Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Probation SUD Counselor plays a pivotal role in providing counseling and support services to individuals with substance use disorders who are under probation or court-ordered supervision. This position involves working with clients involved in the criminal justice system, helping them address their addiction issues, and promoting successful rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. The counselor works closely with probation officers, courts, and treatment teams to facilitate effective treatment and compliance with court mandates.

• Conduct thorough assessments of clients to understand their substance use history, treatment needs, and readiness for change. Identify co-occurring disorders and other underlying issues that may impact treatment.
• Provide one-on-one counseling sessions to clients to address their substance use issues, and underlying factors contributing to their addiction. Facilitate group therapy sessions to encourage peer support and skill development.
• Provide education on substance abuse, relapse prevention, coping skills, and healthy lifestyle choices to promote sustained recovery.
• Ensures a safe and secure environment for clients.
• Provides crisis prevention and intervention when necessary.
• Conducts UA testing for clients as needed.
• Demonstrate the capability to promptly recognize and respond to emergency situations, including overdoses, while also possessing effective skills to deescalate tense situations
• Work with partnering in-house community-based organizations for common treatment goals..
• Responsible for the accurate and timely logging of notes in the ETO.
• Stay updated on the latest developments in substance use treatment, counseling techniques, and relevant legal and ethical considerations. Maintain your certification by completing required Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to ensure your counseling skills and knowledge are current and effective.
• Coordinate and communicate with probation officers, courts, and legal representatives to ensure alignment between treatment goals and court mandates.
• Responsible for promptly notifying the manager of any work orders that need to be submitted or supplies that need to be ordered.
• Responsible for attending staff meetings, ensuring timely completion of training, and accurately completing timecards.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

This section outlines the essential knowledge, skills and abilities are required to perform the daily tasks and job duties bulleted above.

• High School Diploma or equivalent: A minimum educational requirement to demonstrate basic literacy and communication skills.
• Certification as a substance abuse counselor through a DHS (Department of Human Services) agency.
• Employees are required to maintain an active SUD certification throughout their employment.
• Minimum two years experience in substance use and or behavioral health care treatment
• Experience in case management practices and working knowledge of various appropriate counseling techniques
• Excellent communication skills: Ability to effectively communicate with shelter residents, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
• Crisis intervention skills: Capacity to handle crisis situations and de-escalate conflicts.
• Empathy and compassion: Demonstrating genuine care and understanding for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Ability to work in a team: Collaboration and cooperation with other shelter staff, volunteers, and external agencies.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Google)

Required Qualifications:

Employment Eligibility Verification:

• Must provide documentation to establish identity and employment eligibility in compliance with legal requirements. This may include a U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, or other acceptable forms of identification.

Negative Tuberculosis Test:

• Must provide documentation of a recent negative tuberculosis (TB) test result to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Background Screening:

• Successful completion of a comprehensive background screening, which may include criminal record checks, employment history verification, and reference checks.
• Must also meet the requirement of passing the Department of Justice background in accordance with Probation policy?

Pre-Employment Drug Screening:

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening to ensure a drug-free workplace. A negative drug test result is required.

Driving Skills:

• Possess strong driving skills and have a valid driver's license.
• Driving is an essential function of the position, and a clean driving record may be required.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license or obtain one before the start of employment.

Insurance Coverage:

• Must be able to qualify for Good Samaritan Shelter insurance coverage, which may include meeting specific criteria related to driving record, insurance claims history, and other factors.

Personal Insurance Coverage:

• Must have personal insurance coverage that meets the requirements set by the employer.
• This may include liability insurance, automobile insurance, or any other type of insurance deemed necessary for the position.
• The coverage must be valid and maintained throughout the employment period.

Benefits:

Full-Time Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays and Floater Day
• Employee Assistance Program
• Gym Membership Discount
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Working Advantage

Part-Time Benefits:

• 401k Matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Gym Membership Discount
• Working Advantage

Please note that these benefits are subject to specific eligibility criteria and may be subject to change based on company policies and guidelines.

Work Environment:

The work environment for homeless services with clients experiencing substance abuse or mental illness is characterized by a commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental atmosphere. It is crucial to establish a secure environment that prioritizes the well-being of both staff and clients. The work is often carried out through a multidisciplinary team approach, involving professionals from various fields who collaborate to provide comprehensive support. Crisis management protocols and resources should be readily available to address emergencies related to substance abuse or mental health. Ongoing training and professional development opportunities equip staff with the necessary skills to effectively engage with clients and address their complex needs. Additionally, the work environment should prioritize staff self-care and support, recognizing the potential challenges and providing resources for their well-being. Confidentiality and privacy of client information are paramount, ensuring trust and maintaining ethical standards. By fostering an inclusive and empathetic work environment, homeless services can effectively support clients on their path to recovery and stability.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some examples are:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Capability to navigate stairs multiple times during a shift is required.
• Proficiency in using hands and fingers to perform tasks such as typing, writing, handling paperwork, operating equipment, and assisting residents with daily needs.
• Sufficient vision and hearing capabilities to observe and respond to the environment, communicate with residents and colleagues, and maintain a safe working environment.

Mental Requirements:

The mental demands outlined above are illustrative of the requirements necessary for an employee to effectively fulfill the fundamental duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations can be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill these essential functions. Here are a few examples:

• Emotional resilience to cope with challenging situations and provide support to individuals facing difficult circumstances.
• The nature of working with individuals experiencing homelessness can be emotionally draining. Staff must be aware of the signs of compassion fatigue and have strategies in place to manage their own self-care and prevent burnout.
• Establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries is crucial when working with vulnerable populations. Staff should be able to prioritize self-care, set limits on their emotional involvement, and practice self-reflection to prevent personal emotional strain.
• Serving a diverse population with various cultural backgrounds and identities. Staff should have a strong commitment to cultural sensitivity, respect for diversity, and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

The Good Samaritan Shelter is a non-profit, community-based organization that relies on all members of staff to work together to serve the community and clients. At times, you may be asked to take on additional tasks outside of your usual responsibilities as needed.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and ability required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person