Substance Use Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description :

JOB TITLE : Substance Use Specialist

REPORTS TO : Clinical Supervisor

SCHEDULE : Monday-Friday (9 : 00am-5 : 30pm)

LOCATION : Venice, CA

STATUS : Full-Time, 40 hours / week, Exempt

CELL PHONE : Reimbursement for use

DRIVER POSITION : Yes if yes, please reference driving policy

ANNUAL SALARY : $64,480 - $73,999 Annually

ABOUT US :

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles.

Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive.

Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, community collaboration, and innovative youth-focused programming.

If you have the skills, passion and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of over 100 employees.

SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but by no means limited to) racial, ethnic, gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions.

We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving.

ABOUT THE ROLE :

A member of the Clinical Programs team, the Substance Use Specialist will support the growth and development of SPY’s clinical services and programming, including offering crisis emotional support, individualized treatment plans, and progress reports that outline a member’s needs, goals, and opportunities for growth with the purpose of improving mental and emotional stability.

The ideal candidate will have a strong clinical understanding of direct service to at-risk populations and trauma-informed care.

Specific knowledge of how trauma impacts the brain and physical development as well as experience related to transitional aged youth experiencing homelessness is a plus.

WHAT YOU’LL DO :

• Work with staff to develop and grow the Health and Wellness Program that offers a comprehensive array of services / resources based on member needs
• Gather youth information from sources such as case documentation, youth observation, and interviews of youth
• Develop treatment plans, case summaries, and progress reports that incorporate counseling techniques designed to meet client's goals and objectives
• Assist Health and Wellness Program staff / interns to develop, coordinate, and integrate treatment plans
• Assist in programming related to Health and Wellness Program education and information, including support groups and guest speakers to deliver information on specific topics aimed at mental well-being
• Develop and facilitate mental health groups based on member needs
• Ensure Counseling services to youth are strengths based, non-judgmental, harm reduction, and trauma-informed
• Prepare data collection and analysis, monthly reports, and program administration duties in a timely fashion
• Assist in Health & Wellness budget and contracts
• Support the Crisis Intervention team during drop-in hours
• Advocate by attending external community meetings with government agencies and community groups
• Work collaboratively across internal departments and assist with general SPY programming as needed
• Work within established legal and ethical guidelines
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

Requirements : WHAT YOU’LL NEED :

WHAT YOU’LL NEED :

• Certification in substance abuse counseling (including but not limited to CATC, CATC I, CATC III, CATC IV, and CATC V) OR Master's degree from accredited social work marriage and family therapy or clinical counseling psychology program, with a demonstrated expertise in substance use treatment and prevention is required.
• Expertise in principles of substance abuse treatment and harm-reduction is required.
• Knowledge of principles of mental health diagnosis, multicultural / diversity counseling, and chemical dependency.
• Knowledge of substance use assessment and appraisal methods for adolescents and young adults.
• Knowledge of adolescent and young adult social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Knowledge of child abuse laws and mental health, sexual abuse, violence, mediation techniques, family planning, etc.
• A commitment to and passion for the mission, vision, values and culture of SPY.
• A self-starter who is prepared to drive innovative solutions for an emerging organization.
• An ability to work in a fast- paced environment that requires effective collaboration with a variety of organizations and individuals.
• Must possess great communication and organizational skills.
• Cultural responsiveness and humility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors
• Physical effort / lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times

SPECIAL CONDITIONS :

Mandated Reporting Requirements : The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements : Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination.

If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program.

Please submit proof of vaccination to [email protected]. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address.

It's important to note that these accommodations are limited.

Driver Positions :

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include :

• Suspended or revoked license
• Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months
• Any violations, including drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, within the past 24 months
• Reckless driving, including hit and runs, within the past 24 months
• At fault accidents, resulting in fatality or serious injury, within the past 5 years

The motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individual's employment application and resume.

See instructions on obtaining your driving record below :

https : / / www.dmv.ca.gov / portal / customer -service / request-vehicle-or-driver-records / online-driver-record-request /

For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.

NOTE : All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period.

SPY reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will.

It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and SPY, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the SPY staff.

New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period.

However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the at-will employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment / business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right.

The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS :

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation / sick time.

We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation / mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

EEO STATEMENT :

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.

Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application