Substance Use Counselor

“Every person deserves compassion, dignity, and the safety of a place to call home.”

Homelessness is the largest social and public health crisis in California. Illumination Health + Home is a growing non-profit organization dedicated towards disrupting the cycle of homelessness by providing targeted, interdisciplinary services in our recuperative care centers, emergency shelters, housing services and children's and family programs. IF currently has 13+ facilities with 22+ micro-communities scattered across Orange County, Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire.

Job Description

The Substance Use Counselor (SUC) is responsible for providing adult client supervision in a shelter or recuperative care facility, and assisting in the maintenance of a safe, secure environment that enhances behavioral health and substance use counseling while utilizing the harm reduction and recovery model to all clients being served.

The pay offered for this role is $20-$24 per hour.

The schedule for this role is Sunday - Thursday, 7:00am to 3:30pm. 

Responsibilities

• Within a harm reduction model complete substance use assessment, care plan, and goal setting to clients interested in services

• Works with a multidisciplinary team, lead site activities such as: current events groups, community meetings, goals groups, fitness groups, activities of daily living groups, and/or recreational activities, as appropriate to the specified client population promoting safety and comfort in a supportive, therapeutic environment

• Provide individual and group counseling to clients struggling with substance use

• Recognize the need for and provide crisis intervention services to clients as needed according to PRO-ACT principles

• Documents all client interactions or activities complete on behalf of the client (including collaboration with other disciplines, case consultations, telephone calls, leaving voicemails, and collateral contact) in AICA & KIPU according to the documentation standards of the agency and within 96 hours of service provision

• Meet documentation standards as assigned by Clinical Supervisor, Manager or Director

• Informs Supervising Manager or Director, within 12 hours of making an incident report, APS/CPS and/or 5150 report within a mandated time frame

• Collaborate (on a need-to-know basis) with teams including site nursing, case management, behavioral health therapists, site-staff, food service and transportation regarding client’s substance use counseling needs, ensuring the highest level of client care 

• Maintain confidentiality of work-related information and materials according to HIPAA standards

• Assists client with activities of daily living; attend to client behavioral issues and provide assistance in crisis intervention, as needed

• Tracks and maintain client observation, sets boundaries on inappropriate behavior, and recognizes the need for and provide crisis intervention services to clients 

• Act as a liaison with clients, families of clients, or external facilities and agencies 

• Follow established institutional policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety environmental, and infection control standards

• Research and build relationships with community agencies for client resources and linkage

• Familiarization with supportive services in county/counties served, including but not limited to linking clients to outside therapy, mental health, substance use treatment, job training, schooling, church, AA/NA meetings, etc.

• Participates in the development and implementation of client treatment programs as directed

• Attends and participates in staff meetings, in service trainings, workshops and other required meetings as directed

• Drive to any IF location for coverage, trainings, or support, as directed 

• Support volunteers as needed; may be required to supervise volunteer(s) 

• Circulate throughout the facility every hour and check-in with security guards and medical staff concerning any client related issues. Be available to assist staff immediately with the de-escalation process when asked to do so by security guards, medical staff, and site-staff 

• Other responsibilities, as assigned by Supervisor, Associate Manager, Manager or Director

Expectations

• We uphold the values of Community, Action, Respect, and Empowerment in all aspects of our work.  

• Community We lead with the vision of a strengthened and compassionate community for all. By embodying collective care, we serve as an example of what is possible when we come together.  

• Action Our “whatever it takes” mindset drives us forward. We take initiative, step in where others have stepped out, and create solutions when none exist.  

• Respect We deeply value the dignity and uniqueness of every individual we serve. We honor their stories, their journeys, and their right to be seen and heard.  

• Empowerment We heal—always. Our work enables clients to grow stronger in health, confidence, and belief in their potential as they move forward on their life journey.  

• Follow all safety and sanitation guidelines  

• Set and maintain healthy boundaries with clients and staff.  

• Be able to meet targets and work under pressure.   

• Communicate any concerns and feedback to the Site Manager with tact and professionalism.  

• Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality of client information and work-related information/materials.  

• Must remain in full compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal wage and hour laws, California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), as well as other regulatory and compliance standards relevant to the organization's operations. 

Preferred Experience/Minimum Qualifications:

Required:

• High School graduate or GED equivalent

• Certified Substance Use Counselor or registered to become one (lesser pay)

• Two years of experience working with unhouse/substance population

• Ability to work flexible hours when needed (2nd and 3rd shifts)

Preferred:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish

• Experience and knowledge with electronic filing system (KIPU & AICA)

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).

• AA Degree in Psychology and/or Sociology

Benefits

• Medical Insurance funded by Illumination Health + Home (Kaiser and Blue Shield), depending on the plan

• Dental and Vision Insurance

• Life, AD&D and LTD Insurance funded 100% by Illumination Health + Home

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional Development Reimbursement

• 401K with Company Matching

• 10 days' vacation PTO/year

• 6 days sick PTO/year

• 10 days holiday PTO/year

• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSFL) for federally qualified loans

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