Substance Use Specialist - Outreach (JR 5633)

PATH•Los Angeles, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

PATH is seeking candidates passionate about helping others make a positive change in their lives to join our Outreach Services Team as the Harm Reduction Specialist at the North Long Beach location. Since its foundation in 1984, PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) has pioneered bold and effective approaches to assist people experiencing homelessness. PATH operates services throughout California, connecting our clients to a comprehensive continuum of homelessness prevention, street outreach, employment preparation and placement assistance, individualized case management, supportive services, interim housing, and permanent supportive housing. As part of the Outreach Services team, the Harm Reduction Specialist works as part of a team to address any barriers towards permanent housing and community integration. This includes completing a substance use assessment using a harm reduction model and helping to identify positive interventions to improve the client's quality of life. Through motivational interviewing and the Substance Use Disorder Specialist helps increase opportunities and linkages to community resources to decrease social isolation while addressing behavioral health and substance abuse needs throughout the process.

Requirements

Analytical Skills and Attention to Detail: Gather and interpret data, identifying trends, patterns, and insights to inform decision-making. Ability to consistently produce high-quality work, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Work effectively with others, seeking out and building positive working relationships with colleagues, participants, and stakeholders. Work effectively with others, contributing to team goals and recognizing the strengths and contributions of others.
Communication: Convey information clearly and effectively (both verbally and in writing) to individuals and groups in a manner that informs, engages and maintains their attention.
Creativity and Initiative: Take action and make decisions without being prompted, demonstrating a proactive approach to work and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Think outside the box, generating innovative solutions to problems or challenges.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Analyze and evaluate information and situations, identify key issues, consider alternatives, and make logical decisions based on sound reasoning that will achieve the desired outcome.
Ethics and Boundaries: Maintain ethical and professional standards, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing the right thing in all situations while maintaining professional boundaries.
Two (2) year of demonstrated experience providing substance abuse counseling or an equivalent combination of experience and education
Have employment eligibility verification
Have or be able and willing to obtain CPR/First Aid training
Successfully complete the following as a condition of hire: Tuberculosis Test, Background Screening, Drug Test
Have reliable transportation
A valid driver’s license
Proof of insurance and ownership for personal vehicles used during work duties
The ability to qualify for PATH's insurance coverage

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Certification in substance use counseling (e.g., CAADE, CADTP, CCAPP).

Responsibilities

Perform initial comprehensive substance use assessment; develop a plan of intervention that addresses ongoing case management services, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and coordination of needed community services.
Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with the team and client, addressing short-term and long-term goals.
Provide ongoing case management support to assess progress and ensure treatment plan outcomes are met or changed as needed.
Meet at least weekly with clients to provide therapeutic, supportive case management services addressing functional and substance use barriers as needed to help clients obtain and maintain housing.
Conduct crisis and suicide risk assessment, provide appropriate interventions as needed, consult with LCSW supervisor, and complete critical incident reporting within 24 hours as required per contract and PATH policies.
Provide crisis intervention services focused on enhancing the client’s ability to independently problem solve, utilize effective coping skills, and manage and self-coordinate their own care.
Provide intentional case management supports that move the client from a high intensive level of service to a more independent, recovery-focused level of service as appropriate.
Utilize evidence-based practices in service delivery such as intensive case management, Motivational Interviewing, and Harm Reduction.
Support clients who have difficulty with sobriety in making safer choices (ex., Needle exchange).
Maintain documentation standards as set forth by the program contract and PATH policies.
Complete progress notes on every face-to-face/ telephone contact with client or collateral contact within 24 hours