SUD Navigator: Field-Based Screening & Referral

Special Service for Groups, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

SPECIAL SERVICE FOR GROUPS, INC. seeks a CENS Navigator to screen, navigate, and coordinate referrals for individuals seeking SUD treatment across Los Angeles County.

The role involves daily travel between multiple sites and collaboration with SAPC providers and community partners. The Navigator conducts brief ASAM screenings, supports enrollment, coordinates transportation, and maintains documentation while adhering to agency ethics and HIPAA requirements.

Qualifications

• RADT certification required or complete requirements within five years.
• Background clearance required.
• Ability to travel between multiple locations.
• Non-exempt, full-time position.

Responsibilities

• Administer brief ASAM screenings for referrals or walk-ins.
• Complete intake packets, assessments, and referrals in PCNX and systems.
• Provide information, referrals, and linkage to SUD treatment and supportive services.
• Coordinate with SAPC-approved providers using SBAT.
• Assist enrollment into treatment programs and provide navigation support.
• Deliver services using evidence-based practices and the 12 Core Functions.

Skills

Verbal/written communication

Microsoft Office

PCNX

Data entry

Education

RADT

Tools

PCNX

Database systems

Job description

SPECIAL SERVICE FOR GROUPS, INC.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Title: CENS NavigatorDivision: SSG-HOPICS

FLSA: Non-Exempt, Full-TimeSupervisor: CENS Program Manager

Pay Range or Rate: $24.00 - $27.00 per hour

Summary

Under the supervision of the CENS Program Manager and CENS Navigator Supervisor, the CENS Navigator provides screening, navigation, referral, linkage, and coordination services for individuals seeking substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and related supportive services. The CENS Navigator conducts brief ASAM screenings, assists with enrollment into treatment programs, coordinates transportation and referrals, and supports participants throughout the treatment engagement process. This position requires daily travel between multiple sites and collaboration with SAPC providers, community partners, and treatment facilities throughout Los Angeles County.

Essential Functions

• Administer brief ASAM screenings for individuals referred by participating agencies and walk-in participants seeking substance use disorder and/or mental health services.

• Complete intake packets, assessments, client profiles, service notes, and referrals within PCNX and other required systems.

• Provide participants with information, referrals, and linkage services to substance use treatment, mental health services, housing resources, and other supportive services.

• Coordinate with SAPC-approved treatment providers utilizing the Service and Bed Availability Tool (SBAT).

• Assist participants with enrollment into treatment programs and provide navigation support to ensure successful engagement.

• Facilitate At-Risk workshops, SUD education sessions, recovery support groups, and harm reduction activities.

• Arrange transportation and coordinate participant access to treatment providers and supportive services.

• Assist participants with insurance verification and Medi-Cal enrollment as needed.

• Support all CENS co-location sites and programs to ensure service continuity.

• Participate in SAPC meetings, provider meetings, quarterly reporting activities, and community partner meetings.

• Communicate regularly with treatment providers, community agencies, and co-location partners to coordinate participant services.

• Conduct follow-up activities with participants enrolled in treatment programs.

• Maintain required documentation, screening outcomes, and participant tracking records.

• Prepare reports and documentation in accordance with funding requirements and contractual obligations.

• Deliver services utilizing evidence-based practices and the 12 Core Functions of Substance Abuse Counseling.

• Submit daily, weekly, and monthly reports in a timely manner.

• Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to SSG’s Code of Ethics and HOPICS Core Values.

• Adhere to SSG/HOPICS dress code and professional standards.

• Represent the Agency professionally at meetings, trainings, and community events.

• Regular attendance required.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Secondary Functions

• Attend meetings related to CENS and other assigned projects.

• Maintain participant files and records in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and funding requirements.

• Support special projects and assignments as directed by the CENS Navigator Supervisor, Program Manager, or Division Director.

• Overtime, holiday, weekend, and evening work may be required based on program needs.

Minimum Qualifications - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Registered Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (RADT) required. Employees must complete certification requirements within five (5) years of initial registration.

• Verification of Employment Eligibility and successful Background Clearance required.

• Ability to travel between multiple locations throughout the workday.

• If in recovery, a minimum of three (3) years drug and alcohol free is required.

• Knowledge of Substance Abuse Counseling core competencies and evidence-based practices.

• Experience working with criminal justice-involved populations preferred.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, PCNX, and other database systems.

• Knowledge of community-based treatment providers and substance use disorder resources.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• TB clearance required upon hire and annually thereafter.

• CPR and First Aid certification required upon hire and maintained per agency requirements.

• Ability to maintain a smartphone for authentication and communication purposes.

• Valid California Driver's License, current automobile insurance, and reliable transportation required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)

This position is office and field based and requires travel between multiple locations. The incumbent must be comfortable working in fast-paced environments, adapting to changing priorities, and interacting with individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use challenges. Exposure to loud, disruptive, or unpredictable situations may occur.

Physical Requirements

The incumbent regularly sits, stands, walks, drives, speaks, listens, and carries materials weighing up to 20 pounds. Duties include data entry, report preparation, travel between co-location sites, and participant engagement activities in both office and field settings.

Mental Requirements

This position requires the ability to manage changing priorities, interruptions, multiple deadlines, and high-volume workloads. The incumbent must be able to process information, exercise sound judgment, work independently, solve problems, maintain professionalism, and communicate effectively with participants, providers, and community partners.