Substance Use Navigator

Inspire Together; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Inspire Together in Los Angeles is hiring a Substance Use Navigator to connect individuals with MAT and related services, helping them access care and community resources with a trauma‑informed, person‑centered approach.

You will assist with transportation, insurance, appointments, and documentation, while maintaining confidential records and nurturing partnerships with treatment providers and community agencies to support recovery and stability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; associate or bachelor’s degree in social services, behavioral health, public health, or related field preferred.
• Experience in substance use services, case management, outreach, community health, or social services preferred.
• Knowledge of MAT, substance use treatment resources, harm reduction, and recovery support preferred.
• Proficient in documentation, coordination, and maintaining confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Help individuals understand available substance use treatment options, including MAT, outpatient services, and recovery support.
• Connect participants with healthcare providers, MAT clinics, behavioral health services, and community resources.
• Conduct outreach to individuals who may benefit from substance use treatment and related support services.
• Assist participants with navigating transportation, insurance, appointment scheduling, documentation, and other barriers to accessing care.
• Follow up with participants and service providers to support treatment engagement and continuity of care.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of participant contacts, referrals, service coordination, and outcomes.
• Build and maintain relationships with treatment providers, healthcare organizations, and community-based agencies.
• Provide information about treatment resources, overdose prevention, harm reduction, and recovery support without judgment.
• Coordinate with program staff and community partners to support participants’ individual needs and service goals.
• Follow organizational policies, confidentiality requirements, applicable laws, and program reporting guidelines.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Trauma-informed care

Cultural humility

Documentation

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree in social services/behavioral health/public health or related field preferred

Tools

Electronic recordkeeping

Basic computer applications

Job description

Organization: Inspire TogetherProgram: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)Employment Type: Full-TimeLocation: Los Angeles, CA 90037Reports To: Program Supervisor / Program DirectorCompensation: $23-$26/hr

Position Summary

The Substance Use Navigator supports individuals experiencing substance use challenges by connecting them with appropriate treatment services, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) providers, healthcare resources, and community support programs. This position helps participants navigate the treatment process, overcome barriers to care, and access services that support recovery, health, and long-term stability. The Navigator uses a trauma-informed, person-centered, and harm-reduction approach when working with participants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Help individuals understand available substance use treatment options, including MAT, outpatient services, and recovery support.

Connect participants with healthcare providers, MAT clinics, behavioral health services, and community resources.

Conduct outreach to individuals who may benefit from substance use treatment and related support services.

Assist participants with navigating transportation, insurance, appointment scheduling, documentation, and other barriers to accessing care.

Follow up with participants and service providers, as appropriate, to support treatment engagement and continuity of care.

Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of participant contacts, referrals, service coordination, and outcomes.

Build and maintain relationships with treatment providers, healthcare organizations, and community-based agencies.

Provide information about treatment resources, overdose prevention, harm reduction, and recovery support without judgment.

Coordinate with program staff and community partners to support participants’ individual needs and service goals.

Follow organizational policies, confidentiality requirements, applicable laws, and program reporting guidelines.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in social services, behavioral health, public health, or a related field preferred.

Experience in substance use services, case management, outreach, community health, or social services preferred.

Knowledge of MAT, substance use treatment resources, harm reduction, and recovery support preferred.

Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work respectfully with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use challenges, mental health concerns, and other barriers to stability.

Ability to maintain professional boundaries, protect confidential information, and document services accurately.

Proficiency in basic computer applications and electronic recordkeeping.

Additional relevant training or lived experience may be considered.

Core Competencies

Trauma-informed and person-centered engagement

Harm reduction and nonjudgmental communication

Resource navigation and referral coordination

Cultural humility and empathy

Confidentiality and professional boundaries

Documentation, organization, and follow-through

Work Environment

This position may involve office-based work, community outreach, participant meetings, and coordination with external service providers. The role may require local travel and flexible scheduling based on program needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Inspire Together is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive work environment.

About Inspire Together

Inspire Together is a nonprofit organization serving individuals and communities across Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. The organization supports youth, young adults, and adults facing homelessness, foster care involvement, reentry challenges, poverty, and other systemic barriers through housing, workforce development, supportive services, and community-based programs.