JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Program Officer at the Off Main Clinic, provides street-based substance use outreach, engagement, counseling, assessment, referral, and case management services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Connects clients with substance use disorder treatment, including medication-assisted treatment and other recovery services, as well as medical, behavioral health, housing, employment, benefits, and community supports. Works closely with Homeless Services to integrate substance use intervention into outreach activities and performs related documentation and coordination necessary to support program, contract, and regulatory requirements.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Establishes and maintains relationships with homeless adults struggling with substance use disorder using a non-judgmental, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach.
- Provides street-based outreach services to homeless adults, families, and other individuals experiencing housing instability, including informal counseling, substance use education, harm reduction-oriented engagement, and service navigation.
- Conducts field-based needs assessments and screenings and provides education, referral, and linkage to substance use disorder treatment, medication-assisted treatment, mental health services, and other appropriate care, including appointment coordination and follow-up as appropriate.
- Develops and implements up-to-date outreach plans with scheduled canvassing areas based on community need, program goals, contract requirements, and client engagement priorities.
- Coordinates with CHS Homeless Services outreach teams, including the Salinas Valley and Monterey Peninsula Street Outreach Programs, to identify clients in need of substance use services, provide substance use disorder expertise and recovery interventions, and coordinate housing-related assessments as appropriate.
- Provides prompt intervention and appropriate referrals in crisis situations.
- Assists with transportation coordination and transports clients to appropriate clinics and services as needed and appropriate.
- Maintains client confidentiality and complies with applicable privacy requirements, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
- Maintains accurate and timely documentation of outreach contacts, assessments, referrals, case management activities, client progress, and required program data in Agency-approved systems in compliance with federal, state, and county requirements, accreditation standards, contract, grant, and program requirements.
- Attends mandatory program and agency staff meetings and participates in program planning and development.
- Participates in community events and works to decrease stigma pertaining to opioid, alcohol, and stimulant addiction through education and awareness.
- Provides training to Homeless Services staff on substance use disorder identification, medication-assisted treatment, inpatient and outpatient care, and timely referral and linkage.
- Works collaboratively with counselors, outreach staff, medical staff, case managers, administrative staff, and community partners.
- Follows and supports compliance with CHS and applicable program-site policies and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or GED plus two years of relevant outreach, substance use disorder treatment, human services, case management, or related experience; bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, addiction studies, or a related field preferred.
- Current registration or certification as an alcohol and other drug counselor through a DHCS-approved certifying organization, or ability to obtain registration before providing counseling services. Must maintain applicable registration or certification in good standing.
- Knowledge of addiction, substance use disorder treatment, recovery supports, medication-assisted treatment, and community resources used for outreach, treatment linkage, housing navigation, and case management.
- Demonstrates resourcefulness, flexibility, sound judgment, and the ability to work with a diverse population of clients, including individuals and families experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, co-occurring needs, trauma, and crisis.
- Ability to establish and maintain appropriate counselor/client boundaries and build effective helping relationships in street-based and community settings.
- Ability to work responsibly in outreach settings, adapt to changing field conditions, and remain effective and professional in stressful or challenging circumstances while following supervision, program policies, and documentation requirements.
- Basic computer skills and ability to become proficient in required data systems, which may include Avatar Electronic Medical Record, Homeless Management Information System, Coordinated Assessment and Referral System, and other Agency-approved systems.
- Crisis intervention skills and ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations.
- Ability to work independently in field-based settings under general supervision and collaboratively as a member of outreach, treatment, and case management teams.
- English proficiency and strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills sufficient to meet documentation requirements and interact effectively with clients, families, staff, community agencies, treatment providers, and other professionals.
- Valid California driver’s license, automobile insurance, and ability to safely transport clients as needed and appropriate.
- CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within required timelines.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
- Mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and make valid judgments and decisions.
- Manual dexterity sufficient to write, use the telephone, computer, calculator, and office machines at required speed and accuracy.
- Vision sufficient to read handwritten and printed materials and the display screen of various office equipment and machines.
- Hearing sufficient to communicate in person and hold telephone conversations.
- Ability to speak clearly and use the appropriate tone and volume.
- Physical stamina and mobility sufficient to sit, stand, walk, and perform field-based outreach for prolonged periods across office, clinic, vehicle, street, and community environments, including uneven outdoor surfaces, slopes, stairs, and ramps, and to respond to emergency situations.
- Physical strength sufficient to periodically lift, carry, push and/or pull 40 pounds of materials or supplies; occasionally lift, carry, push and/or pull more than 40 pounds with assistance.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Combination of street-based outreach, community-based work, vehicle-based outreach, office, and clinic settings. Work may include indoor and outdoor environments, errands, travel, drills, and outreach in varied weather and community conditions.
SALARY: $58,495 – $71,102/yr D.O.E. Additional 5% if bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish.