Substance Use Disorder Specialist

About the role

You believe that every person deserves a place to call home. You see that homelessness is a systemic issue and want to be a part of the solution. You are ready to utilize your talent, experience, and creativity towards purpose-driven work. You want to work alongside industry leaders to learn, implement, and pioneer best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provides mobile, street-based outreach to people experiencing homelessness living on the streets and/or in encampments
• Motivates individuals experiencing homelessness to engage in outreach services and associated community referrals that promote well-being by building rapport and providing emotional support to participants
• Creates relationships with substance use treatment providers and develops the referral process; maintains a resource listing of substance use disorder services for those engaged through the Street-based Multidisciplinary Team
• Screens and identifies persons with a substance use disorder or substance use symptoms; works with the individuals to develop a substance use treatment plan utilizing a harm reduction approach
• Provides ongoing street-based housing focused case management services utilizing a Harm Reduction and Housing First approach
• Provides follow-up services to ensure that referrals are completed; provide advocacy as needed, engage in care coordination and discharge planning
• Provides insight and knowledge of substance use-related disorders to outreach team members
• Maintains thorough and accurate records in both written form and through assigned electronic databases
• Coordinates program department activities as directed by supervisor
• Attends various regular staff, agency and community meetings as designated by supervisor
• Drives personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and drives agency vehicles periodically to transport clients

Requirements

• Knowledge and experience in conducting field-based services; understanding of the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and its overarching goal of achieving “functional zero” for those experiencing homelessness
• Extensive knowledge of issues facing homeless single adults (e.g. chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, resources for undocumented persons)
• Able to demonstrate empathy and a non-judgmental attitude when engaging with persons experiencing homelessness
• Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with mental health and physical health needs
• Knowledge of “harm reduction” and “housing first” philosophies
• Knowledge of various substance use disorders according to DSM-5 required
• Must be able to perform extensive charting, electronic data entry, and documentation
• Clinical experience in working with individuals with multiple diagnoses including substance use, mental illness, and/or physical illness
• Able to manage emotionally charged situations by providing crisis intervention in a field-based environment
• Experience working with a multidisciplinary team
• Conflict resolution skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Zoom, and web-based software
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize roles, tasks, and deliverables
• Strong advocacy skills
• Creative problem-solving skills

Skills

• Ability to be flexible and work in an environment subject to ongoing change
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standards
• Bilingual: Spanish/English preferred
• Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification
• Pass post-offer Tuberculosis (TB) clearances
• Pass a Pre-Employment Physical Exam
• Travel is a regular duty for this position and is required
• Use of a personal vehicle to travel between worksites and other locations is required
• Work a 9/80 work schedule
• Experience Must be registered with CAADE, CADTP, and CCAPP. Must be enrolled in a substance use disorder (SUD) counselor training program but have not yet completed the training program, internship hours, and certification exam.
• 6 months experience providing direct homeless service delivery, case management, health care, behavioral health care, or substance use counseling preferred OR Completed Substance Use Counselor course work including internship and externship hours and certification exam
• Active CAADE, CADTP, and CCAPP accreditation required
• 6 months experience providing direct homeless service delivery, case management, health care, behavioral health care, or substance use counseling required
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homeless preferred

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403B Retirement Plan, 529 Education Savings Plan, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Legal Access Plan, Employee Appreciation Program, Company Sponsored Employee Events, Staff Development, 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule, Paid Sick, Vacation and 13 Observed Holidays, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program