11-037 - SUD Counselor - SC/ Bell Shelter

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible.  Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Wellness Center is a state-licensed residential drug and alcohol recovery program. As such, the DMC SUD Counselor role is to promote the recovery and self-sufficiency of participants during their stay in accordance with licensing, funder, and Salvation Army requirements/policies and providing direct supervision and case management services for participants. The Wellness Center/DMC SUD Counselor is responsible for serving as the initial point of contact for all inquiries regarding treatment services, completing phone assessments, ensuring all necessary documents are understood and signed by clients and providing a thorough orientation during intake appointment. The DMC SUD Counselor is also responsible for facilitating a variety of psycho-educational groups and documenting client participation in the patient’s file as well as the Netsmart PCNX computer system.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for the timely answering of the Drug MediCal (DMC) phone intake line during business hours as well as scheduling all intake appointments for assessment.
• Update the SBAT daily and keep daily census. Update intake spreadsheets daily.
• Manage intake calendar and complete the intake process including completing all documentation requirements. Perform the initial orientation on the same day as arrival. Must meet timeliness standards of Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Standards.
• Perform timely data entry and reporting in HMIS, SBAT, PCNX, and SASH systems.
• Create and maintain data related to the census, daily client roster and contractual assignments
• Coordinate bed assignments and changes
• Network with collaborative agencies and community partners for referrals/resources
• Drive company vehicles & transport clients to appointments, as needed
• Individualized case management, advocacy, and referral services for participants, who are generally experiencing homelessness with histories of substance abuse, possibly with co-occurring mental health disorders.
• Referrals for group and/or individual mental health counseling; educational, vocational, and/or employment preparation and placement services; and a variety of social and recreational activities – on or off site.
• One-on-one case management meetings with each participant at least once per week, with appropriate documentation of participant progress and case notes documented in the participant’s chart (HMIS and PCNX).
• Updating of participant’s progress notes, recovery plans, and other documents required by State Licensing Standards, funders, The Salvation Army, and Bell Shelter. Inputting all appropriate data for DMC billing purposes into the PCNX system.
• Ensuring that all newly arriving clients are interviewed and participate in a comprehensive needs assessment within 24 hours of written notice of the participant’s assignment to the case manager’s caseload.
• Providing advocacy, counseling, and support in applying for and accessing mainstream benefits, including but not limited to Unemployment Benefits, General Relief, SSI, and other federal, state, and local assistance programs.
• Facilitating psycho-educational groups sessions as assigned and overseeing client chores and assignments.
• Participating in all in-service training classes as scheduled.
• Collaborate with other staff members to ensure adherence to safety and security measures and assist with client medication monitoring.
• Assist in random searches, UA testing, daily rounds, client roll ups, chore checks and other activities to ensure client safety.
• Assist with file and data entry reconciliation in preparation for audits.
• Report all disciplinary concerns and notable incidents to program staff.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by Wellness Center Program Manager, Clinical Director and Facility Director

PAY RATE: $23.00-$30.00/HR.

Working Conditions

Must be able to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis.  Must be able to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead.  Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. 

Due to licensing requirements, must be fully vaccinated and have booster shot or accept booster shot within 15 days of eligibility. This position requires employee to be vaccinated from Covid-19

Minimum Qualifications     

• Bachelor’s Degree is preferred along with one year experience in medical and/or psychiatric models a plus.
• Certification/registration as an Addiction Treatment Counselor by state approved organization required.
• Must have current TB test.
• Must be CPR and First Aid Certified.
• Knowledge of HMIS preferred
• Class B Driver License preferred
• Clean MVR and ability to drive & transport clients
• Experience with co-occurring disorders a plus.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to carry out assignments independently and must possess strong time management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of addiction & 12-step programs
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office Applications and ability to type a minimum of 45 WPM

Salary : $23 - $30