Social Worker, Substance Abuse Counselor

Summary:

Provides counseling and casework services to clients living with co-occurring disorder (mental illness and substance abuse) histories in a community residence. The Social Worker (MSW) delivers trauma-informed comprehensive clinical case management and harm reduction interventions, including client advocacy and crisis intervention. Social Worker will support adults with complex psychiatric histories and active or past substance use disorders as they work towards the goal of transitioning into permanent supportive housing/independent housing.

Responsibilities:

Conduct intake assessments to identify client mental health, substance use and trauma history, as well as needs assessment.

Meet with clients on a regular basis, provide individual counseling using evidence based therapeutic methods.

Develop individualized service plans with clients, outlining specific goals and objectives.

Facilitate independent living and coping skills groups focusing on, but not limited to financial literacy, life skills and wellness.

Medication Supervision: support client adherence to treatment, maintain medication documentation.

Provide clinical interface with both internal and external providers such as outpatient treatment programs, medical care, detoxification and rehabilitation programs.

Provide immediate crisis de-escalation for residents experiencing acute psychological or medical distress.

Advocate for and support client access or connection to public benefits, medical and substance use/psychiatric services.

Maintain detailed electronic and physical charts tracking client milestones, progress and incident reports.

Prepare discharge summaries outlining continuation of care plans for permanent housing transition.

Participate in weekly clinical meetings and “At Risk” Meetings and professional development activities.

Requirements:

Position requires a Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited university program with an LMSW or LCSW preferred.

Experience working with a population dealing with co-occurring disorders, some case management experience preferred.

Minimum of 2 year’s experience working with the mentally ill and homeless populations, experience with substance abuse also preferred.

Additional preferred expertise:
Trauma informed care framework application in residential or shelter  techniques:
Motivational Interviewing and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.

Knowledge of Housing First model, Harm Reduction, DSM is needed.

Structural understanding of the intersection between institutionalization, psychiatric disability and housing  addition, Social Worker shall perform any duties as required to meet the needs of the program and the clients we serve. The agency reserves the right to review and change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises