Street-Based Substance Use Outreach Counselor (Homeless)

Eddy; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Off Main Clinic in Salinas, CA seeks a street-based outreach worker to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with substance use treatment, MAT, and recovery supports. You will engage clients with education, harm reduction, and navigation to housing, medical, behavioral health, and community services.

The role emphasizes non-judgmental, trauma-informed engagement, accurate documentation in agency systems, and coordination with Homeless Services to meet contract and regulatory

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus two years of relevant outreach or related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, addiction studies preferred.
• Current registration or certification as an alcohol and other drug counselor or ability to obtain registration before providing counseling services.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships with homeless adults with substance use disorder using trauma‑informed, client‑centered approach.
• Provide street-based outreach, counseling, education, harm reduction, and service navigation.
• Conduct field assessments, referrals to treatment and other supports, and coordinate follow‑ups.
• Develop outreach plans with canvassing areas aligned to needs, goals, and contracts.
• Coordinate with CHS Homeless Services and street outreach programs to identify clients and link to housing and care.
• Provide crisis intervention and timely referrals, and assist with transportation as needed.
• Maintain client confidentiality and documentation in agency systems per regulations and contracts.
• Attend meetings, participate in planning, and train staff on substance use identification and referral.

Skills

Outreach experience

Counseling skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Documentation accuracy

HIPAA knowledge

Field-based work

Education

Bachelor's degree in counseling or related field

Tools

Avatar EMR

HMIS

Coordinated Assessment & Referral System

Job description

Off Main Clinic in Salinas, CA seeks a street-based outreach worker to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with substance use treatment, MAT, and recovery supports. You will engage clients with education, harm reduction, and navigation to housing, medical, behavioral health, and community services.

The role emphasizes non-judgmental, trauma-informed engagement, accurate documentation in agency systems, and coordination with Homeless Services to meet contract and regulatory