Substance Use Specialist

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 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.

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.