Outreach Specialist- Substance Abuse Specialist, Req# 277

Company: Mental Health America of Los Angeles
Location: Lancaster
Posted on: June 12, 2021

Job Description:

Department: E6

Reports To: Program Manager

Supervision Responsibilities: None

Summary: Provide outreach, engagement, and linkage/referral services for individuals experiencing homelessness in SPA 1. Work as a part of a team providing services to individuals experiencing homelessness with possible serious mental illness, substance abuse disorders and chronic physical health conditions based on psychosocial rehabilitation model of treatment and services. This project is administered for fifteen months by the Health Agency and LAHSA.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: This is not an exhaustive task list, and other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate or necessary by the supervisor or program director. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, providing it will not change the essential nature of the position, nor cause undue hardship to the Agencys operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider. The Agency will consider individuals with a criminal history.

• Coordinate and provide outreach services for individuals within the SPA 1 areas.
• Complete assessments regarding substance abuse/use status. Develop appropriate plan of care and interventions
• Assist in the collection of health information.
• Work collaboratively within an integrated mobile team to provide linkage, outreach, community-based case management, housing, mental health and primary care services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Make independent assessments to identify individual needs as necessary and initiate communication and collaboration within the integrated team and with referral sources to provide the resources to meet those needs
• Utilize evidence based practices in service delivery such as motivational interviewing, harm reduction, supported employment and education, intensive case management, housing first, and critical time intervention
• Be an active part of the learning in this project by participating in other trainings (LAHSA trainings, DMH trainings and other sources) that introduce different interventions that could be an effective strategy with this population
• Provide health education, resources, liaison with community health providers and counseling on specific health issues
• Build collaborative partnerships with existing and new community resources and providers for linkage and support purposes.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and other aspects of the day-to-day operations and community life of the program site(s)
• Complete all documentation and maintain all paperwork and other required documentation as required for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements.
• Provide linkage support, coaching, counseling, mentoring, instruction, training, feedback and positive reinforcement for members in areas such physical health care, money management, grooming and hygiene, meal preparation, public transportation and other independent living skills
• Mediate and advocate on behalf of individuals to help them obtain and keep health care benefits, entitlements, etc.
• Read, perform research, attend classes, workshops or seminars and participate in other professional development activities in order to maintain and enhance personal and professional skills.
• Must provide all services in the field.
• Provide training and consultation to team on substance abuse issues.
• Refers and links members to community substance abuse resources as appropriate (i.e., detox, medical care, sober living homes, other treatment facilities, counseling). Acts as liaison between HIP team and community substance abuse treatment facilities.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Current certification as a Certified Addiction Counselor or similar.
• LPS designation if/when eligible in order to facilitate 5150 involuntary holds when needed
• Bilingual; Spanish/English speaking preferred
• Hospice experience medical and/or in a hospital setting is preferred
• Driving with current class C drivers license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be ensured by MHALA liability insurance are conditions of employment
• Familiarity with local community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness and/or low income
• Must have good basic English writing skills, good basic computer skills and be highly organized. Must have excellent communication skills.
• Must be able to have the ability to juggle multiple tasks without losing productivity.
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services; demonstrate knowledge of community resources
• Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Must possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for a work atmosphere that is very busy and highly unstructured and for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple needs, issues and problematic behavioral characteristics
• Must know or very 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
• TB clearance and yearly re-testing are conditions of employment

Keywords: Mental Health America of Los Angeles, Fargo , Outreach Specialist- Substance Abuse Specialist, Req# 277, Other , Lancaster, North Dakota