Health and Wellness Substance Use Therapist

SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH•Los Angeles, CA

4d•$70,304 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Health and Wellness Substance Use Therapist supports the growth and development of Safe Place for Youth’s clinical programming by providing individual and group therapy and specialized substance use services using a harm reduction approach. The therapist supports members in meeting their goals, improving health and wellness, and building community connections. Services are provided in person at the Venice drop-in Center and housing sites. The role includes developing and facilitating programming related to community building, social support, stigma reduction, safe use, overdose prevention, substance use education, and recovery groups. The therapist also participates in the On-Call Clinician rotation during drop-in hours, completes assessments and safety planning when indicated, and provides clinical case management and referrals to appropriate levels of care. The position involves collaboration with members, internal departments, partner agencies, and community organizations; clinical documentation and reporting; staff training; and other duties supporting SPY’s mission. SPY is a service provider for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Its programs include street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, exempt, with a Sunday–Thursday schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The position is based at the Venice, California Access Center and the Nova Transitional Housing site in Los Angeles, California, and is designated as a driver position.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a mental health-related field such as Social Work, Psychology, or Counseling.
Registered as an ASW, AMFT, or APCC, or licensed with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
At least 2 years of experience providing direct clinical services.
Expertise in substance use treatment principles and skill in crisis management and rapport building.
Knowledge of adolescent and young adult social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Assessment skills and knowledge of mental health and substance use diagnosis using a whole-person-care and culturally sensitive approach.
Ability to work and communicate effectively with transitional age youth and a multidisciplinary team.
Commitment to inclusive and restorative justice practices, anti-racism, and trauma-informed care.
Commitment to SPY’s mission, vision, and values.
Self-starter prepared to drive innovative solutions in an emerging organization, with openness to learning.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and collaborate effectively with a variety of individuals, departments, and organizations.
Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.
Knowledge of child and dependent adult abuse mandated reporting laws.
Cultural responsiveness and humility.
Provide a copy of a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and driving record; a satisfactory driving record is required for the driver position.
All employees are mandated reporters and must report reasonable suspicion of child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect.
Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and, if eligible, booster vaccination, or request a reasonable accommodation or exemption through HR; accommodations are not guaranteed.

Responsibilities

Collaborate to develop, innovate, and grow SPY’s clinical services by providing holistic substance use and mental health services.
Provide in-person individual and group therapy at the drop-in Center and housing sites, specializing in substance use and harm reduction.
Develop and facilitate programming that builds community and social support, reduces stigma, supports safe use practices, prevents overdose, increases substance use knowledge, and provides recovery groups.
Participate in the On-Call Clinician rotation during drop-in hours and complete risk assessments and safety plans when clinically indicated.
Facilitate and document comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and verification of disability assessments using a person-centered approach.
Collaborate with members on treatment plans, use clinically appropriate trauma-informed interventions, and document progress.
Build relationships with providers and serve as a liaison between the clinical department and partner agencies to strengthen the continuum of care.
Attend relevant community convenings and collaborate with community connections to enhance services.
Provide clinical case management as needed, including referrals to detox, residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and other levels of care.
Contribute to SPY clinical case conferences.
Complete clinical documentation, activity tracking, outcome surveys, and reporting in a timely manner.
Facilitate member accountability meetings and collaborate on appropriate support and safety plans using a restorative justice approach.
Ensure youth services are strengths-based, non-judgmental, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and grounded in harm reduction.
Collaborate across internal departments and assist with general SPY programming as needed.
Conduct staff training and presentations to increase knowledge of substance use and appropriate clinical practice.
Work within established legal and ethical guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the organization’s mission.
Provide a copy of a driving record, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance; employment offers are contingent on a satisfactory driving record.