Forensic Peer Specialist/SUD Counselor

Sign-On Bonus for Bilingual Applicants: $2,000 (Distributed in 4 parts: $500 after 30 days, $500 after 90 days, $500 after 150 days, and $500 after 210 days of employment) 
The bilingual bonus applies to client-facing positions and will be awarded upon successful completion of the language test 

JOB TITLE: Forensic Peer Specialist/SUD Counselor 1 

LOCATION: Palm Avenue Detox 

Who are we? 

Horizon Services, Inc. (HSI) is a nonprofit established in 1974 that offers addiction treatment with the goal of reducing substance use and mental health related challenges for people from all walks of life, including those from some of the most disenfranchised and marginalized communities. We practice our values of Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Compassion to provide youth prevention, youth and adult outpatient, sobering programs, withdrawal management, and co-occurring capable residential programs to support the well-being of women, men, youth, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC clients to live healthy, fulfilling and constructive lives. HSI is an inclusive workplace and a learning community where our collective experiences enrich each other’s growth. 

Job Summary 

This position is responsible for collaborating with the Program Manager on creating a welcoming atmosphere for incoming clients and preparing them for continued treatment in the broader system of care. Positive approach in providing direct services which include periodic monitoring of vitals and performance of withdrawal management assessments. Maintain sanitization standards and may be called upon to transport clients when need arises.  



 

How can you make a difference in people’s lives? 

In this role, you’ll make a difference in the lives of people with substance abuse challenges, and often with co-occurring conditions. You’ll use and grow your skills in compassionate care, crisis intervention and de-escalation, in a supportive and inclusive work environment. You’ll have the opportunity provide our community with substance abuse treatment to help people who are just discovering possibilities in their journey, going from a place of hopelessness to a place where they are valued and have the potential for a better life. 

Accountabilities and Responsibilities:
• Engage with client to set care plan goals to support client with relapse prevention, empower client through strength-based coaching, support linkages to community resources, and to educate members and their families about their conditions and the process of recovery.
• Peer support specialist will also provide group services that promote recovery, resiliency, engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, development of natural supports, and identification of strengths through structured activities such as group and individual coaching to set recovery goals and identify steps to reach the goals.
• Peer support specialist can include contact with family members or other people supporting the member (defined as collaterals) if the purpose of the collateral’s participation is to focus on the treatment needs of the member by supporting the achievement of the member's treatment goals.
• Peer Support Specialist will provide services consist of Educational Skill Building Groups, Engagement and Therapeutic Activity services as defined below:
• Educational Skill Building Groups means providing a supportive environment in which members and their families learn coping mechanisms and problem solving skills in order to help the members achieve desired outcomes.
• Performs vital sign patient self-monitoring tasks as needed to ensure clients fall within established safe stabilization guidelines, if applicable at program site.
• Participate in daily shift change reporting concerns.
• Collaborate with team in response to crisis or emergency in a timely manner.
• Maintain a positive, welcoming approach with all incoming clients at the Detoxification Center while providing orientation and program overview.
• Conduct property safety checks on all incoming client property including metal detection
• Ensure daily census requirements are being met as directed by manager by ensuring that appointments are scheduled quickly and with minimal delay from treatment request to first appointment
• Perform initial screening at intake and discharge procedures upon client discharge.
• Reconcile daily logs, rosters, and other census information to ensure daily census accuracy
• Meet weekly for group clinical supervision
• Inputs data into HSl's Electronic Health Record System (EHR) and/or the EHR platform of the County funder
• Witness client self-administration of medication ensuring accurate record is maintained in the
medication tracker and EHR.
• Daily monitoring and maintenance of client EHR for errors, correcting and updating
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with all staff members and community organizations
• Coordinate with program Case Manager to ensure referral mechanisms are properly engaged to
maximize post-discharge continuum or care.
• Maintain attendance and punctuality to perform duties as scheduled
• Attend all staff meetings and required agency meetings unless excused
• Responsible for always maintaining a clean environment
• Responsible for informing Program Manager of perceived household, environmental, participant,
and personal needs when appropriate
• Maintain a basic knowledge of medications used by clients
• Drive program vehicle when necessary
• Confer with staff and other individuals in agency regarding participants
• Perform any other duties as assigned
• Responsible for supervising meal preparation and, when necessary, preparing and serving meals
• Adheres to confidentiality requirements as governed by HIPAA and 42 CFR

SUCCESS COMPETENCIES FOR POSITION
(competencies required to effectively perform the job)


• Client Focus - Gains insight into client
needs, quickly establishes rapport and relationships using evidencebasedpractices, provides compassionate and empathic client care to all program participants
• Problem Solving - uses logic and methods
to solve difficult problems with effective solutions...looks beyond the obvious and doesn't stop at the first answer.
• Being Resilient- Rebounds from setbacks
faced in a high stress environment. Handles and manages crises effectively. Maintains stability when faced with conflict.
• Interpersonal Communication- delivers
effective communication with a wide range of audiences. Addresses miscommunication quickly and appropriately. Conveys information clearly.

FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:
(knowledge and skills required to effectively perform the job)

Technical Training or Knowledge
• Certification or registration with either Substance Use state certifying body in California (CAADE/CCAPP/CADTP),
• Excellent computer skills, knowledge of data
capture and data input into Electronic Health Records.
• Knowledge of alcohol and drug addiction ('Substance Use Disorder')
• Knowledge of social model detox concepts
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
Experience
• Experience working with customers or clients that feel overwhelmed or in a crisis (crisis intervention).
• Experience working with diverse populations
and cultures
• Experience working with customers or clients with co-occurring disorders and disabilities

QUALIFICATIONS: (education and work experience)
• Certification or registration with Substance Use Counselor state certifying body in California (CAADE/CCAPP/CADTP)
• Relevant Experience working with High Risk Populations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee successfully performing the essential functions of this job (i.e., travel, driving, lifting, etc.).
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Note: Please use percent time spent in these requirements. Totals do not have to add to 100%. Job related physical abilities
• Must be able to operate a computer keyboard and read computer displays, sit for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds
• Must be able to physically assist client in their efforts to exit the facility in case of an emergency
• Must be able to physically assist clients who are undergoing seizures or other major withdrawal symptoms to include ambulatory escort to a medical facility if necessary.
• Must be able to perform CPR
• Must have a good driving record and valid California Driver's License and current insurance



 

Compensation and Benefits 

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time and part-time employees over 20 hours per week.

• Generous contribution medical, dental, Life and LTD for the employee and 50% for any dependents medical and dental coverage.  

• PTO and Holiday pay. 

• Retirement benefits after 6 months of service. 

• Training and CEU opportunities.

And of course, the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to a team of mindful, caring and passionate people at work every day! 

Salary: $25/hour based on experience and qualifications. Available for a full-time position. 

Horizon Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.