Substance Use Disorder Specialist II

POSITION:          Substance Use Disorder Specialist II

DIVISION:           Programs - Engagement

WHY JOIN US:

You believe that every person deserves a place to call home. You see that homelessness is a systemic issue and want to be a part of the solution. You are ready to utilize your talent, experience, and creativity towards purpose-driven work. You want to work alongside industry leaders to learn, implement, and pioneer best practices.

LA Family Housing is a leading non-profit agency in Homeless Services and Real Estate Development. With 40 years of experience and 13,000 lives changed each year, we know what it takes to end homelessness. We take tremendous pride in the emergence of our staff as national leaders in innovation, best practices, and policy within housing production and homeless services. Join the fight to end homelessness and make a difference in people’s lives at LA Family Housing!

THE POSITION:

The Substance Use Disorder Specialist is responsible for providing street-based substance use disorder assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, and follow-up referral/service tracking to people experiencing homelessness living on the streets and/or in encampments. This position will work within a street-based Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and will collaborate with various community agencies and programs that provide inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Engaging in mobile, street-based outreach to connect with homeless individuals in their environment
• Building rapport and providing emotional support to motivate individuals to engage in outreach services and community referrals
• Developing relationships with substance use treatment providers and managing the referral process
• Providing ongoing housing-focused case management with a Harm Reduction and Housing First approach
• Identifying and screening individuals with substance use disorders and creating tailored treatment plans
• Offering follow-up services to ensure completed referrals and providing advocacy when needed
• Sharing substance use disorder knowledge with outreach team members
• Maintaining thorough and accurate records in written and electronic forms
• Coordinating program activities and attending meetings as directed by your supervisor
• Utilizing personal and agency vehicles to drive around Los Angeles County for outreach
• Embracing additional assignments from your supervisor to contribute to our mission
• Drives personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and drives agency vehicles periodically to transport clients
• Additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

WHAT YOU’RE SKILLED AT:

• Field-based service expertise; familiarity with Coordinated Entry System (CES) and its goal of "functional zero"
• Deep understanding of homeless single adults' challenges (e.g. health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, resources for undocumented individuals)
• Empathetic and non-judgmental approach with homeless individuals
• High tolerance for mental and physical health needs, embracing "harm reduction" and "housing first" principles
• Familiarity with DSM-5 substance use disorders
• Proficient in extensive charting, electronic data entry, and documentation
• Clinical experience with complex cases (substance use, mental illness, physical illness)
• Availability for after-hours crisis calls and disaster response
• Crisis intervention skills for emotionally charged situations in the field
• Multidisciplinary teamwork experience
• Strong conflict resolution skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Programs, Zoom, and web-based software
• Effective prioritization of roles, tasks, and deliverables
• Strong advocacy and creative problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

OTHER:

• Maintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standards
• Ability to be flexible and work in an environment subject to ongoing change
• Bilingual: Spanish/English preferred 
• Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification
• Ability to pass post-offer Tuberculosis (TB) clearances
• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical exam
• Travel is a regular duty for this position and is required 30% of the time
• Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance in good standing
• Use of a personal vehicle to travel between worksites and other locations is required
• Ability to work a 9/80 work schedule

WHAT YOU’VE ACCOMPLISHED:

• Completed Substance Use Counselor course work including internship and externship hours and certification exam
• Active CAADE, CADTP, and CCAPP accreditation required
• 6 months experience providing direct homeless service delivery, case management, health care, behavioral health care, or substance use counseling required
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homeless preferred

WHAT WE OFFER:

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403B Retirement Plan, 529 Education Savings Plan, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Legal Access Plan, Employee Appreciation Program, Company Sponsored Employee Events, Staff Development, 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule, Paid Sick, Vacation and 13 Observed Holidays, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligibility and more!

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Potential physical demands include but are not limited to: walking, climbing stairs, handling, finger/grasp/feel objects and equipment, reaching, communicating, being mobile, repetitive motions, visual activity, driving, and entering buildings. Comfortable working in a pet-friendly environment required. If an accommodation is needed, please inform the Human Resources Department.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

LAFH is committed and proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

FAIR CHANCE ACT

LA Family Housing will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if LA Family Housing is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing’s Fair Chance Act webpage.

#LI-VS1