Substance Abuse Case Manager

Position: Substance Abuse Case Manager

Location: Kensington Campus 45244 32nd St West, Lancaster, CA 93536

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Reports to: Program Manager

Job Description Summary:

With the support of and in partnership with the Kensington Mental Health Services team, the Substance Abuse Case Manager performs a variety of tasks to assist the most vulnerable and chronically homeless individuals in their recovery from substances and in regaining control over their lives. The Substance Abuse Case Manager serves as a primary case manager, provides information and support for program members, and assists members in gaining admission to inpatient or more intensive substance abuse treatment settings as needed. The Substance Abuse Case Manager will model competence in wellness, recovery, and coping, and is responsible for maintaining the highest quality services and efficiency of operations.

Job Description Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

* Utilize harm reduction, social, environmental, and motivational strategies to support members, in collaboration with licensed clinicians, other counselors, case managers, and support staff.
* Provide linkage and referrals to outpatient and residential substance abuse treatment.
* Maintain a Caseload and provide ongoing substance use services to 20 clients in either Interim Housing or Project-Based Housing at Kensington Campus.
* Collaborate and Coordinate services with Interim Housing, Project-Based Housing, and Mental Health Treatment Teams.
* Encourage and promote an environment that is strength-based to assist clients in meeting their individual goals
* Provide linkage to stable housing and other supportive services as needed to assist clients in obtaining housing stability, in addition to client advocacy, case management, and benefit establishment.
* Facilitate substance abuse groups and support the coordination of substance abuse Panels on campus.
* Perform initial comprehensive case management assessment and develop a plan of intervention that addresses their barriers, increases their income, and assists them in maintaining permanent housing.
* Coach members individually on problems with transition from streets to home, supportive independent living skills, sobriety, and accessing needed resources in the community.
* Provide referrals to allied critical healthy living services for members on caseload.
* Input case notes into the Exym system.
* Document and account for the time spent on client contacts and activities in the client record according to Department of Mental Health standards.
* Maintain a current, thorough knowledge of ongoing developments and new techniques in the fields of substance abuse, mental health, and behavioral health community resources, and utilize these to provide comprehensive, wrap-around services to members
* Capable of assisting in crisis situations.

Qualifications:

* High School diploma or GED; Associates or Bachelor's degree in related field preferred
* Certification in substance abuse counseling (CAADE and/or CAADAC preferred)
* Minimum two years' experience as a substance abuse counselor and/or case manager, in a licensed and/or accredited substance abuse treatment facility (experience in a dual-diagnosis setting preferred)
* Able to work in a high tolerance Harm Reduction model with members who have multiple barriers
* Computer literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
* Detail oriented with excellent time management, organizational, written, verbal, and computer skills
* Able to work evenings and weekends
* Able to learn quickly and work effectively with diverse individuals and with minimal supervision
* Able to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification
* Have a valid California Driver's License with an acceptable driving record
* Able to transport members in your vehicle

Preferred Qualifications:

* Knowledge of 12-Step organizations, culture, terminology, and literature
* Working knowledge of the criminal justice system
* Certification as an Anger Management and/or Domestic Violence facilitator
* Bilingual in English/Spanish
* Minimum 30 WPM typing speed

Work Environment:

* Office environment
* Regularly required to sit, stand, bend; occasionally lift or carry up to 35 lbs.
* On occasion walk or drive to different local sites
* Will necessitate working in busy and loud environments
* Will be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise and odor
* May need to bend, stoop, twist, and sit throughout the day