The Veteran’s Program Substance Abuse Counselor primary tasks are to provide engagement of Veterans and assist them with counseling and linkage. The SC will have a substance abuse certificate certified by the state of California. The program will use Critical Time Intervention (EBP), housing first, harm reduction, motivational interviewing and traditional linkage services to help chronically homeless Veterans achieve positive housing outcomes, and linkage services based on need. The VASH team will provide clinical assessments, substance support, peer engagement and linkage to the Veteran’s administration larger healthcare system. Step Up, as an agency, subscribes to a Recovery Model of Rehabilitation and progress for all members to achieve their highest level of engagement, functioning and recovery.

DUTIES: Primary duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Evaluate for immediate needs such as crisis intervention, medical attention, showers, clothing, food, emergency shelter, etc.
• Engage assigned clients to achieve their goals and objectives and report to the team and clinically qualified staff regarding changes clients of level of functioning, support networks, adequacy of living arrangements, financial status, physical health, level of self-care.
• Assist clients in identifying needs, setting goals, establishing concrete objectives and assist in developing a Coordinated Care Plan.
• Provide Substance recovery services to identified clients on the census.
• Provide rehabilitation and case management interventions to improve level of functioning, to reduce defined distress or stressors; to create positive community linkages and relationships.
• Assure clients have access to local resources, including psychiatric and medical care/appointments, housing, benefits establishment, community rehabilitation and socialization activities, drug/alcohol services, providing transportation and accompanying the client using personal or public transportation when necessary.
• Communicate regularly with other treatment providers.
• Complete all program required paperwork and maintain documentation according to those program standards of practice in Electronic Health Record – CPRS within proscribed time frames as outlined in SOUS documentation policy.
• Meet weekly, monthly and quarterly visits as presented by Program Manager.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision and training's as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.
• SKILLS:
• Knowledge of or experience with mainstream benefits and services, mental health diagnoses and level of functioning, EBP’s such as Critical Time Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, Harm Reduction, etc. Ability to work collaboratively with others and on a team. Initiative and solution focused practice. Works within skills and scope of practice asking for support and training to improve abilities when needed. Ability to work as a team member in Veteran’s apartments, in homeless facilities or with other homeless community providers such as police, churches and hospital ER’s. Ability to engage Veterans in a meaningful manner which imbues trust enough to accept services offered. Understands and promotes safety first to self and team members.

QUALIFICATIONS: B.A. and 1 years of related work experience with a minimum Substance Recovery Certification from State of California. Case management experience is essential, including the ability to chart patient progress to meet documentation requirements. Interview will involve a review of this ability. Candidate must have own transportation and current California driver’s license and insurance. Position requires occasional driving and transporting. Hiring requires VA background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, balance, stoop, kneel, and/or crouch. (The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Keyboard data entry required.

REPORTS TO: HUD VASH Program Manager

HOURS: Full Time (40 hours a week)

CLASSIFIATION: Non-exempt

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Los Angeles, CA 90073: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person