Substance Abuse Counselor Certified

Volunteers of America Los Angeles•Hawthorne, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

VOALA Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless facilities, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at www.voala.org. The Certified Substance Abuse Counselor is responsible for the provision of alcohol and drug treatment services to clients and their families, engaging in treatment plan process with therapist and case manager and ongoing clinical documentation to support the whole person care of the client. This position reports to the Clinical Program Manager and/or Area Clinical Assistant Director, who will supervise the duties and job performance.

Requirements

Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications
Current TB screening and Immunization Records (within 5 days of hire)
Copy of Current Professional License (if applicable)
Current BLS Certification (within 15 days of hire)
Valid Driver’s license
Completion of all required trainings (within 30 days of hire)
Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflicts dealing with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as VOALA serves the neediest of the needy in our programs which may include clients with homelessness, mental-illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration and other challenges.
Bachelor’s Degree
Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification by an approved accrediting organization (CCAPP, CADTP or CADEE)
A minimum of one year’s experience in the provision of SUD treatment services

Nice To Haves

Experience working with the target population
Strong crisis management skills
Conflict resolution & de-escalation skills
Demonstrated ability with EHR
Bilingual Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

As part of a multi-disciplinary Case Management team, performs primary alcohol and drug counseling functions including screening, assessment, and intake; Provides one on one mentoring and support to clients
Teaches clients independent living and problem-solving skills – develop, plan and initiate methods of exposing clients to healthy lifestyle activities designed to alter former lifestyles, attitudes, images and other negative behavioral patterns.
Acts as advocate for client before outside social service and legal organizations
Collaborate with Case Manager and therapist to ensure that critical linkages to support services meeting the medical, mental health, housing and education needs of the participant are consistently and effectively delivered;
As part of the Case Management Team, conducts crisis intervention
Leads or coordinates group, individual, and educational sessions
Coordinates treatment services with members of the multidisciplinary Case Management team
Conducts discharge and transition planning; drafts discharge summary
Meets regularly with supervisor and multidisciplinary Case Management Team to ensure the implementation of prescribed treatment protocol, the success of the client in the execution of the treatment/case plan.
Attend and participate in scheduled supervision meetings with assigned supervisor; Attend and participate in shift exchange meetings, case conferences, staff meetings and other treatment team meetings in accordance with program needs
Ensures timely and accurate records are kept, both hard (paper) copy and electronic health records. These records shall document all treatments and client progress, including records of client self-administration of prescribed medication.
The Counselor shall monitor Self-administration of medication, and shall monitor and collect drug screens as may be required. All record-keeping shall support client’s privacy rights under HIPAA, be in accord with State and Federal law, and VOALA policy and procedure.
Prepare reports as required by funder.
Adheres to professional standards of care and conduct, as set forth by licensure/certification, including ongoing professional education and organizational training sessions as may be required.
Transports program participants to scheduled appointments, events and meetings as may be required and as assigned.
Assist with program and outreach events as may be required.
Participates in coverage of telephone hotline, pursuant to organization training and procedure.
Other duties as may be required to support HUD-VASH mission and goals.
Perform client screening, intake, orientation, and assessment functions necessary to complete admission to the residential program, and screen for continuing stay criteria based on ASAM Criteria.
Deliver treatment using trauma informed approach and evidence based practice protocols
Provide individual, group and family therapeutic counseling
Act as client advocate to agencies and persons when appropriate
Respond to client crises and emergencies as needed
Conducts discharge and transition planning; drafts discharge summary
Provides complete, timely, and accurate documentation of all treatment in Electronic Health Record system and client files, ensuring confidentiality as required by HIPAA.
Participates in routine clinical supervision with supervisor
Attend staff meetings, case conferences, required training to ensure continuum and quality of care.
Performs required professional education and program training
As service providers to the underprivileged and vulnerable in our community, all employees are considered Mandated Reporters, and must report any instance of physical or sexual abuse to proper authorities.