SUD Counselor - SC/ Bell Shelter-11-037

Position Summary

The Wellness Center is a state-licensed residential drug and alcohol recovery program. The DMC SUD Counselor role promotes the recovery and self-sufficiency of participants during their stay, adhering to licensing, funder, and Salvation Army requirements/policies. This position provides direct supervision and case management services, serves as the initial point of contact, completes phone assessments, ensures necessary documents are signed, and provides a thorough orientation during intake appointments. The DMC SUD Counselor facilitates various psycho-educational groups and documents client participation.

Essential Functions

• Timely answering of the Drug MediCal (DMC) phone intake line during business hours and scheduling all intake appointments for assessment.
• Update the SBAT daily and keep daily census.
• Manage intake calendar and complete the intake process including all documentation requirements.
• Perform initial orientation on the same day as arrival.
• Meet timeliness standards of Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Standards.
• Perform timely data entry and reporting in HMIS, SBAT, PCNX, and SASH systems.
• Create and maintain data related to the census, daily client roster, and contractual assignments.
• Coordinate bed assignments and changes.
• Network with collaborative agencies and community partners for referrals/resources.
• Drive company vehicles & transport clients to appointments, as needed.
• Provide individualized case management, advocacy, and referral services for participants, who are generally experiencing homelessness with histories of substance abuse, possibly with co-occurring mental health disorders.
• Referrals for group and/or individual mental health counseling; educational, vocational, and/or employment preparation and placement services; and a variety of social and recreational activities – on or off site.
• One-on-one case management meetings with each participant at least once per week, with appropriate documentation of participant progress and case notes documented in the participant’s chart (HMIS and PCNX).
• Updating of participant’s progress notes, recovery plans, and other documents required by State Licensing Standards, funders, The Salvation Army, and Bell Shelter.
• Inputting all appropriate data for DMC billing purposes into the PCNX system.
• Ensure that all newly arriving clients are interviewed and participate in a comprehensive needs assessment within 24 hours of written notice of the participant’s assignment to the case manager’s caseload.
• Provide advocacy, counseling, and support in applying for and accessing mainstream benefits, including but not limited to Unemployment Benefits, General Relief, SSI, and other federal, state, and local assistance programs.
• Facilitate psycho-educational groups sessions as assigned and oversee client chores and assignments.
• Participate in all in-service training classes as scheduled.
• Collaborate with other staff members to ensure adherence to safety and security measures and assist with client medication monitoring.
• Absent from random searches, UA testing, daily rounds, client roll ups, chore checks, and other activities to ensure client safety.
• Absent from assisting with file and data entry reconciliation in preparation for audits.
• Report all disciplinary concerns and notable incidents to program staff.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by Wellness Center Program Manager, Clinical Director, and Facility Director.

PAY RATE

$26.45 - $34.50/hr.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis.
• Must be able to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree is preferred along with one year experience in medical and/or psychiatric models a plus.
• Certification/registration as an Addiction Treatment Counselor by state approved organization required.
• Must have current TB test.
• Must be CPR and First Aid Certified.
• Knowledge of HMIS preferred.
• Class B Driver License preferred.
• Clean MVR and ability to drive & transport clients.
• Experience with co-occurring disorders a plus.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to carry out assignments independently and must possess strong time management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of addiction & 12-step programs.
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office Applications and ability to type a minimum of 45 WPM.