeks and may include fingerprinting, a Live Scan, and review by the specific institution's administration. Candidates should be prepared for this timeline and communicate proactively with Amity's HR team about any potential concerns.
7
Offer, Onboarding, and Orientation
Upon clearance, you will receive a formal offer letter through Lever's communication system or directly from HR. Amity's onboarding commonly includes orientation to the organization's therapeutic community model, facility-specific safety and security training, and introductions to your program team. New hires in clinical roles typically receive additional training on Amity's specific treatment curricula and documentation standards.

Resume Tips for Amityfdn

critical

Lead with Your Licensure and Certification Status

Amity's job titles explicitly reference credential levels — AOD Counselor I, II, or III, LCSW, LMFT, and AOD certification requirements. Place your active certifications and license numbers prominently in a dedicated 'Credentials' or 'Certifications' section near the top of your resume. For example, list 'CADC-II, California #12345' or 'LCSW, License #LCS67890, Active through 12/2025.' Lever's parsing will pick up these terms, and recruiters scanning dozens of applications will immediately see your qualification match.

critical

Specify Correctional Facility Experience by Name

Amity roles are assigned to specific facilities — San Quentin (SQ), High Desert State Prison (HDSP), Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP), Solano (SOL), Sierra Conservation Center (SCC), and Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp (PGYCC). If you have prior experience working in any correctional setting, name the facility, your clearance level, and the population you served. This signals to Amity that you understand the unique dynamics of providing treatment in a correctional environment and reduces perceived onboarding risk.

critical

Use Behavioral Health and AOD-Specific Terminology

Amity's clinical programs are built around substance use disorder treatment, therapeutic communities, aftercare, and reentry services. Weave terminology like 'motivational interviewing,' 'relapse prevention planning,' 'cognitive behavioral interventions,' 'group facilitation,' 'treatment planning,' 'ASAM criteria,' and 'trauma-informed care' into your experience descriptions. These aren't just keywords for Lever's parsing — they demonstrate fluency in the clinical frameworks Amity uses daily.

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Highlight Therapeutic Community or Group Facilitation Experience

Amity Foundation's model is fundamentally rooted in the therapeutic community approach, where peer-driven accountability and structured group processes are central. If you have experience facilitating process groups, encounter groups, community meetings, or peer-led recovery circles, describe these experiences with specifics: group size, population characteristics, frequency, and outcomes. Even if your experience was in a non-correctional setting, this directly translates to Amity's programmatic needs.

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Quantify Your Caseload and Program Outcomes

Hiring managers at behavioral health nonprofits want to know you can handle the volume and complexity of the work. Include metrics such as 'Managed caseload of 35+ clients in residential AOD treatment,' 'Facilitated 12 weekly group sessions across two housing units,' or 'Contributed to a 20% increase in program completion rates over 12 months.' Concrete numbers give your application substance and help differentiate you from candidates who describe responsibilities without results.

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Format for Lever's Parsing: Clean Structure, No Graphics

Lever processes resumes uploaded in PDF or Word format. Use a clean, single-column layout with standard section headers (Experience, Education, Certifications, Skills). Avoid text boxes, tables, headers/footers with critical information, or infographic-style designs — these elements can cause Lever to misparse your content. Keep your font standard (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and your formatting consistent so every credential and keyword is properly indexed.

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Address Gaps Transparently if Applicable

Amity Foundation's culture values lived experience and personal recovery journeys. If you have employment gaps related to education, personal recovery, or career transitions, consider addressing them briefly and positively — for example, 'Completed AOD certification program' or 'Provided volunteer peer support during personal recovery period.' Amity is known for being more open to non-traditional career paths than many employers, so honesty and context can work in your favor rather than against you.

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Include a Concise Professional Summary Aligned to Amity's Mission

Open your resume with a 2-3 sentence professional summary that directly connects your experience to Amity's mission of community-based rehabilitation and recovery. For example: 'Licensed AOD Counselor II with 5 years of experience delivering substance use treatment in California correctional settings. Passionate about therapeutic community models and supporting successful reentry for justice-involved populations.' This sets the tone and helps recruiters immediately understand your alignment with the organization's purpose.

ATS System: Lever

Lever is a modern applicant tracking and candidate relationship management system that Amity Foundation uses to manage its high volume of open positions across multiple facility locations. Lever parses uploaded resumes to extract key data points — contact info, work history, education, and skills — and allows recruiters to search, tag, and filter candidates by keywords, credentials, and screening question responses. Understanding how Lever processes your application gives you a tactical advantage in a hiring pool that may include dozens of candidates per role.

Upload your resume as a PDF or Word document (.docx) for the most reliable parsing by Lever — avoid image-based or heavily designed formats
Include exact credential abbreviations (AOD, CADC, LCSW, LMFT, RADT) that match Amity's job title terminology so Lever's keyword search captures your profile
Complete all optional fields and screening questions in the Lever application form — incomplete applications are often deprioritized or filtered out automatically
Use standard resume section headers (Experience, Education, Certifications, Skills) rather than creative alternatives, as Lever maps content based on recognized headings
Apply to the specific facility-based role you want rather than submitting a generic application — Lever tracks your application per posting, and targeted applications demonstrate focused interest
Mirror key phrases from the job description in your resume and screening question responses, as Lever enables recruiters to search candidates using exact terms from the posting
If you're qualified for multiple Amity roles across different facilities, submit separate tailored applications for each — Lever treats each posting independently

Complete Lever Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

Interviewing at Amity Foundation reflects the organization's unique position at the intersection of nonprofit social services, clinical behavioral health, and the criminal justice system.

Expect a process that values both professional credentials and personal authenticity — Amity's therapeutic community model prizes genuine human connection, and this ethos extends into how they evaluate candidates. For AOD Counselor positions (Levels I through III), the interview process typically involves one to two rounds. An initial phone screen with HR or a program coordinator will verify your certification status, availability, and willingness to work within a specific correctional facility. The second round is usually an in-person or video interview with the program director or clinical supervisor at the assigned site. You should be prepared to discuss your clinical approach to substance use treatment, describe how you would facilitate a group session, and share how you handle conflict or resistance within a therapeutic setting. Clinical Supervisor roles (LCSW/LMFT) face a more in-depth process. Expect scenario-based questions about clinical oversight, staff development, crisis intervention, and documentation compliance. You may meet with both the local program leadership and regional or organizational leadership. Amity will be assessing not just your clinical expertise but your ability to model the therapeutic community values — empathy, accountability, and a non-hierarchical leadership approach. For administrative and support roles (Administrative Assistant, Recreational Therapist), interviews tend to be conversational and mission-focused. Interviewers want to know you understand and respect the population Amity serves — justice-involved individuals in recovery — and that you can navigate the structured environment of a correctional facility with professionalism and compassion. Across all roles, demonstrating cultural humility, comfort with diverse and complex populations, and a genuine connection to Amity's mission of rehabilitation through community will signal strong culture fit. Avoid overly clinical or detached language — Amity values candidates who bring warmth, resilience, and a willingness to be part of a community themselves.

What Amityfdn Looks For

Active and verifiable AOD certifications (CADC-I, CADC-II, RADT) or clinical licensure (LCSW, LMFT) as required by the specific role level
Direct experience working within correctional facilities or with justice-involved populations, demonstrating comfort with security protocols and institutional environments
Demonstrated skill in group facilitation, particularly within therapeutic community or peer-driven treatment models
Commitment to Amity's mission of rehabilitation and reentry — candidates who articulate a genuine belief in recovery and human potential
Cultural humility and the ability to work effectively with highly diverse populations across race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and life experience
Resilience and emotional regulation under stress — correctional behavioral health work demands consistent composure in unpredictable environments
Familiarity with evidence-based treatment modalities including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and trauma-informed care
Willingness to undergo and pass CDCR background clearance and adhere to facility-specific security requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Amity Foundation hiring process typically take?

The Amity Foundation hiring process commonly takes four to eight weeks from application to start date, though this can vary significantly based on CDCR facility clearance requirements. The application review and interview stages may move relatively quickly — often within two to three weeks — given the organization's high volume of openings and ongoing staffing needs. However, the background check and security clearance process required for correctional facility-based roles can add two to six additional weeks. Candidates report that staying in proactive communication with Amity's HR team during the clearance waiting period helps manage expectations and demonstrates continued interest.

Do I need an AOD certification to apply for counselor roles at Amity Foundation?

Yes, most AOD Counselor positions at Amity require either a current AOD certification or active enrollment in a certification program. AOD Counselor I roles typically require at minimum an AOD registration or certification such as RADT (Registered Alcohol/Drug Technician) or CADC-I. AOD Counselor II and III roles generally require progressively higher certification levels (CADC-II or equivalent) and more documented experience hours. Some postings specify the exact certifying body accepted — check each job description carefully. If you are close to completing your certification, it is often worth applying and noting your expected completion date in your application.

Should I submit a cover letter with my Amity Foundation application?

While Lever does not always require a cover letter for Amity postings, submitting one can meaningfully differentiate your application, especially for competitive Clinical Supervisor or specialized program roles. Use your cover letter to connect your personal motivation to Amity's specific mission of therapeutic community-based rehabilitation — this is not a generic nonprofit, and your letter should reflect that you understand the unique population and setting. Reference the specific facility and program in the posting, and briefly describe what draws you to correctional behavioral health work. Keep it to one page and use it as an opportunity to explain any credential or career context that your resume alone may not fully convey.

What is it like working inside a correctional facility for Amity Foundation?

Working inside a CDCR facility as an Amity employee means operating within a highly structured security environment while delivering compassionate clinical services. You will pass through security checkpoints daily, adhere to strict institutional policies about what you can bring into the facility, and navigate the balance between custody concerns and treatment goals. Many Amity employees describe the work as challenging but deeply rewarding — providing treatment to individuals who might otherwise have no access to quality behavioral health services. Amity's therapeutic community model creates a distinct microculture within the facility where mutual respect between staff and participants is foundational. New hires typically receive facility-specific orientation and safety training to help them acclimate.

Can I apply to multiple Amity Foundation positions at different facilities?

Absolutely, and Amity's use of Lever makes this straightforward. Each facility-based posting (San Quentin, High Desert, Mule Creek, etc.) is listed as a separate position in Lever, and you should submit a distinct application for each one you are interested in. Tailor your resume or screening question responses to reference the specific facility and role level where possible. Lever tracks each application independently, so applying to multiple roles will not be viewed negatively — in fact, it signals flexibility and genuine interest in the organization. Just ensure your credentials match the requirements for each posting you select.

Does Amity Foundation offer remote or hybrid work options?

The vast majority of Amity Foundation's positions are on-site within correctional facilities, residential treatment programs, or community-based offices. The nature of AOD counseling, group facilitation, clinical supervision, and recreational therapy requires physical presence with program participants. Administrative roles such as Administrative Assistant positions may also be facility-based to support on-the-ground operations. While some organizational leadership or back-office functions may have limited remote flexibility, candidates should expect that most advertised roles require consistent in-person attendance at the assigned location. This is a core characteristic of the work rather than a policy limitation.

What experience level do I need to get hired at Amity Foundation?

Amity hires across a broad spectrum of experience levels, which is evident in their tiered counselor structure (AOD Counselor I, II, and III). Entry-level candidates with an AOD registration and limited professional experience can find opportunities at the Counselor I level, which typically involves working under clinical supervision while building their hours toward full certification. Mid-career professionals with established certifications and several years of direct service experience are strong fits for Counselor II/III and Aftercare Counselor roles. Licensed clinicians (LCSW, LMFT) with supervisory experience are sought for Clinical Supervisor positions. Amity's culture also values lived recovery experience, so candidates with non-traditional career paths who hold the required credentials should not hesitate to apply.

How should I prepare for an interview at Amity Foundation?

Research Amity's therapeutic community model before your interview — understand that their approach is rooted in community-as-method, where peer accountability and shared lived experience are treatment tools. Be prepared to discuss specific clinical scenarios: how you would handle a participant in crisis, how you facilitate difficult group dynamics, and how you maintain therapeutic boundaries within a correctional setting. Bring examples of your work with justice-involved or substance-use-disorder populations, even if from internship or volunteer settings. Demonstrate cultural humility and a non-judgmental stance toward the population Amity serves. Finally, show that you have read the specific job posting carefully — knowing which facility you are applying to and the population housed there signals serious intent.

What happens if my background check for CDCR facility clearance is delayed?

CDCR background clearance delays are relatively common and are generally outside Amity's direct control. The process involves fingerprinting, a Live Scan background check, and review by the specific institution's administration, all of which can encounter processing backlogs. Amity's HR team is typically experienced in managing these timelines and can provide updates on your clearance status. Candidates report that maintaining regular, professional communication with their Amity HR contact during this period is important — ask for status updates biweekly and confirm that all required documentation has been submitted on your end. A clearance delay does not indicate a problem with your candidacy; it reflects the standard security protocols of working within state correctional facilities.

Sample Open Positions

Check Your Resume Before Applying → View 176 open positions at Amityfdn

Sources

Amity Foundation — Official Careers Page — Amity Foundation
Amity Foundation — About Us and Mission — Amity Foundation
Amity Foundation Company Reviews and Interview Insights — Glassdoor
Lever ATS — How It Works for Applicants — Lever