SHIFT: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm

JOB SUMMARY

The Outreach SUD Counselor is a field-based position that provides screenings and intake coordination for homeless clients seeking treatment. Responsibilities include conducting outreach as part of a Homeless Outreach Team and screening clients for admission to RWC substance use disorder (SUD) programs. The Counselor pairs clients with appropriate care based on the American Society of Addiction Society (ASAM) level of care criteria, and provides warm hand off referrals outside of RWC when applicable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Conducts outreach to unsheltered individuals in target catchment area in coordination with Peer Support Specialist and other Homeless Outreach Teams.

· Provides outreach in the form of facilitating SUD groups and/or individual meetings to various offsite Interfaith Community Services Residential Programs.

· Conducts screenings of clients seeking treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders

· Works collaboratively with community referral sources and partners to ensure placement match

· Monitors RWC residential census to manage bed availability

· Provides resources to clients who are not eligible for treatment and facilitate warm handoffs whenever possible both within the agency and outside of the agency

· Utilizes Motivational Interviewing and other counseling skills when connecting with individuals in pre-contemplation stage of change

· Verifies client insurance and eligibility information during screening process

· Facilitates Intake process with clients entering the program as a direct result of outreach contact.

· Adheres to participant confidentiality as required by State and Federal (42 CFR) regulations

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Must be able to perform work in an office setting

· Must have the physical ability to sit for long periods of time, stand, walk, bend, kneel and uses hands, arms and legs for dexterity and balance on a frequent basis

· Occasionally lifts, carries and balances objects weighing up to 30 pounds

· May be subjected to adverse conditions, including contact from hostile people

· Low to moderate exposure to contagious diseases (hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis, etc.)

· Low to moderate exposure of unpleasant and noxious fumes, odors, dust, temperatures, noise and inclement weather

· Pulls and pushes such objects as file drawers, computers and similar office equipment and supplies

· Prioritizes and multi-tasks work and projects requiring good memory, concentration and analytical thinking

· Occasionally is required to perform the safe operation of a vehicle, office equipment and machines, and recognize and abate safety hazards within the workplace

· Must be able to hear, see including distinction of colors, read and communicate verbally and in writing frequently with a wide range of people from divergent socio-economic backgrounds and origins

· The noise level in the work environment is usually low

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

· Paid Time Off – Three weeks to start!

· Paid Holidays – 13 scheduled

· Flexible Work Schedules

· Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

· AD&D / Group Life Insurance

· Flexible Spending Accounts – Medical and Dependent Care

· Matched 401(k) Retirement Plan

· Early Release Days!

· Work Anniversary Bonuses

· Tuition Reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

· Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

· Home Ownership Assistance Program

· Casual Work Environment

· Professional Growth and Career Development Opportunities

EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

· High School Diploma or equivalent required and experience with individuals struggling with alcohol, drug, and mental illness or homelessness.

· Must be currently Registered as a SUD Counselor (Certification preferred) by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP), California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) or the California Association of Drug/Alcohol Educators (CAADE).

· 1 years of experience working in an addiction treatment facility, social services or nonprofit setting required.

· Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

SKILLSETS / ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

· Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries with clients

· Experience with Motivational Interviewing techniques

· Experience with the ASAM Criteria Assessment Interview Guide

· Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served

· Communicates effectively among a diverse workforce and maintains sound working relations

· Must have reliable transportation and maintain a valid California driver’s license, including proof of personal vehicle insurance coverage and insurability

· Must successfully pass a criminal background and exclusion/disbarment check

· Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical, tuberculosis test, and drug screen