SUD Care Coordinator - MSW/MFT/LPC

About the role

The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Care Coordinator position is part of the newly certified Outpatient Healing and Addiction Recovery program at Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center. This role is non-exempt and union/non-union, reporting directly to the Program Director.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain high-quality referrals and linkages to community resources, including housing, educational, social, prevocational, vocational, rehabilitative, and other services.
• Actively assist patients with applications and maintenance of public benefits (e.g., Medi-Cal, Minor Consent Program, General Relief, and County-funded programs).
• Support patients experiencing homelessness by helping them access the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and completing necessary intake and assessment documentation.
• Develop relationships and protocols with external service providers to ensure patients have actual access to necessary services rather than just providing resource lists.
• Ensure benefits are transferred when patients move across counties.
• Facilitate patient transitions between Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Levels of Care (LOCs), including scheduling assessment appointments and coordinating documentation transfers.
• Coordinate with physical health providers, managed care health plans, community health clinics, and mental health providers to ensure integrated care.
• Work closely with county and state entities such as DPSS, DCFS, Probation, and Housing Providers to align health services with social services.
• Follow up with patients post-hospital discharge, emergency room visits, or transitions from residential care to ensure continuity of care.
• Track referrals until confirmation of patient enrollment in receiving treatment agencies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between SUD care, mental health care, medical care, and social services.
• Communicate patient updates and treatment progress to service providers, county agencies, courts, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Advocate for patient needs with healthcare and social service providers, ensuring that patients receive timely and necessary services.
• Educate patients on their rights and responsibilities related to care access and service coordination.
• Provide required documentation and correspondence, including letters for legal and social service agencies verifying patient participation in SUD treatment.
• Address the unique needs of special populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, persons with co-occurring disorders (CODs), pregnant and parenting women (PPW), youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those involved with the criminal justice system.
• Advocate for patients in school, court, or correctional settings by preparing necessary reports, letters, and in-person representation.
• Cookordination reentry services for justice-involved individuals, ensuring seamless integration into community services.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, combined with a minimum of 2 years of experience in substance abuse treatment, social services, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of ASAM CONTINUUM or SAPC Youth ASAM assessment.
• Experience working with special populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, persons with co-occurring disorders (CODs), pregnant and parenting women (PPW), youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those involved with the criminal justice system.

Skills

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and collaborate with various healthcare and social service providers.

Benefits

Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

Pay

$40.00 - $45.00 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time position, Monday through Friday, with some evening and weekend availability as needed.