Substance Abuse Specialist

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance

403(b) retirement plan with company 3%

Job summary

Step Up in Los Angeles, a DMH partner, seeks a Substance Abuse Specialist/Service Coordinator I to provide rehabilitation, linkage and case management for clients with chronic homelessness and comorbid conditions. You will work within a trauma-informed model to sustain housing, build life skills and promote wellness.

The role emphasizes outreach, coordination of medical and housing resources, and delivering evidence-based counseling and documentation per MediCAL standards.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of DSM-5 diagnoses and functioning assessment.
• Experience with DMH documentation and EBP approaches.
• Certification in substance abuse treatment required (CADC or equivalent).
• Bachelors degree in psychology/social work or related field or 3 years related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide initial co-occurring substance assessment and enrollment recommendations.
• Assess immediate needs (crisis, detox, medical, shelter) and connect to resources.
• Report on functioning and support networks to improve outcomes.
• Assist clients in setting goals and Coordinated Care Plan objectives.
• Coordinate with team to ensure access to housing, healthcare, and benefits.
• Proactively outreach clients to maintain engagement in services.

Skills

DSM-5 diagnoses knowledge

Motivational interviewing

DBT

Trauma Informed Care

Housing First

Time management

Education

CADC or related certification

B.A in psychology/social work

Tools

Electronic Health Records (Welligent)

Job description

Service Coordinator I - Substance Abuse Specialist

DMH

JOB TITLE: Substance Abuse Specialist

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

HOURS: 40 hours per week

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt

REQUISITION NUMBER: 1853

SUMMARY

The Substance Abuse Specialist/Service Coordinator I provides rehabilitation, linkage and case management support services as a member of the Department of Mental Health (DMH) Teams. Clients will either be housed in permanent supportive housing or pending housing, still requiring outreach while homeless. All clients have a history of chronic homelessness, mental health diagnoses and co- or tri-morbid medical or substance disorders. The program will use a modified ACT model of care and services to ensure successful permanent placement. The objectives of the program are to sustain those in housing and house those pending housing, then develop life skills and positive mental health behaviors which will support their recovery and promote wellness. Step Up as an agency subscribes to a Trauma Informed Model of Rehabilitation and Wellness and Recovery for all members to achieve their highest level of engagement, functioning and recovery.

Benefits and What We Offer:

• Opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Generous paid time off (13 paid holidays, 10 days of EPTO, 12 sick days).
• Competitive salary and benefits package. Health, dental, vision, Aflac, and life insurance $25,000.00
• 403(b) retirement plan available on the first day of work. After working 1000 hours, Step Up matches 3% of the 6% the employee contributes.

DUTIES

The following reflects essential functions for this job but does not restrict other tasks, which may be assigned:

Direct Service and Support:

• Conduct/facilitate and evaluate for initial co-occurring substance component of psychiatric and psychosocial assessment and make recommendations for enrollment in the program. This will include level of functioning, stage of change in recovery or desire for treatment, support network, adequacy of living arrangements, financial status, physical health, level of self-care, medication and treatment history and compliance.
• Evaluate for immediate needs such as crisis intervention, inpatient detox, medical attention, showers, clothing, food, emergency shelter, etc. Assure access to local resources by developing and maintaining relationships with these organizations.
• In coordination with the Program Manager and SC II staff report on and address level of functioning including changes in behavior or symptoms, support network, adequacy of living arrangements, financial status, physical health, level of self-care to improve level of functioning to reduce defined distress or stressors.
• Assist clients in identifying needs and completing work towards those goals and concrete objectives established on the Coordinated Care Plan.
• Coordinate with team members to assure client has access to local resources, including psychiatric and medical care/appointments, housing, benefits establishment, community rehabilitation and socialization activities, drug/alcohol services, providing transportation and accompanying the client using personal or public transportation when necessary.
• Actively outreach clients on caseload who have not been in contact and ensure engagement in services.

Documentation and Data Collection:

• Complete all DMH chart paperwork and maintain documentation according to MediCAL standards of practice in Electronic Health Record – Welligent within proscribed timeframes as outlined in SUOS documentation policy. Ensure SFPR has authorized services and all required signatures and dates are complete.
• Meet weekly, monthly and quarterly billing quota as presented by Program Manager.
• Conduct individual and group substance counseling and provide routine case management.
• Maintain documentation of all counseling sessions, substance abuse services and other services in compliance with agency policies and procedures, contracts and other regulatory requirements.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision and maintain counselor skills and certifications through trainings etc, as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS

Knowledge of or experience with DSM 5 diagnoses, assessment of level of functioning, DMH documentation, EBP’s such as Motivational interviewing, DBT, Harm Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, etc. Ability to work independently and on a collaborative team. Initiative and solution focused practice. Uses good time management skills and resources to balance case load direct service and paperwork.

QUALIFICATIONS

CADC or related substance certification and training in co-occurring substance disorders and variety of treatment modalities. B.A in psychology/social work or related field, or 3 years of related work experience with co-occurring substance abusing TAY or adults with a mental health diagnosis. Case Management experience is essential. Must have own transportation, current California drivers license, a clean driving record and proof of car insurance. Also having the ability to chart patient progress to meet documentation requirements.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Work with people experiencing homelessness whether on the streets, in shelters or other places of habitation or services, may present inherent challenges and difficulties such as: exposure to bed bugs or other infestations, unpleasant smells or odors, individuals who may have poor hygiene or unclean homes due to homelessness, mental health symptoms, or poverty. Additionally, in working with our members, employees may encounter instances of profanity, sexually explicit or derogatory language, or verbal or physical expressions of anger and trauma. Very rarely do these situations ever elevate to physical contact, and negative or derogatory communication patterns can often be negotiated successfully. All direct care staff are provided adequate training to develop skills to deescalate crisis situations that may arise and Step Up has established procedural safeguards for all employees to mitigate (but not eliminate) these inherent risks of employment.

Please Note: This position is part of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU721) Bargaining Unit.

STEP UP CORE VALUES

HOPE – We believe all people have the capacity for positive growth and change. We use hope to inspire and motivate ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

WELLNESS – We believe in promoting a culture that supports healthy and fulfilling lives. We use a supportive environment to foster well-being for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

VOICE AND CHOICE – We believe in the right to choose and be heard. We use voice and choice to create meaningful outcomes and empowerment for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

RESPECT – We believe in promoting interactions that are non-judgmental, transparent. We use respect to guide all of our words and actions with ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS – We believe in forming partnerships to share resources, knowledge, and experiences. We use collaborative relationships to strengthen accomplishments for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

Step Up provides equal employment opportunities without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, mental or physical disability, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

STEP UP IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER