Substance Abuse Specialist For Mental Health And Homeless Services SUD RADT CADC

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) is a leading nonprofit mental health agency serving nearly 19,000 low income and no income individuals annually across Los Angeles County.

Position Summary

Substance Abuse Specialist – Full-time, 35-hour workweek. Compensation: $25.00 to $27.00 per hour, experience-based. Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, responsible for engaging clients with substance abuse disorders and linking them to appropriate services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive substance use assessments, including the ASAM screening tool.
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling throughout the recovery continuum.
• Help clients access community-based self-help groups, residential and detoxification programs.
• Teach harm-reduction skills to manage cravings, triggers, and high-risk behaviors, particularly for clients with co-occurring SMI and SUD.
• Coordinate 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.
• Complete all documentation and maintain records in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements.
• Handle a small caseload of members and work with FSP teams to support members seeking SUD services.
• Provide family members and significant others with education about their role in the client’s recovery.

Position Requirements

• High School or GED diploma.
• Current certification as a Certified Addiction Counselor or equivalent.
• Must be a certified SUD Counselor, or an FSP-ICM team member (e.g., Community Health Worker, Case Manager, or Clinician) trained in integrated behavioral health care for SMI and SUD.
• Familiarity with local community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness or low income.
• Spanish/English bilingual, or Spanish speaking preferred.
• Strong written and computer skills, proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, able to juggle multiple tasks.
• Team-oriented approach with knowledge of community resources.
• High tolerance and understanding for a busy, unstructured work environment.
• Knowledge of characteristics of substance-abusing and dually diagnosed individuals, and local services available to them.
• Flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and on-call cell phone service when necessary.
• Valid Class C driver’s license, vehicle, insurance, and eligibility for MHALA liability insurance.
• TB clearance and annual re-testing required.
• COVID-19 vaccination status not currently required; policy changes may apply.
• Employment verification from three past employers within the most recent 7-year period.

EEO Statement

The Agency is an equal employment opportunity provider and will consider applicants with criminal history in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified persons with medical or psychiatric disabilities, unless the accommodation would cause undue hardship.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and full benefits package, including employee assistance program.
• 35-hour workweek with healthy work/life balance.
• Generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for growth within a team-oriented culture.