Substance Abuse Specialist

The Substance Use Specialist will support the growth and development of SPY's clinical services and programming, including offering crisis emotional support, individualized treatment plans, and progress reports that outline a member's needs, goals, and opportunities for growth.

This role will work with staff to develop and grow the Health and Wellness Program, gathering youth information from various sources, and developing treatment plans, case summaries, and progress reports.

The Substance Use Specialist will also assist Health and Wellness Program staff/interns in developing and coordinating treatment plans, and assist in programming related to Health and Wellness education.

Additionally, this role will develop and facilitate mental health groups, ensure Counseling services are strengths-based and trauma-informed, and prepare data collection and analysis, monthly reports, and program administration duties.

The Substance Use Specialist will also support the Crisis Intervention team during drop-in hours, advocate by attending external community meetings, and work collaboratively across internal departments.

This role requires a commitment to the mission and values of SPY, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with excellent communication and organizational skills, and cultural responsiveness and humility.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and grow the Health and Wellness Program
• Gather youth information from various sources
• Develop treatment plans, case summaries, and progress reports
• Assist Health and Wellness Program staff/interns in developing and coordinating treatment plans
• Assist in programming related to Health and Wellness education
• Develop and facilitate mental health groups
• Ensure Counseling services are strengths-based and trauma-informed
• Prepare data collection and analysis, monthly reports, and program administration duties
• Support the Crisis Intervention team during drop-in hours
• Advocate by attending external community meetings
• Work collaboratively across internal departments

Requirements:

• Certification in substance abuse counseling or Master's degree in a related field
• Expertise in principles of substance abuse treatment and harm-reduction
• Knowledge of principles of mental health diagnosis and chemical dependency
• Knowledge of substance use assessment methods for adolescents and young adults
• Knowledge of adolescent and young adult social, emotional, and cognitive development
• A commitment to the mission and values of SPY
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Cultural responsiveness and humility

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This role will require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, as well as changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.

The Substance Use Specialist will also be required to lift up to 15-20 pounds at times.

Mandated Reporting Requirements:

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

Vaccination Requirements:

All workers in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination.

Driver Positions:

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record and valid driver's license.

Benefits and Perks:

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage and professional development opportunities.

EEO Statement:

Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.