SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The Substance Abuse Counselor works within a multi-disciplinary field-based team of clinicians, case managers, employment specialists and community partners to ensure Wellnest youth clients address individual substance abuse issues, and collaborates with professionals to ensure the development, implementation and monitoring of client service and treatment plans. The Substance Abuse Counselor also provides preventative drug education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides one-to-one substance abuse counseling, and conducts group counseling sessions

• Conducts assessments of all new program participants

• Creates treatment plans in collaboration with clients, and regularly reviews and revises plans on an ongoing and intentional basis to ensure their viability and validity

• Runs educational groups discussing substance abuse issues at multiple Wellnest locations

• Produces, maintains, protects, and stores client documentation required per federal and state laws and rules, and organizational policies

• Provides emotional and physical well-being coping skills to Wellnest residents

• Familiarizes self with the principles of behavioral dynamics and group therapy and assists participants in handling their problems and working effectively with others

• Charts the daily progress of Wellnest residents and maintains log notations and communications with client social workers

• Completes all required documentation, and bills for services as needed

• Regularly communicates with adolescents, and is responsive to their needs and crises on a regular basis

• Completes all other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of a High School diploma required. BA/BS degree in psychology, social work, or human services and one to two years of similar or same work experience are preferred.

• CADAC or 5 years of experience in substance abuse counseling is required.

• Substance Abuse Counselor registration or certification required

• Knowledgeable of housing services and supports for transitional age youth preferred

• Must be comfortable presenting to multiple parties and upholding the values of Wellnest and the Hope for Housing LA Program. 

• Must be knowledgeable of the systems that have impacted a young person experiencing homelessness

• Must be experienced in trauma informed, client centered, and strengths-based care. 

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid CA driver’s license and insurable driving record. Use of personal vehicle is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of 16-25 year old young people, social and economic dynamics of low-income urban and vulnerable communities is a must. 

• Strong organizational, written, communication and teamwork skills.

• Proficient in the use of technology, including experience with an Electronic Health Record, Word, and Excel.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Employee may be asked to pursue additional training when it is determined to be in the best interest of Wellnest. In keeping with Company policy for all employees, the successful applicant must also complete a test for TB, and fingerprint clearance by the Department of Justice, and provide proof that you will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by your employment start date. Per the CDC and Department of Public Health, individuals are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19: two weeks or more after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna or vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization), or two weeks or more after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson [J&J]/Janssen). The Company will provide exemptions in accordance with applicable law.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Employee regularly works out in the field and in an office environment. Employee may be required to work flexible, evening and/or weekend hours for time-sensitive projects.

REASONING ABILITY: 

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret manual and office documents

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

• Ability to define problems, gather, transcribe and post data, analyze, synthesize and classify information, and draw valid conclusions.

• Ability to work independently and with others - including other employees, clients and members of the public - in face-to-face and telephonic contexts.

• Ability to multi-task, establish priorities and manage time, meet deadlines and perform duties under time constraints.

• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work demands.

• Maintain a high level of concentration and attention to detail for extended periods of time.

• Maintain a high level of ethical and professional standards in accordance with agency policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to talk or hear in order to give and receive information and instructions.

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls

• Ability to reach with hands and arms.

• Ability to use computer keyboard up to 50% of the day.

• Visual acuity, ability to adjust focus and peripheral vision for work on a laptop or other computer equipment.

• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

• Able to use telephone, office copier, calculator, fax machine, computer printer and scanner, or other equipment as required.

This description is only intended to illustrate the duties, responsibilities and requirements for it. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted to describe each and every duty the employee may be required to perform.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Annualized Salary Range: $50,710 to $60,236
• Wellnest offers $10,000/year to build a personalized health benefits package from a choice of available medical, dental, and vision coverage plans, as well as an employer-paid $50,000 life insurance policy.
• Wellnest employees benefit from an employer-sponsored 401(k) company match, dollar for dollar, up to 4%, and a profit-sharing contribution benefit of up to 5%.