Metro Line Substance Use Specialist - (5472)

About the role

We are seeking candidates passionate about helping others make a positive change in their lives to join our Metro Rail Outreach Team as the Substance Use Specialist at the RHC location.

Responsibilities

• Conduct nightly outreach at Metro stations, bus stops, and aboard trains to develop relationships and build rapport with clients in order to assist them with finding a home.
• Conduct VI-SPDAT (Vulnerability Index- Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool) assessments for all new clients in order to connect them to proper intervention and services and document results in the HMIS.
• Conduct substance abuse assessments and provide referrals as necessary.
• Provide street-based case management services that are designed to prepare and connect homeless clients to long-term supportive services and achieve their goals including:
• Assistance with the establishment of personal benefits including (GR, SSI, TANF, Veterans Pension, etc.).
• Assistance with obtaining various forms of identification, including birth certificates and social security cards.
• Provision of employment assistance, housing referrals, and health related assistance, as identified on the ISP.
• Assistance with applications for supportive and subsidized housing and prospect potential locations for affordable rental housing.
• Provision of and/or assistance with connection and access to any other services that assist with improving quality of life, such as mental and physical health services.
• Meet with established clients on a regular basis to review, evaluate, and support goal completion.
• Respond within specific contract timeframes to requests for street outreach services and send follow-up information to the requestor and the supervisor.
• Collaborate with community substance abuse and mental health providers to ensure seamless referral services.
• Work with local law enforcement and interim service providers to ensure a smooth transition from street living to interim housing.
• Provide ongoing information, referrals, linkages, and advocacy for all other identified needs.
• Creatively use and develop community resources to broker and link clients to services.
• Provide a high-quality customer service environment for all clients.
• Participate in staff meetings and training as assigned by the supervisor.
• Complete all necessary paperwork to track client progress (daily logs, ISP, etc.).
• Maintain documentation standards as set forth by the program contract and PATH policies.
• Complete paperwork on each face to face and telephone contact with the client, or with any collateral contact, by close-of-business on the next working day.

Requirements

• Analytical Skills and Attention to Detail: Gather and interpret data, identifying trends, patterns, and insights to inform decision-making.
• Ability to consistently produce high-quality work, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work effectively with others, seeking out and building positive working relationships with colleagues, participants, and stakeholders.
• Communication: Convey information clearly and effectively (both verbally and in writing) to individuals and groups in a manner that informs, engages and maintains their attention.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Analyze and evaluate information and situations, identify key issues, consider alternatives, and make logical decisions based on sound reasoning that will achieve the desired outcome.
• Ethics and Boundaries: Maintain ethical and professional standards, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing the right thing in all situations while maintaining professional boundaries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Certification in substance use counseling (e.g., CATC, SUDCC, CADC).

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years required working directly with substance use services.

Mandatory Requirements

• Have employment eligibility verification.
• Be able and willing to obtain CPR/First Aid training.
• Successfully complete the following as a condition of hire: Tuberculosis Test, Background Screening, Drug Test.
• Have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and ownership for personal vehicles used during work duties, and the ability to qualify for PATH's insurance coverage.