Substance Use Peer Specialist

About the role

The Substance Use Peer Specialist plays a vital role in engaging patients with substance use and co-occurring mental health needs by providing real-time support, on-site support, recovery-oriented counseling, case management, care coordination, and outreach. This position is part of a multidisciplinary team focused on enhancing the quality of life for underserved and vulnerable patients.

Responsibilities

• Provide substance use support and case management services to people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles City Council District 1.
• Deliver on-site substance use screening, intakes, assessments, and conduct counseling, brief interventions, and recovery support using evidence-based and harm reduction approaches.
• Provide education to patients on substance use, relapse prevention, overdose prevention, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and other relevant health topics using a harm reduction and patient-centered approach.
• Conduct follow-ups with patients via phone calls, encampment visits, and visits to other settings where patients can be found.
• Navigate substance use disorder treatment options/resources/centers and complete referrals appropriately.
• Coordinate care to facilitate/support patients' transition to higher levels of care, including hospitals, detox, and residential treatment centers/facilities.
• Attend planning and coordination meetings with CD1 team.
• Act as a patient advocate and liaison between the patient and community agencies, ensuring that patient needs are met with rights maintained; consults and collaborates with community providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Participate in monthly Mental Health case conferences with Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, and Family Medicine.
• Recognize changes in the patient's physical and mental condition, take appropriate action by notifying physicians and/or nursing supervisors.
• Comprehensively document all aspects of care provided during each encounter, including pertinent patient history, treatments, and coordination of care efforts, ensuring compliance with program, state licensing, and other regulatory standards and guidelines.
• Promote security by alerting appropriate personnel for safety, fire, and other unsafe situations, and reporting any unusual occurrences to supervisor.
• Provide individualized interventions and services to promote restoration of health and achievement of patient health goals.
• Understand and address age-related and cultural needs of individuals served.
• Offer client care coordination in a non-discriminatory and non-judgmental manner.
• Work cooperatively with external partners and organizations, effectively communicating Street Medicine's mission.
• Collaborate closely with the larger internal Street Medicine multidisciplinary team, including Social Work Department, Registered Nurses, Physician/Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner, Community Health Workers, and administration team.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1 year experience in a similar role
• Certificate in a drug/alcohol program through a California-approved certified program

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with unsheltered or homeless population, and navigating appropriate resources
• Knowledge of Los Angeles County Substance Use Treatment Centers (including detox and residential), supportive housing, and interacting with SASH Line
• Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal
• Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality
• Able to multi-task effectively and demonstrate strong organizational skills
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• A cooperative and team-oriented attitude