Substance Abuse Counselor

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and surrounding communities. The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through comprehensive case management and integrated social service programs. St. Joseph Center serves approximately 6,000 individuals annually.

The Substance Abuse Counselor works as a team of the multi-disciplinary homeless street outreach team, in collaboration with social service professionals, ensuring the delivery of quality care in accordance to the rules and regulations established by the Los Angeles Department of Health Services for contracted agencies, as well as adhering to the mission of St. Joseph Center. The E6 MDT Substance Abuse Counselor will use the “whatever it takes” approach to help people experiencing homelessness get connected to substance abuse resources, and supportive services, in order to obtain permanent housing.

• Implement case management service plan goals emphasizing coordinated strategies for addressing substance abuse issues, relapse prevention, and any other risk factors that could impede client’s functioning.
• Provide ongoing assessment of client progress in attaining goals.
• Utilize a harm reduction model when working with clients.
• Link clients to appropriate bridge/interim housing programs and assist them in completing required paperwork in order to enroll them in permanent housing programs.

• Provide ongoing case management services that will decrease social isolation and prevent relapse risks; provide linkage and brokerage to any mental health, substance abuse, and meaningful community activities.
• Provide crisis management, case management, and other related substance abuse/mental health services to clients on the streets, in service venues, in housing placements, or other locations as appropriate.
• Respond to urgent requests for assistance from clients as needed.
• Perform daily follow-ups and wellness checks on existing clients and on all new referrals.
• Participate in all meetings with collaborative agencies and other community meetings as directed.
• Conduct 1:1 sessions consistent with harm reduction principles to facilitate patient awareness, understanding, and motivation to change related to addiction and recovery issues, as necessary.
• Cultivate relationships with substance abuse treatment providers in the service area.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle to perform the essential functions of the position, which includes transporting clients in company vehicles.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter. The ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including clients, community, and other staff. Must have excellent organizational skills.
• Have an understanding in how to work with low income and homeless individuals. Knowledge of how to work effectively in a harm reduction environment.
• Always demonstrate cooperative and professional behavior and maintain a professional appearance.
• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter. The ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including clients, community, and other staff. Must have excellent organizational skills and the capability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of homeless services and resources. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Critical Time Intervention, and Housing First.
• Effective crisis management skills.

• One or more years providing chemical dependency counseling (supervised internship applies).
• Experience working with individuals receiving services for mental health, homelessness and/or substance use.
• Experience and general knowledge of working with individuals who, may be mentally ill, HIV positive, and/or have chemical dependency issues is highly desired.
• Experience providing street-based services to highly vulnerable populations.
• Street based outreach preferred.

• Degree from…