Substance Use Specialist

JR 5298
Substance Use Specialist
Long Beach, CA 90805
Salary: $24.78 to $30.20 per hour
Pay Frequency: 24 Pay Periods Per Year
Full Time
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.

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PATH is seeking candidates passionate about helping others make a positive change in their lives to join our Outreach Services as the Substance Use Specialist at the North Long Beach Office.

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 THE JOB
As part of the Outreach Services, the Substance Use 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.

Position Responsibilities include: 

•  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

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., CAADE, CADTP, CCAPP).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two (2) year of demonstrated experience providing substance abuse counseling or an equivalent combination of experience and education

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