Substance Use Disorder Specialist

LA Family Housing; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 30,026 - 42,765; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

403B Retirement Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Job summary

LA Family Housing in Los Angeles is looking for a Substance Use Disorder Specialist I to conduct street-based substance use assessments and provide crisis intervention for homeless individuals. The role involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to promote well-being through outreach services and referrals. Applicants must be registered with relevant accreditation bodies and have experience in homeless service delivery. The position offers comprehensive benefits and a flexible work schedule.

Qualifications

• Must be registered with CAADE, CADTP, and CCAPP.
• 6 months experience providing direct homeless service delivery preferred.
• Must maintain CPR/First Aid Certification.

Responsibilities

• Provides mobile, street-based outreach to people experiencing homelessness.
• Develops and maintains relationships with substance use treatment providers.
• Screens and identifies persons with substance use disorders.

Skills

Field-based services

Substance use disorder knowledge

Empathy and non-judgmental attitude

Crisis intervention

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Conflict resolution

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Registration with CAADE, CADTP, CCAPP

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Microsoft PowerPoint

Zoom

Job description

USD $26.42/Hr.

The Position

The Substance Use Disorder Specialist I is responsible for providing street-based substance use disorder assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, and follow-up referral/service tracking to people experiencing homelessness living on the streets and/or in encampments. This position will work within a street-based Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and collaborate with community agencies and programs that provide inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment.

What You'll Do

• Provides mobile, street-based outreach to people experiencing homelessness living on the streets and/or in encampments
• Motivates individuals experiencing homelessness to engage in outreach services and associated community referrals that promote well-being by building rapport and providing emotional support to participants
• Creates relationships with substance use treatment providers and develops the referral process; maintains a resource listing of substance use disorder services for those engaged through the Street-based Multidisciplinary Team
• Provides ongoing street-based housing focused case management services utilizing a Harm Reduction and Housing First approach
• Screens and identifies persons with a substance use disorder or substance use symptoms; works with the individuals to develop a substance use treatment plan utilizing a harm‑reduction approach
• Provides follow‑up services to ensure that referrals are completed; provides advocacy as needed, engages in care coordination and discharge planning
• Responsible for providing insight and knowledge of substance use‑related disorders to outreach team members
• Provides street-based housing focused case management
• Maintains thorough and accurate records in both written form and through assigned electronic databases
• Coordinates program department activities as directed by supervisor
• Attends various regular staff, agency and community meetings as designated by supervisor
• Drives personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and drives agency vehicles periodically to transport clients
• Additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

What You're Skilled At

• Knowledge and experience in conducting field-based services; understanding of the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and its overarching goal of achieving “functional zero” for those experiencing homelessness
• Extensive knowledge of issues facing homeless single adults (e.g., chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, resources for undocumented persons)
• Able to demonstrate empathy and a non‑judgmental attitude when engaging with persons experiencing homelessness
• Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with mental health and physical health needs
• Knowledge of “harm reduction” and “housing first” philosophies
• Knowledge of various substance use disorders according to DSM‑5 required
• Must be able to perform extensive charting, electronic data entry, and documentation
• Clinical experience working with individuals with multiple diagnoses including substance use, mental illness, and/or physical illness
• Availability to work after hours for crisis calls and/or disaster response
• Manage emotionally charged situations by providing crisis intervention in a field-based environment
• Experience working with a multidisciplinary team
• Conflict resolution skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Zoom, and web-based software
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize roles, tasks, and deliverables
• Strong advocacy skills
• Creative problem‑solving skills

Other

• Maintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to be flexible and work in an environment subject to ongoing change
• Bilingual: Spanish/English preferred
• Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification
• Ability to pass post‑offer Tuberculosis (TB) clearances
• Ability to pass a Pre‑Employment Physical Exam
• Travel is a regular duty for this position and is required
• Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance in good standing
• Use of a personal vehicle to travel between worksites and other locations is required
• Ability to work a 9/80 work schedule

Experience

Option 1

• Must be registered with CAADE, CADTP, and CCAPP.
• Must be enrolled in a substance use disorder (SUD) counselor training program but have not yet completed the training program, internship hours, and certification exam.
• Must be able to provide documentation of enrollment in the SUD counselor training program and registration with CAADE, CADTP, and CCAPP.
• 6 months experience providing direct homeless service delivery, case management, health care, behavioral health care, or substance use counseling preferred

Option 2

• Completed Substance Use Counselor coursework including internship and externship hours and certification exam
• Active CAADE, CADTP, and CCAPP accreditation required
• 6 months experience providing direct homeless service delivery, case management, health care, behavioral health care, or substance use counseling required
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homeless preferred

What We Offer

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403B Retirement Plan, 529 Education Savings Plan, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Legal Access Plan, Employee Appreciation Program, Company Sponsored Employee Events, Staff Development, 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule, Paid Sick, Vacation and 13 Observed Holidays, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligibility and more!

Physical Demands, Environmental Conditions, Equipment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Potential physical demands include but are not limited to: walking, climbing stairs, handling, finger/grasp/feel objects and equipment, reaching, communicating, being mobile, repetitive motions, visual activity, driving, and entering buildings. Comfortable working in a pet-friendly environment required. If an accommodation is needed, please inform the Human Resources Department.

Equal Employment Opportunity

LAFH is committed and proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

Fair Chance Act

LA Family Housing will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if LA Family Housing is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing’s Fair Chance Act webpage.