Substance Abuse Counselor

St. Joseph Center•Los Angeles, CA

8h•$52,000 - $52,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Substance Abuse Counselor works as a team member with several social service professional and paraprofessional staff ensuring the delivery of quality care in accordance with the rules and regulations established for contracted agencies as well as adhering to the mission of St. Joseph Center. This position requires Current and active CADAC or CAADE certification.

Requirements

Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.
The ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including clients, community, and other staff.
Must have excellent organizational skills.
Have an understanding in how to work with low income and homeless individuals.
Knowledge of how to work effectively in a harm reduction environment.
Demonstrate cooperative and professional behavior at all times and maintain a professional appearance.
The capability to work in a fast paced environment.
Strong knowledge of homeless services and resources.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Critical Time Intervention, and Housing First.
Effective crisis management skills.
One or more years providing chemical dependency counseling (supervised internship applies).
Experience working with individuals receiving services for mental health, homelessness and/or substance use.
Experience providing street-based services to highly vulnerable populations.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Ability to use widely supported internet browsers.
Ability to accurately enter data in to L.A. County, and St. Joseph Center databases.
Current and active CADAC or CAADE certification.
Access to reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Experience and general knowledge of working with individuals who, may be mentally ill, HIV positive, and/or have chemical dependency issues is highly desired.
Street based outreach preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement case management service plan goals emphasizing coordinated strategies for addressing substance abuse issues, relapse prevention, and any other risk factors that could impede client’s functioning.
Provide ongoing assessment of client progress in attaining goals.
Utilize a harm reduction model when working with clients.
Link clients to appropriate bridge/interim housing programs and assist them in completing required paperwork in order to enroll them in permanent housing programs.
Provide ongoing case management services that will decrease social isolation and prevent relapse risks; provide linkage and brokerage to any mental health, substance abuse, and meaningful community activities.
Provide crisis management, case management, and other related substance abuse/mental health services to clients on the streets, in service venues, in housing placements, or other locations as appropriate.
Respond to urgent requests for assistance from clients as needed.
Perform daily follow-ups and wellness checks on existing clients and on all new referrals.
Participate in all meetings with collaborative agencies and other community meetings as directed.
Conducts 1:1 consistent with harm reduction principles to facilitate patient awareness, understand, and motivation to change related to addiction and recovery issues, as necessary.
Cultivate relationships with substance abuse treatment providers in the service area.
Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.