Substance Use Peer Specialist

About Us & Opportunity The Department of Family Medicine of the Keck School of Medicine of USC provides care for every member of the family, across generations and over lifetimes. We aim to enhance the quality of life for underserved and vulnerable patients while educating future generations of highly skilled, compassionate primary care specialists. Our goal is to combine education, patient advocacy, and evidence-based research to advance family medicine and geriatrics. In response to a significant need, USC Street Medicine is seeking a Substance Use Peer Specialist to join the new MacArthur Park Service Area Team. This interprofessional team will include an Advanced Practice Provider, Community Health Worker, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Substance Use Peer Specialist, Clinical Social Worker, Psychiatrist, and a Family and Addiction Medicine Physician. Role Overview The Substance Use Peer Specialist will play a vital role in engaging patients with substance use and co-occurring mental health needs by providing real-time support, onsite support, recovery-oriented counseling, case management, care coordination, and outreach. As a member of this multidisciplinary team, the Specialist collaborates closely with medical providers, social workers, community health workers, hospitals, recovery programs, and community partners to support whole-person care and improve health outcomes at all stages of recovery. Field-based, the position delivers care directly in encampments, streets, and other community settings, with some office-based responsibilities for care coordination and documentation. Duties may also include driving Street Medicine Vehicles and supporting the team with situational awareness, scene safety, and outreach. This is a full-time, in-person position in Los Angeles, CA. There is no hybrid or remote schedule. Essential Job Duties Provide substance use support and case management services to people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles City Council District 1. Deliver on-site substance use screening, intakes, assessments and conduct counseling, brief interventions, and recovery support using evidence-based and harm reduction approaches. Provide education to patients on substance use, relapse prevention, overdose prevention, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and other relevant health topics using a harm reduction and patient-centered approach. Conduct follow-ups with patients via phone calls, encampment visits, and visits to other settings where patients can be found. Navigate Substance Use Disorder treatment options/resources/centers and complete referrals appropriately. Coordinate care to facilitate/support patients’ transition to higher levels of care, including hospitals, detox, and/or residential treatment centers/facilities. Attend planning and coordination meetings with the CD1 team. Act as a patient advocate and liaison between the patient and community agencies (e.g., Housing for Health, Department of Human Services, hospitals, etc.) and ensure that patient needs are met with rights maintained; consult and collaborate with community providers to ensure continuity of care. Participate in monthly Mental Health case conference review with Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, and Family Medicine. Recognize changes in the patient's physical and mental condition and take appropriate action by notifying physician and/or nursing supervisor. Maintain comprehensive, accurate, and timely medical record documentation that reflects all aspects of care provided during each encounter, including pertinent patient history, treatments, and coordination of care efforts, ensuring compliance with the program, state licensing, and other regulatory standards and guidelines dictated by the role. Promote security by alerting appropriate personnel for safety, fire, and other unsafe situations, and report any unusual occurrences to supervisor. Demonstrate knowledge and skill necessary to provide individualized interventions and services to promote restoration of health and achievement of patient health goals. Demonstrate an understanding of age-related and cultural needs of individuals served. Provide client care coordination in a non-discriminatory and non-judgmental manner. Work cooperatively with external partners and organizations effectively communicating Street Medicine's mission. Work closely with and be a part of the larger internal Street Medicine Multidisciplinary team, including Social Work Department, Registered Nurses, Physician/Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner, Community Health Workers, and administration team. Required Qualifications One year of experience in a similar role. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with unsheltered or homeless populations and navigating appropriate resources. Knowledge of Los Angeles County Substance Use Treatment Centers (including detox and residential), supportive housing, and interaction with the SASH Line. Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal. Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality. Ability to multitask effectively and demonstrate strong organizational skills. Additional Preferred Qualifications Sound judgment and decision making. A cooperative and team-oriented attitude. Minimum Requirements High school diploma or equivalent education. One year of experience in a similar role. Experience working in a similar field; or personal, family, or kin experience with mental health, behavioral health and/or substance use disorder and treatment; and/or some experience with self-help and peer-support groups. Salary The hourly rate range for this position is $24.75 - $28.75 per hour. Benefits & Compliance Follows established USC and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Southern California