Substance Abuse Specialist Position
40 hours per week/full-time, non-exempt position
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor to provide case management and ongoing supportive services to aid homeless, formerly homeless veterans, and individuals who are struggling with mild to moderate substance abuse and/or co-occurring mental health challenges in Santa Barbara County.
Description of Assigned Duties and Responsibilities
- Interview clients to assess needs.
- Support clients in overcoming alcohol and drug dependency.
- Ensure efficient and effective delivery of services to all clients.
- Collect data and assist in tracking outcomes and program performance measures as assigned.
- Refer clients to other support services such as medical evaluation and treatment, social services, employment services, and other community resources.
- Participate in client advocacy and other collaborative task force activities.
- Present and provide information to community members and organizations about the program.
- Coordinate with inter-agency programs and activities and perform other duties as assigned.
- Provide substance abuse support to veterans and/or homeless individuals.
- Communicate and collaborate with family members when applicable and with proper releases.
- Record and enter relevant information, all interactions, and services with and on behalf of the client into HMIS and other digital platforms within timelines set forth by agency policies and procedures.
- Understand the different roles within the interdisciplinary team and act with professional boundaries.
- Create mental health and/or substance use treatment and service plans involving case managers, team members, clients, and family as applicable to empower clients to achieve vocational, recreational, daily living, and interpersonal goals.
- Facilitate internal or outside referrals to evidence-based behavioral health services as clinically indicated.
- Adhere to ethical principles regarding confidentiality, informed consent, compliance, applicable laws, and agency policies and procedures.
- Maintain client privacy by adhering to HIPAA Privacy Practices.
- Perform all related duties assigned by program management.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Certified Substance Abuse Counselor certification required.
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Clinical Counseling, Psychology, or Family Therapy from an accredited university preferred.
- Minimum of two years of experience working as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor preferred.
- Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply but bilingual skills are not required.
- Previous experience working with homeless or formerly homeless individuals, veterans, and families preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel required; HMIS experience is a plus.
Work Schedule and Requirements
Work hours are predominantly Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., although some evening and weekend hours may be required to attend community events and/or manage after-hours client crises.
Applicants must have a reliable vehicle, maintain current liability insurance, and successfully pass a background check.
Compensation and Benefits
Starting salary ranges from $26 to $32 per hour, depending on experience and credentials. Medical and dental benefits are provided, along with 403(b) participation and employer matching, as well as generous paid time off.
Position begins immediately. This is not a remote position.
Much of the work will take place throughout Santa Barbara County in the field.
How to Apply
Send your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to hr@sbnbcc.org.
If your qualifications appear to be a good match for the position, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.
Equal Opportunity Employer
New Beginnings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.