Substance Use Specialist

Specialist will work with clients to help them understand their substance use and help them make decisions that will lead to stable housing and improved mental and physical health. Provides appropriate referral when assessed to need medical, psychiatric, dental evaluation/care.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Maintain an active caseload of 15 clients.

· Assessing clients to identify substance use issues and developing a plan to help clients set appropriate goals regarding issues.

· Preparing and facilitating group counseling sessions, educational programs, and to assist clients in meeting therapeutic goals.

· Conducting individual counseling to provide crises intervention, support & guidance, and address client behaviors and personal problems.

· Visiting clients in their place of residence to assess the impact of their use on their ability to maintain independent living and carry out activities of daily living.

· Documenting clients’ progress and responses to treatment.

· Maintaining client records; ensuring records are complete, accurate, and up to date.

· Helping clients to be aware of safety measure including overdose precautions ensuring client safety and well-being.

· Scheduling, coordinating, and transporting clients to appointments including medical assisted treatment and other services.

· Coordinate treatment plans and goals with primary case managers or other staff as indicated.

· Develop and maintain relationships with external service providers including treatment facilities, recovery homes, outpatient programs, and medical assisted treatment facilities

· Provide referrals to above facilities as well as self-help programs such as NA, AA, and other peer-led programs.

· Keep abreast of developments in the substance use field and provide updates to staff and at least twice a year provide a workshop on a relevant topic.

· Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s or master degree in psychology; social work or counseling required. Clinical licensure preferred. One to two year prior social service experience; relevant Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse experience required or internship/practicum.

· CADC preferred.

· Experience in substance use preferred.

· Must be service oriented, empathetic, and able to interact and develop rapport with a diversified population.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

· Must have the clinical skills necessary to identify and assess problems related to or caused by substance use or dependence.

· Must have good oral and written communication skills.

· Basic knowledge of computer and Microsoft applications.

· Bilingual/bicultural preferred (Spanish/English).

· Must be aware of different cultures.

· Must be able to transport clients in your vehicle.

· Must have a car, valid drives license and proof of insurance.

· Must have smartphone to utilize Agency communication and collaboration tools.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms balance, stoop, kneel or crouch, drive, climb up and down stairs.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.

Job descriptions are not intended and should not be construed to be all-inclusive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties, as necessary. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Housing Forward does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits and training. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability.