Substance Use Disorder Specialist (Permanent Supportive Housing)

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

• Provide Project Based substance use disorder assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, follow-up referral/service, as well as appropriate programming at multiple PSH sites.
• Work within a Project Based Multidisciplinary Team and collaborate with various community agencies and programs that provide inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment.
• Outreach to participants with a history of Homelessness living in permanent supportive housing.
• Motivate PSH residents to engage in services and activities that promote well-being by building rapport, collaborating with the ICMS team and providing support to participants.
• Create relationships with substance use treatment providers and develop the referral process; maintain a resource listing of substance use disorder services.
• Collaborate with Assistant Directors, Enrichment Coordinator and onsite staff to develop programming for all PSH sites.
• Screens and identifies persons with a substance use disorder or substance use symptoms; work with the individuals to develop a substance use treatment plan utilizing a harm reduction approach.
• Provide follow-up services to ensure that referrals are completed; provide advocacy as needed, engage in care coordination and discharge planning.
• Provide insight and knowledge of substance use-related disorders to outreach team members.
• Maintain thorough and accurate records in both written form and through assigned electronic databases.
• Coordinate program department activities as directed by supervisor.
• Attend various regular staff, agency and community meetings as designated by supervisor.
• Drive personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and drive agency vehicles periodically to transport clients.
• Handle additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

• Experience in field-based services and familiarity with Coordinated Entry System (CES) for homelessness.
• In-depth knowledge of issues faced by homeless individuals, including health, substance abuse, mental health, and resources.
• Demonstrates empathy, non-judgmental attitude, and high tolerance for individuals with mental and physical health needs.
• Familiarity with "harm reduction" and "housing first" approaches.
• Understanding of substance use disorders according to DSM-5.
• Proficient in extensive charting, electronic data entry, and documentation.
• Experience in clinical settings with multiple diagnoses.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness preferred.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Active CAADE, CADTP, and CCAPP accreditation required.
• 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.
• Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance in good standing.
• Use of a personal vehicle to travel between worksites and other locations is required.
• 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.

Skills

• Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Zoom and web-based software proficiency.
• Strong prioritization skills for roles and tasks.
• Advocacy and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Maintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

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 Eligibility and more!

Pay

$26.42/Hour

Schedule

9/80 work schedule

Equal Opportunity Employer

LAFH is committed and proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.