AOD Support Staff II Registered MC

VOALA
Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories

Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at

PAY RATE: $20.52- $21.60Per Hour

BENEFITS: VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits.

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

In training to be an AOD counselor, the AOD Support Staff II Registered - MC provides services to beneficiaries participating in treatment while monitoring the program premises for safety and security. The AOD Support Staff II participates in group counseling sessions and crisis management, has completed the education required to achieve certification, and is accumulating the work hours required. Monitors clients’ self-administration of prescribed medication, has knowledge of withdrawal symptoms and the ability to assist or call for required aid in crisis situations, under supervision of a certified AOD Counselor or licensed therapist.

Meets annual registration renewal requirements and submits annual renewal of Registration until Certification is earned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• AOD COUNSELING
  • Under guidance and supervision of a Certified AOD Counselor, the AOD Support Staff II learns alcohol and drug counseling functions including screening, assessment, and intake; collects specimen from clients for drug and alcohol screening in accord with organization Policy and Procedures.
  • Collaborates with case manager and therapist to assist treatment and other plans; assists in required intervention; participates in group and educational sessions.
  • Completes discharge and transition plans and completes required Electronic Health Records (EHR).
  • Monitors client self administration of prescribed medication, keeps required treatment records and shift reports
  • Transports program participants in the company vehicle to offsite appointments, as needed.
• PROGRAM Security
  • PROGRAM ENTRANCE MONITORING: The front door to the facility is the only permitted entrance and exit for participants, employees, partners, vendors, visitors or any other persons. Monitor entrance to permit only authorized persons entry (as per program guidance), in order to guard against theft and maintain security of premises. Record participant entry and exit as required by program rules.
  • BAG & PERSON SCREENING: Monitors search all participants’ belongings being brought into the Program each time a participant enters, including their pockets, while monitoring for any signs of substance use or bringing contraband into the program . This is a critical step in ensuring the safety and security of everyone. It is important to treat every participant with equal dignity and professionalism every time they are screened.
  • Monitor premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of the program by walking the floor and monitoring surroundings when outside accompanying beneficiaries and making reports as needed.
• PROGRAM SAFETY
  • While monitoring premises and assisting clients, observe Program premises to ensure safe operations; report and correct any spills, unsafe working conditions, or defective equipment.
  • Know location of fire exits, be prepared to assist participants in case of any emergency.
  • Monitor clients and conduct room checks; maintain records of client compliance of program rules, report to clinical/case management staff, assist clinical/case management staff as required.
  • Call Police or Fire Department in cases of emergency, such as fire, medical or psychiatric issues, or presence of unauthorized clients/persons.
• As a non-profit agency, VOALA must utilize all limited resources effectively and protect from theft loss or damage to the Program’s assets. Report all suspicious events to direct supervisor.
• Responsible to complete written reports and incidents logs of daily activities and irregularities, such as: unusual occurrences, equipment or property damage, theft, and presence of unauthorized persons.
• ACT AS A ROLE MODEL FOR PARTICIPANTS AT ALL TIMES. Learn, understand and practice the professionalism expected – Put clients’/participants’ needs first.
• CLIENT/PARTICIPANT SUPPORT
  • Answer telephones and take messages for clients and staff, monitor doors and greet visitors.
  • Maintain office housekeeping; verifies all common areas, laundry areas and restrooms are clean and disinfected & fully operational
  • Monitor and records client self-administration of medication in accordance with organization Policies and Procedures
  • As required by the Program, assist Program staff during provision of services to clients/participants, including meal preparation/serving, set-up for classes, meetings, recreation, and other Program events.
• Inputs required data to computer systems and logs (EHR and other databases as required)
• Other duties that may arise to support the Program mission and goals.

ESSENTIAL ABILITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Ability to work and deal with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as VOALA serves the neediest of the needy in our programs, which may include clients with homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration, and other challenges.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Services for this position must be provided on-site. As a result, the position requires incumbents to report to work on-site each day of active employment.
• Training in AOD Counseling:
  • Screening, assessment, and intake
  • Group and educational sessions
  • Provides one on one mentoring, support, assistance, and advocacy
  • Monitors client self administration of prescribed medication, keeps required treatment records and shift reports
• PROGRAM SECURITY.
  • Monitor Program entrance
  • Screen bags and persons entering Program
  • Patrol premises as scheduled
• PROGRAM SAFETY
  • Monitor Clients; conduct room checks; report violations of rules
  • While patrolling continuously observe for safe operations/conditions, report safety concerns
• Complete written reports and incidents logs of daily activities and irregularities, such as: unusual occurrences, equipment or property damage, theft, and presence of unauthorized persons
• CLIENT/PARTICIPANT SUPPORT
• Other duties as required and is subject to change at any time.
• ACT AS A ROLE MODEL FOR PARTICIPANTS AT ALL TIMES.

MANDATED REPORTER

As service providers to the underprivileged and vulnerable in our community, all employees are considered Mandated Reporters, and must report any instance of physical or sexual abuse to proper authorities.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications
• Must be able to work flexible schedule especially during the evenings and weekends as required
• Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflicts dealing with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as VOALA serves the neediest of the needy in our programs which may include clients with homelessness, mental-illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration and other challenges.

EDUCATION:

• Registered and in good standing in an Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification program by an approved accrediting organization (CCAPP, CADTP or CADEE)
• Completed statutory AOD coursework requirements
• Completed modules 1 and 2 of ASAM within 2 weeks of hire

EXPERIENCE:

• 1 year of experience in mental health or substance abuse treatment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• AA or higher degree in related field
• Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Bi-lingual in Spanish and English (written and verbal)
• Understanding of harm reduction (non-abstinence) approach with participant substance use
• Willing to work with substance abuse clients, that may have mental health, LGBTQ and/or HIV/AIDS concerns

Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This employer participates in E-Verify as required by the federal government and will provide the federal government with your Form 1-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (OHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.