If you are a current licensed Certified or Registered substance abuse counselor looking to make a real difference in the world while growing your career, this is an ideal ground-floor opportunity with a well-established and growing non-profit agency headquartered in beautiful Marina, California.

With a mission to house, empower, and rejuvenate those who have experienced the rigors of homelessness, displacement, and domestic violence, Community Homeless Solutions (CHSolutions) provides housing and essential supportive services with the purpose of helping homeless individuals and families prepare for and transition to stable, permanent housing. CHSolutions is one of the largest providers of housing and shelter services for homeless, displaced, and domestic violence victims in Monterey and San Benito Counties, housing over 300 individuals and families on a nightly basis.

The Substance Abuse Counselor is a key position in the agency, responsible for providing triage, therapy, and referral services to individuals across our programs, and contributing to the design and development of our new Wellness Program. We’re looking for an energetic clinician as CHSolutions works to provide these important services to those we serve.

The Substance Abuse Counselor provides services for mild to low moderate clients in diagnostic and counseling services across a diverse population of adults and children participating in our various shelter, housing, and respite programs. Establishing a foundation of mental health and self-esteem among our participants is key to building well-being and compassionately preparing them for their next step in the housing continuum, and in their lives. This is a ground floor opportunity with significant growth potential as we build a Wellness program. The position is based in beautiful Marina, California. Local, reimbursable travel between our facilities to provide services is required.

Ideal candidates for this position enjoy working in a fast-paced environment as part of program teams dedicated to improving the lives of the individuals in our care. They display strong therapeutic boundaries and clinical skills, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and are passionate about improving the well-being of a vulnerable population. They possess a current license as a Certified or Registered substance abuse counselor.

Community Homeless Solutions is an “At-Will” and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Title: Substance Abuse Counselor

This Position Reports To: Lead Mental Health Counselor

Position Status: Exempt

Work Hours: Full-time; minimum 40 hours per week. Some work on nights and weekends may be required.

Duties & Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Substance Abuse Counselor include but are not limited to the following:

• Work as part of multidisciplinary program teams in homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, permanent supportive housing, and respite facilities to provide direct clinical care and consultation services in accordance with agency, program, and governmental policies and procedures and the ethical standards of relevant professional organizations.

· Diagnose mental health and substance abuse disorders through clinical interviews, assessments, and other diagnostic techniques.

· Deliver a variety of mental health services which may include individual and group treatment, intake evaluations, crisis intervention, assessment, referrals, and post-release planning.

• Work with both facility staff and outside support agencies to facilitate patient treatment, and provide consultation and training as needed to staff on issues relevant to suicide prevention and the prevention and treatment of psychological disorders.
• Mediate disputes among participants when necessary to achieve working solutions and to further the wellness and mental health of those involved.
• Utilize a trauma informed approach in all counseling activities and participant interactions.
• Maintain clear client records in accordance with industry standards and practices.
• Collaborate and coordinate with outside agencies and mental health facilities to establish a network of care and expand the mental health services available to our clients.
• Other duties as assigned by the Lead Mental Health Counselor.

Qualifications

Qualifications of this position include:

· Minimum of three years direct experience providing counseling and mental health services, preferably to a diverse population.

· Degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

• Direct social services experience working with domestic violence survivors, or low-income\homeless families, or any combination of skills and experience that demonstrates this ability is preferred.
• Experience reporting program outcomes, performance measures, and quantitative metrics.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
• Team player with leadership skills and ability to interact effectively with people at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Officecomputer programs.

· Exceptional verbal, written, & presentation skills.

· Ability to develop relationships and work effectively with community partners.

· Ability to pass a criminal background check.

• Ability to mediate disputes and manage emergencies.
• Must be able to travel independently between multiple work sites.

· Able to meet Community Homeless Solutions Working Conditions (see below).

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions described herein are representative of those that must be met by a Community Homeless Solutions employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Variations in conditions may occur under certain circumstances.

ENVIRONMENT

Approximately 20% of the time performing job duties is spent indoors in a standard office.

Approximately 80% of the time performing travel and outreach duties in collaboration with the various programs.

Employees work near office equipment and may occasionally be exposed to the risk of electric shock.

Much of the work is performed on a computer.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The temperature of the work environment is moderate and ranges from 65 ~ 75 degrees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Seldom (1~ 5%): smell and reach above shoulders.

Occasionally (6~ 33%): bend, twist, push, pull, climb, squat, crawl, kneel, and drive.

Frequently (34~ 66%): sit, reach with hands and arms; claim or balance; stand and walk; Grasp with hands and fingers, and lift to 40 lbs.

Continuously (67~ 100%): use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; see (including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust). Here and speak; key (i.e., computer, calculator, telephone).

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Seldom (1~ 5%): copier, fax, and 10-key calculator.

Almost Daily: Automobile.

Frequently (34~ 66%): computer.

Continuously (67~ 100%): writing instruments and telephone.

TRAVEL

This job requires routine travel within proximity to the regular assigned work locations.

Must have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, clean driving record, and ability to be insured by the agency’s insurance carrier. Reliable transportation required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person