Metro Line Substance Abuse Specialist

Metro Line Substance Abuse Specialist - (5403)

Los Angeles, CA 90004

Salary: $24.78 - $30.20 per hour plus $2.41/hr pay differential, paid 24 times per year.

Full Time:
Monday thru Friday, 3:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Non-Exempt. Driving required.

PATH is mission and values driven. We help an average of 23 people per week to find a place to live. We prioritize work/life balance and offer various scheduling options, generous time off, health, wellness benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Since its foundation in 1984, PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) has pioneered effective approaches to assist people experiencing homelessness. PATH operates services throughout California, connecting clients to homelessness prevention, street outreach, employment preparation, individualized case management, supportive services, interim housing, and permanent supportive housing.

Our Metro Rail Outreach team focuses on ending homelessness through permanent housing and individualized supportive services. All programs holistically address barriers to long‑term housing stability and use evidence‑based practices to improve wellbeing.

As part of the Metro Rail Outreach team, the Substance Abuse Specialist will conduct daily street outreach to homeless clients on the MTA system. Using the PATH Street Outreach Integrated Care approach, the Specialist will provide outreach, engagement, and interventions to quickly assess clients and link them to long‑term housing, health, mental health, and other supportive services. The role includes attending community meetings, building relationships with local businesses and service providers, and offering transportation assistance.

• Conduct nightly outreach at Metro stations, bus stops, and aboard trains to develop relationships and build rapport with clients to assist them with finding a home.
• Conduct VI‑SPDAT (Vulnerability Index
  - Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool) assessments for all new clients and document results in HMIS.
• Conduct substance abuse assessments and provide referrals as necessary.
• Provide street‑based case management services that prepare and connect homeless clients to long‑term supportive services, including assistance with establishing personal benefits (GR, SSI, TANF, Veterans Pension, etc.), obtaining identification, securing employment, and finding subsidized housing.
• Meet with established clients regularly to review, evaluate, and support goal completion.
• Respond promptly to requests for street outreach services and follow up with information to requestors and supervisors.
• Collaborate with community substance abuse and mental health providers for seamless referrals.
• Work with local law enforcement and interim providers to ensure smooth transition from street living to interim housing.
• Provide ongoing information, referrals, linkages, and advocacy for all other identified needs.
• Use and develop community resources creatively to broker and link clients to services.
• Maintain a high‑quality customer service environment for all clients.
• Participate in staff meetings and training as assigned by the supervisor.
• Complete all necessary paperwork to track client progress (daily logs, ISP, etc.).
• Maintain documentation standards set by program contract and PATH policies.
• Complete paperwork for each face‑to‑face and telephone contact with the client or collateral contact by close‑of‑business the next working day.
• Ensure all program data is accurate and entered into the appropriate program documentation system (HMIS, internal spreadsheet, CES, etc.).
• Prepare case‑related reports, including demographics, outcomes, successes, and challenges.
• Generate client data for reporting.
• Complete follow‑up and retention services and provide backup documentation in client file.

• Analytical skills and attention to detail, consistently producing high‑quality work.
• Collaboration and teamwork, building positive relationships with colleagues, participants, and stakeholders.
• Clear communication, both verbal and written.
• Creativity and initiative, taking action and making proactive decisions.
• Critical…