Substance Abuse Specialist For Mental Health And Homeless Services SUD RADT CADC

About MHALA Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health service, advocacy, innovation, and training for nearly a century, working to ensure that people with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives in their communities. MHALA is among the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit mental health agencies in Los Angeles County. The agency supports over 19,000 low‑income and no‑income individuals annually with integrated services and impacts mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services. It offers special programs for Veterans and transition‑age youth, training programs for the behavioral health workforce, and a culture that values communication, collaboration, transparency, and a healthy work/life balance. Employees enjoy a 35‑hour workweek, competitive salary, full benefits, employee assistance program, and generous paid time off. MHALA fosters diversity and promotes a team‑oriented culture with growth opportunities. Substance Abuse Specialist 35 hours per week / $25.00 - $27.00 per hour (actual compensation will be based on experience and other factors permitted by law.) Summary: Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, provide engagement and linkage to services for individuals experiencing substance abuse disorders. Essential Duties and Responsibilities (not exhaustive; other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate). Reasonable accommodation will be provided to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, provided it does not change the essential nature of the position or cause undue hardship to the Agency’s operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider and will consider individuals with a criminal history in accordance with both the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA). Conduct ongoing comprehensive substance use assessments, including the ASAM screening tool. Provide individual, group, and/or family informational and educational counseling to clients moving through the continuum of recovery. Help clients access community‑based self‑help groups, residential programs, and detoxification programs. Teach clients harm‑reduction skills to manage cravings, triggers, and high‑risk behaviors, especially in the context of co‑occurring SMI and SUD. Work with other FSP‑ICM team members to ensure delivery of all substance use disorder services, including MAT. Build collaborative partnerships with existing and new community resources and providers for linkage and support purposes. Complete all documentation and maintain all paperwork and other required documentation for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements. Handle a small caseload of members. Work with all FSP teams whose members are seeking SUD services. Provide clients’ family members and significant others with a greater understanding of their role in the client’s recovery process. Other Position Requirements High School/GED diploma. Current certification as a Certified Addiction Counselor or similar. Must be either a certified SUD Counselor or another FSP‑ICM Team member (such as a Community Health Worker, Case Manager, or Clinician) who has received appropriate training and demonstrates competence to provide integrated behavioral health care treatments to support clients with SMI and SUD. Familiarity with local community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness and/or low income. Bilingual; Spanish/English speaking preferred. Good basic English writing skills, computer skills, and high organization; excellent communication skills. Ability to juggle multiple tasks without losing productivity. Function well in a team‑oriented approach to member services; demonstrate knowledge of community resources. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. High tolerance and understanding for a busy, highly unstructured work atmosphere and for individuals presenting with urgent multiple needs, issues, and problematic behavioral characteristics. Know or quickly become knowledgeable of the characteristics of individuals who are substance‑abusing and/or dually diagnosed, and have knowledge of local services available for dually diagnosed individuals. Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends and on‑call cell phone services when necessary. Driving with current Class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, and the ability to be insured by MHALA’s liability insurance are conditions of employment. TB clearance and re‑testing every year are conditions of continued employment. COVID‑19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required; this may become a requirement in the future. Failure to abide by any agency policy, including those relating to a vaccine or booster, may result in termination. Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7‑year period. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mental Health America of Los Angeles