AOD Support Staff Registered MC

About Us

VOALA (Volunteers of America) is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing programs, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at www.voala.org.

About the Role

In training to be an AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) counselor, the AOD Support Staff I Registered - MC provides services to beneficiaries participating in treatment while monitoring the program premises for safety and security. The AOD Support Staff I participates in group counseling sessions and crisis management and is in good standing pursuing the education and supervised hours required to achieve certification. Meets annual renewal requirements and submits annual renewal of Registration until Certification is earned.

Responsibilities

• AOD Counseling:
  • Under guidance and supervision of a Certified AOD Counselor, learn alcohol and drug counseling functions including screening, assessment, and intake.
  • Collect specimen from clients for drug and alcohol screening in accordance with organization Policy and Procedures.
  • Collaborate with case manager and therapist to assist treatment and other plans; assist in required intervention; participate in group and educational sessions.
  • Assist in completing discharge and transition plans and complete required EHR (Electronic Health Record) records.
  • Transport program participants in the company vehicle to offsite appointments, as needed.
• Program Security:
  • Program Entrance Monitoring: Authorize entrance and departure of participants, visitors, guests, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises. Building Security will contact the Program when visitors arrive.
  • Bag & Person Screening: Monitor and search all participants’ belongings being brought into the Program each time a participant enters, including their pockets, while monitoring for any signs of substance use or bringing contraband into the program. Treat every participant with equal dignity and professionalism.
  • Monitor premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of the program by walking the floor and monitoring surroundings when outside accompanying beneficiaries; make reports as needed.
• Program Safety:
  • Observe Program premises to ensure safe operations; report and correct any spills, unsafe working conditions, or defective equipment.
  • Know location of fire exits and be prepared to assist participants in case of any emergency.
  • Monitor clients and conduct room checks; maintain records of client compliance with program rules; report to clinical/case management staff and assist as required.
  • Call Police or Fire Department in cases of emergency, such as fire, medical, or psychiatric issues. Call Building Security if any intruders on the floor or hostile residents who need to be escorted off the floor.
• Asset Protection:
  • Report all suspicious events to direct supervisor.
  • Complete written reports and incident logs of daily activities and irregularities, such as unusual occurrences, equipment or property damage, theft, and presence of unauthorized persons.
• Client/Participant Support:
  • Answer telephones and take messages for clients and staff; monitor doors and greet visitors.
  • Maintain office housekeeping; verify all common areas, laundry areas, and restrooms are clean, disinfected, and fully operational.
  • Monitor and record client self-administration of medication in accordance with organization Policies and Procedures.
  • Assist Program staff during provision of services to clients/participants, including meal preparation/serving, set-up for classes, meetings, recreation, and other Program events.
  • Input required data to computer systems and logs (EHR and other databases as required).
• Act as a role model for participants at all times.
• Perform other duties that may arise to support the Program mission and goals.

Essential Duties

• Services for this position must be provided on-site. The position requires incumbents to report to work on-site each day of active employment.
• Training in AOD Counseling:
  • Screening, assessment, and intake.
  • Group and educational sessions.
  • Provide one-on-one mentoring, support, assistance, and advocacy.
• Program Security:
  • Monitor Program entrance.
  • Screen bags and persons entering Program.
  • Patrol premises as scheduled.
• Program Safety:
  • Monitor clients; conduct room checks; report violations of rules.
  • While patrolling, continuously observe for safe operations/conditions; report safety concerns.
• Asset Protection:
  • Complete written reports and incident logs of daily activities and irregularities, such as unusual occurrences, equipment or property damage, theft, and presence of unauthorized persons.
• Client/Participant Support:
  • Perform other duties as required and may be subject to change.
• Act as a role model for participants at all times.

Mandated Reporter: As service providers to the underprivileged and vulnerable in our community, all employees are considered Mandated Reporters and must report any instance of physical or sexual abuse to proper authorities.

Requirements

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment, and education verifications.
• Valid Driver’s license or State ID, as required by DHCS.
• Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflicts dealing with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients, as VOALA serves the neediest of the needy in our programs, which may include clients with homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration, and other challenges.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Registered and in good standing in an Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification program by an approved accrediting organization (CCAPP, CADTP, or CADEE).
  • Completed modules 1 and 2 of ASAM within 2 weeks of hire.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • AA or higher degree in a related field.
  • Experience with Electronic Health Record (EHR).
  • Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred.
  • Understanding of harm reduction (non-abstinence) approach with participant substance use.
  • Willing to work with substance abuse clients, mental health, LGBTQ, and HIV/AIDS.

Pay

$19.85 - $20.89 per hour

Benefits

VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.