Substance Abuse Counselor

AGENCY SUMMARY: Based in San Leandro, Building Futures is an Alameda County leader providing a safety net of services to help individuals and families rebuild safe and stable lives after homelessness and family violence. To accomplish this aim, the agency provides a continuum of care including two homeless shelters; a domestic violence safe house; a full spectrum of domestic violence outreach services; a transitional and permanent housing site; and rapid rehousing programs which serves target populations including military veterans, families reuniting after CPS involvement, survivors of domestic violence, and others.

P OSITION SUMMARY: The key responsibilities of the Substance Abuse Counselor include intake, assessment, treatment, documentation, and connecting clients with resources like support groups or housing, often with an emphasis on relapse prevention and supporting the client's family. This position will report to Program Director and work closely to ensure that proper service offerings are available for adult individuals referred to the program for substance abuse issues. The Substance Abuse Counselor must be flexible in their schedule and proactively work with staff and clients. This position will be located at the Lewelling Site in San Leandro This person must be detail-oriented, organized, skilled in conflict management, written and verbal communication, and be able to perform with multiple interruptions and multitask projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Complete alcohol and drug assessments which meet program expectations.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate services
• Complete and actively monitor an Individual Service Plan for each client on the assigned case load.
• Provide individual counseling as assigned and according to program expectations.
• Facilitate weekly psychoeducation groups to clients/residents around mental health and substance use needs and ways to create healthy lifestyle
• Ensure comprehensive case management for clients in partnership with case managers served on individual case load
• Provide staff training as appropriate for agency needs
• Provide, or make available, crisis intervention for clients on assigned case load.
• Provide alcohol and drug counseling services off-site as assigned.
• Complete professional documentation legibly and I a timely manner
• Attend and participate appropriately in required supervision.
• Attend and participate in required agency/department/team meetings and case conference
• Seek and participate in activities which promote best practices in alcohol and drug services.
• Promote positive relations within the agency and community.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager/director.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Master's Degree or equivalent professional experience in social work or related field
• Substance Use Disorder Certification in the State of California
  • Minimum of three years of experience working in the substance abuse field with strong knowledge of the Alameda County geography.
  • Experience and knowledge of the challenges associated with working with the homeless.
  • Knowledge of counseling theories and techniques.
  • Well versed in conflict management tactics.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a face-paced environment, while maintaining calm under pressure.
  • Some supervisory skills and the ability to manage and promote a positive work environment.
  • Ability to build supportive and respectful working relationships with staff and clients alike.
  • Possess an understanding of and practice cultural sensitivity through open dialogue and self-exploration with diverse groups, while providing direct services.
  • Ability to effectively intervene in crisis situations, with de-escalation techniques.
  • Proven ability to work independently and as a team, being an effective and collaborative.
  • Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback, practice non-violent communication, and effectively utilize insight and self-reflection in a leadership role.
  • Ability to work with immigrant communities a plus.
  • Valid California Driver's License and access to personal automobile.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT AND WORKING ENVIORNMENT:

The work environment and physical demands described are representative of those required by employees to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to work at a desk or computer workstation.
• Ability to perform repetitive office tasks.
• Ability to review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy form.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to enable the employee to operate a personal computer, phone, and related equipment.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds.
• Must be proficient in written and verbal communication (English) skills.
• Bi-lingual skills are a plus.

COMPENSATION:

Building Futures offers competitive salary based on experience and skills of employees.


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Building Futures is an equal opportunity employer. Our commitment to equal opportunity extends to the employment relationship and all areas of personnel activity such as recruitment, selection, hiring, placement, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, transfers, compensation, benefits, employee activities, educational opportunities, and access to facilities and programs. Building Futures' policy prohibits discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, domestic partnership status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law (such as cancer), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Building Futures also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone is of a protected class or is associated with a person who is perceived as being part of a protected class. All such discrimination is unlawful.