Substance Use Counselor & Housing Navigator

Union-Station-Homeless-Services; Altadena (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Union Station Homeless Services is seeking a Substance Use Specialist to conduct outreach and housing navigation for chronically homeless individuals in Altadena. You will provide substance use counseling within your scope and work as part of an interdisciplinary team to connect clients with treatment and housing resources.

The role requires assessment, triage of referrals, documentation in HMIS, and coordination with partners to secure permanent supportive housing opportunities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of emergency, transitional and permanent housing resources in LA County.
• Familiarity with HUD guidelines and subsidized housing programs.
• Ability to communicate clearly, in writing and verbally.
• Proficiency with HMIS data entry and standard data practices.
• Proficient in Windows and MS Office software.
• Valid California driver’s license and access to a registered vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach and housing navigation for chronically homeless individuals.
• Provide substance abuse counseling within scope of practice.
• Collaborate in an interdisciplinary team to coordinate services.
• Assess clients, triage referrals, and connect to treatment programs.
• Assist with collecting documents for permanent supportive housing applications.
• Attend case conferences and coordinate with partners.
• Link clients to mental health, health, legal, employment services as needed.
• Document services and enter data into HMIS system.
• Provide transportation assistance to stabilize housing crises.
• Identify interventions to address homelessness and housing opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Housing resources knowledge

HUD guidelines knowledge

Substance use counseling

Effective communication

HMIS entry and data transcription

Computer literacy (Windows, Office)

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services

Counseling experience (1 year)

Case management experience (1 year)

CADAC or similar certification

Tools

HMIS

Microsoft Windows

Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

Gmail

Job description

Union Station Homeless Services is seeking a Substance Use Specialist to conduct outreach and housing navigation for chronically homeless individuals in Altadena. You will provide substance use counseling within your scope and work as part of an interdisciplinary team to connect clients with treatment and housing resources.

The role requires assessment, triage of referrals, documentation in HMIS, and coordination with partners to secure permanent supportive housing opportunities.