Substance Use Specialist

JR 5558
Substance Use Specialist
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Salary: $24.78 - $30.20 per hour plus weekend differential - $2.41/hr 
Pay Frequency: 24 Pay Periods Per Year
Full Time Sun, Mon, Thurs, Fri and Sat 7:00am to 3:30pm
Non-Exempt
Driving Required
Lower end of range will apply to candidates who meet minimum experience or have limited years of relevant experience. The higher end of range will apply to seasoned candidates with considerable years of relevant experience.

PATH is seeking candidates passionate about helping others make a positive change in their lives to join our Metro Rail Outreach Team as the Substance Use Specialist at the RHC location.

ABOUT PATH
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. 

ABOUT OUR TEAM
Every program in our growing range of services is designed to holistically address barriers to long-term housing stability, implementing evidenced-based practices to promote improved well-being beyond housing alone. We are committed to improving the quality of our services by creating a diverse work environment for the community at large. We seek input from our clients, employees, and stakeholders to ensure equity in service delivery and accessibility for all the people we serve.

ABOUT THE JOB
As part of the Metro Rail Outreach team, the Substance Use Specialist will participate in daily street outreach to homeless clients on the MTA (Metro) system in the metropolitan Los Angeles region. Using the PATH Street Outreach Integrated Care approach, the Substance Use Specialist will provide outreach and engagement services to conduct interventions to quickly assess and link clients to long-term housing, health, mental health and other supportive services. The Substance Use Specialist may attend community meetings and develop relationships with local businesses, organizations, and service providers. Substance Use Specialist will refer clients for necessary services and offer transportation assistance. The Substance Use Specialist will work as part of a multidisciplinary street outreach team to identify solutions to trends within the homeless community

Position Responsibilities include: 

• Conduct nightly outreach at Metro stations, bus stops, and aboard trains to develop relationships and build rapport with clients in order to assist them with finding a home.
• Conduct VI-SPDAT (Vulnerability Index- Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool) assessments for all new clients in order to connect them to proper intervention and services and document results in the HMIS.
• Conduct substance abuse assessments and provide referrals as necessary.
• Provide street-based case management services that are designed to prepare and connect homeless clients to long-term supportive services and achieve their goals including: Assistance with the establishment of personal benefits including (GR, SSI, TANF, Veterans Pension, etc.). Assistance with obtaining various forms of identification, including birth certificates and social security cards. Provision of employment assistance, housing referrals, and health related assistance, as identified on the ISP. Assistance with applications for supportive and subsidized housing and prospect potential locations for affordable rental housing. Provision of and/or assistance with connection and access to any other services that assist with improving quality of life, such as mental and physical health services.
• Meet with established clients on a regular basis to review, evaluate, and support goal completion. 
• Respond within specific contract timeframes to requests for street outreach services and send follow-up information to the requestor and the supervisor.
• Collaborate with community substance abuse and mental health providers to ensure seamless referral services.
• Work with local law enforcement and interim service providers to ensure a smooth transition from street living to interim housing. 
• Provide ongoing information, referrals, linkages, and advocacy for all other identified needs.
• Creatively use and develop community resources to broker and link clients to services.
• Provide a high-quality customer service environment for all clients.
• Participate in staff meetings and training as assigned by the supervisor.
• Complete all necessary paperwork to track client progress (daily logs, ISP, etc.).
• Maintain documentation standards as set forth by the program contract and PATH policies.
• Complete paperwork on each face to face and telephone contact with the client, or with any collateral contact, by close-of-business on the next working day

WHAT YOU BRING
We’re looking for candidates with:

• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Certification in substance use counseling (e.g., CATC, SUDCC, CADC).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two (2) years required working directly with substance use services.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
Regardless of qualifications, candidates must:

• 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

DRIVING
Driving is an essential function of this position. To meet the employment requirements for this role, all candidates must: 

• 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