Description

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. MHALA achieves impact in the areas of mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with special programs for Veterans and transition-age youth.

MHALA also provides training programs for individuals joining the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community around mental health issues.

MHALA works to ensure that its employees are just as cared for as its members. Communication, collaboration, transparency and a healthy work/life balance are core components of the agency culture. Employees are encouraged to engage in self-care and can enjoy a 35-hour workweek.

MHALA fosters diversity at all levels of the organization. The agency promotes a team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for growth. We are proud to offer a competitive salary and full benefits package, including an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.

Substance Abuse Specialist

35 hours per week / $24.00 - $26.00 per hour

(The actual compensation will be determined 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: 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 Agency’s operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider. The agency 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 as required for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements.
• Handle a small case load of members
• Work with all FSP teams with their members who are seeking SUD services.
• Provide clients’ family members and significant others with a greater understanding of their role in the client’s recovery process
• Work with other FSP-ICM team members to ensure delivery of all substance use disorder services including MAT.

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 the 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
• 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
• Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, 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, however this may become a requirement in the future. Failure to abide by any agency policy, including those relating to a vaccine or booster shot may result in termination of employment
• Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period