Substance Use Disorder Specialist

USD $26.42/Hr.

The Substance Use Disorder Specialist I is responsible for providing street-based substance use disorder assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, and follow-up referral/service tracking to people experiencing homelessness living on the streets and/or in encampments. This position will work within a street-based Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and collaborate with community agencies and programs that provide inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment.

• Provides mobile, street-based outreach to people experiencing homelessness living on the streets and/or in encampments
• Motivates individuals experiencing homelessness to engage in outreach services and associated community referrals that promote well-being by building rapport and providing emotional support to participants
• Creates relationships with substance use treatment providers and develops the referral process; maintains a resource listing of substance use disorder services for those engaged through the Street-based Multidisciplinary Team
• Provides ongoing street-based housing focused case management services utilizing a Harm Reduction and Housing First approach
• Screens and identifies persons with a substance use disorder or substance use symptoms; works with the individuals to develop a substance use treatment plan utilizing a harm‑reduction approach
• Provides follow‑up services to ensure that referrals are completed; provides advocacy as needed, engages in care coordination and discharge planning
• Responsible for providing insight and knowledge of substance use‑related disorders to outreach team members
• Provides street-based housing focused case management
• Maintains thorough and accurate records in both written form and through assigned electronic databases
• Coordinates program department activities as directed by supervisor
• Attends various regular staff, agency and community meetings as designated by supervisor
• Drives personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and drives agency vehicles periodically to transport clients
• Additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

• Knowledge and experience in conducting field-based services; understanding of the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and its overarching goal of achieving “functional zero” for those experiencing homelessness
• Extensive knowledge of issues facing homeless single adults (e.g., chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, resources for undocumented persons)
• Able to demonstrate empathy and a non‑judgmental attitude when engaging with persons experiencing homelessness
• Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with mental health and physical health needs
• Knowledge of “harm reduction” and “housing first” philosophies
• Knowledge of various substance use disorders according to DSM‑5 required
• Must be able to perform extensive charting, electronic data entry, and documentation
• Clinical experience working with individuals with multiple diagnoses including substance use, mental illness, and/or physical illness
• Availability to work after hours for crisis calls and/or disaster response
• Manage emotionally charged situations by providing crisis intervention in a field-based environment
• Experience working with a multidisciplinary team
• Conflict resolution skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Zoom, and web-based software
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize roles, tasks, and deliverables
• Strong advocacy skills
• Creative problem‑solving skills

• Maintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to be flexible and work in an environment subject to ongoing change
• Bilingual:
  Spanish/English preferred
• Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification
• Ability to pass post‑offer Tuberculosis (TB) clearances
• Ability to pass a Pre‑Employment Physical Exam
• Travel is a regular duty for this position and is required
• Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance in good standing
• Use of a personal vehicle to travel…