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About The Position
The Substance Use Specialist will work with clients to help them understand their substance use and assist them in making decisions that will lead to stable housing and improved mental and physical health. The role involves providing appropriate referrals when clients are assessed to need medical, psychiatric, or dental evaluation/care.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master degree in psychology, social work, or counseling required.
- One to two years of prior social service experience.
- Relevant Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse experience required or internship/practicum.
- Service oriented, empathetic, and able to interact and develop rapport with a diversified population.
- Clinical skills necessary to identify and assess problems related to or caused by substance use or dependence.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Basic knowledge of computer and Microsoft applications.
- Awareness of different cultures.
- Ability to transport clients in your vehicle.
- Must have a car, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
- Must have a smartphone to utilize Agency communication and collaboration tools.
Nice To Haves
- Clinical licensure preferred.
- CADC preferred.
- Experience in substance use preferred.
- Bilingual/bicultural preferred (Spanish/English).
Responsibilities
- Maintain an active caseload of 15 clients.
- Assess clients to identify substance use issues and develop a plan to help clients set appropriate goals regarding these issues.
- Prepare and facilitate group counseling sessions and educational programs to assist clients in meeting therapeutic goals.
- Conduct individual counseling to provide crisis intervention, support, guidance, and address client behaviors and personal problems.
- Visit clients in their place of residence to assess the impact of their use on their ability to maintain independent living and carry out activities of daily living.
- Document clients’ progress and responses to treatment.
- Maintain client records, ensuring they are complete, accurate, and up to date.
- Help clients become aware of safety measures, including overdose precautions, ensuring client safety and well-being.
- Schedule, coordinate, and transport clients to appointments, including medical assisted treatment and other services.
- Coordinate treatment plans and goals with primary case managers or other staff as indicated.
- Develop and maintain relationships with external service providers, including treatment facilities, recovery homes, outpatient programs, and medical assisted treatment facilities.
- Provide referrals to the aforementioned facilities as well as self-help programs such as NA, AA, and other peer-led programs.
- Stay informed about developments in the substance use field and provide updates to staff.
- Provide a workshop on a relevant topic at least twice a year.
- Perform other duties as assigned.