Substance Use Disorder Specialist (Permanent Supportive Housing)

Why Join Us

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.

The Position

The Substance Use Disorder Specialist is responsible for providing Project Based substance use disorder assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, follow-up referral/service, as well as appropriate programming at multiple PSH sites. This position will work within a Project Based Multidisciplinary Team and will collaborate with various community agencies and programs that provide inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment.

What You'll Do

• Provides Project Based outreach to participants with a history of Homelessness living in permanent supportive housing.
• Motivates 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
• Creates relationships with substance use treatment providers and develops the referral process; maintains a resource listing of substance use disorder services
• Collaborates 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; works with the individuals to develop a substance use treatment plan utilizing a harm reduction approach
• Provides follow-up services to ensure that referrals are completed; provide advocacy as needed, engage in care coordination and discharge planning
• 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

What You're Skilled At

• 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
• Clinical experience with multiple diagnoses
• Availability for after-hours crisis response
• Handling emotionally charged situations and providing crisis intervention
• Collaborative work within multidisciplinary teams
• Conflict resolution expertise
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Zoom, and web-based software
• Strong prioritization skills for roles and tasks
• Advocacy and creative problem-solving abilities
• Other
• Maintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to be flexible and work in an environment subject to ongoing change

What We Offer

• 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

Physical Demands, Environmental Conditions, Equipment

Potential physical demands include but are not limited to: walking, climbing stairs, handling, finger/grasp/feel objects and equipment, reaching, communicating, being mobile, repetitive motions, visual activity, driving, and entering buildings. Comfortable working in a pet-friendly environment required.