SUD Outreach Counselor

Hope The Mission•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$28 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

Substance use disorder affects a large portion of people living unsheltered and is one of the most persistent barriers between a person and stable housing. It is also one of the most misunderstood — by systems, by communities, and sometimes by the people experiencing it. The SUD Outreach Counselor exists because working effectively with this population takes real skill, genuine trust, and the willingness to meet people exactly where they are. Reporting to the Program Manager, the SUD Outreach Counselor provides field-based outreach, assessment, case management, and crisis intervention to people living unsheltered who are dealing with substance use disorders — often alongside mental health conditions, medical needs, and significant trauma. This role works within a multidisciplinary outreach team across community and street-based settings, including evenings, nights, and weekends. It connects participants to substance use treatment, behavioral health services, housing interventions, and benefits — and walks with them through transitions that a simple referral alone rarely accomplishes. Beyond clinical knowledge, this role requires the ability to build trust with people who have real reasons not to trust. Harm reduction is not just a program approach here — it is how this role shows up every day. The SUD Outreach Counselor keeps sight of both where someone is right now and where long-term stability could take them. Accurate documentation and data integrity are equally non-negotiable. The credibility of HTM's outreach programs depends on both the quality of the engagement and the accuracy of the record.

Requirements

Valid California driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record qualifying for HTM's commercial insurance coverage.
Reliable personal transportation and proof of vehicle insurance.
Availability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as required by program deployment schedules.
Ability to work in outdoor field-based environments across multiple community locations in Los Angeles County.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and perform the physical demands described in the job description.
Compliance with HIPAA standards and all HTM company policies.
Legal authorization to work in the United States.
Background Screening – Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks as required per worksite.
Drug and Alcohol Testing – Candidates must pass pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol screenings in accordance with company policy.
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check – For roles requiring driving, employment is contingent upon an acceptable driving record.
Legal Eligibility to Work – Candidates must provide proof of legal authorization to work in the US.
Compliance with Company Policies and HIPAA standards – All employees must comply with company policies, including safety, confidentiality, and conduct standards.
Must have reliable transportation.
Must have proof of vehicle insurance coverage.
Must have a valid CA drivers license.
Must be able to qualify for HTM’s commercial insurance coverage.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field preferred; minimum 1 year of experience in homeless services, supportive housing, or behavioral health settings considered in lieu of degree.
SUD Registration or Certification in good standing with CAADE, CCAPP, or CADTP preferred.
Experience working directly with individuals experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring behavioral health conditions.
Experience teaching or facilitating life skills.
Familiarity with HMIS, CES, and applicable Scopes of Work preferred.
Knowledge of Harm Reduction, Housing First, and Trauma-Informed Care frameworks.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred, sufficient to communicate directly with participants.

Responsibilities

Respond to requests for outreach services in community and street-based settings
Conduct field-based engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness, including those with active substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions
Perform assessments to identify participant needs, barriers, strengths, and appropriate interventions
Engage participants in trauma-informed, active listening and problem-solving conversations
Provide street-based case management with the goal of connecting participants to long-term supportive services
Assist participants with benefits establishment, personal identification documents, employment linkages, housing referrals, and interim housing placement
Provide linkages to substance use treatment, mental health services, healthcare, and other supportive services
Remove barriers to alternative housing interventions including crisis housing, bridge housing, shared housing, sober living, and residential treatment programs
Utilize Problem Solving Assistance Funds (PSAF) and other creative interventions to support immediate housing access
Complete initial intake, screening, and CES triage tools as required
Provide emergency referrals and warm handoffs to crisis housing, drop-in centers, domestic violence services, human trafficking support, sexual assault services, and mental health resources as appropriate
Provide transportation and accompany participants to appointments, medical care, shelter placements, and service connections as needed
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in participant master files and HMIS in compliance with all applicable Scopes of Work
Ensure all participant records are securely stored and confidentiality is maintained at all times.
Collaborate with law enforcement, interim housing providers, healthcare partners, and community organizations to support participant transitions from street to housing and services
Support participant, staff, volunteer, and visitor safety by de-escalating conflicts and identifying risks in field-based environments
Participate in night and weekend outreach deployments as required by program operations
Support outreach efforts across multiple geographic areas as assigned
Assist with audit preparation and data retrieval as required
Attend staff meetings, case conferences, trainings, and community meetings as needed
Complete all assignments and evaluations accurately and within required timeframes
Perform other duties as assigned