Counselor Alcohol and Other Drugs II Orange County

Company: Volunteers of America - Greater Los Angeles
Location: Orange
Posted on: May 3, 2021

Job Description:

About Us:

VOALA

Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories

Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans' services, homeless shelters, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at www.voala.org.

GRANT FOR THE BENEFIT OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS (GBHI)

The Grant for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals (GBHI) is a program funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). GBHI serves homeless veterans in Orange County who suffer from substance abuse or have mental health service needs. We connect them to resources within the community and provide case management services with the priority of addressing substance use and mental health barriers to full functioning. This may include assisting them with getting into a substance use program, counseling services, accessing mainstream and veteran benefits, legal barriers, addressing housing needs, and transportation.

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Counselor AOD II is responsible for assisting clients and families who suffer from substance use issues. The Counselor AOD II will engage in a case plan process with case managers and ongoing documentation to support the whole person care of the client.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

* As -part of a multi-disciplinary Case Management team, performs primary alcohol and drug counseling functions including screening, assessment, and intake; * Provides one on one mentoring and support to clients * Teaches clients independent living and problem-solving skills - develop, plan and initiate methods of exposing clients to healthy lifestyle activities designed to alter former lifestyles, attitudes, images and other negative behavioral patterns. * Acts as advocate for client before outside social service and legal organizations

* Collaborate with Case Manager to ensure that critical linkages to support services meeting the medical, mental health, housing and education needs of the participant are consistently and effectively delivered; * As part of the Case Management Team, conducts crisis intervention * Leads or coordinates group, individual, and educational sessions * Coordinates care services with members of the multidisciplinary Case Management team * Conducts discharge and transition planning; drafts discharge summary

* Meets regularly with multidisciplinary Case Management Team to ensure the implementation of a case plan and the success of the client in the execution of the case plan. * Attend and participate in shift exchange meetings, case conferences, staff meetings and other team meetings in accordance with program needs

* Ensures timely and accurate records are kept, both hard (paper) copy and electronic health records. * The Counselor shall monitor and collect drug screens as may be required. * All record-keeping shall support client's privacy rights under HIPPA, be in accord with State and Federal law, and VOALA policy and procedure. * Prepare reports as required by funder.

* Adheres to professional standards of care and conduct, as set forth by licensure/certification and VOALA policy, including ongoing professional education and organizational training sessions as may be required. * Transports program participants to scheduled appointments, events and meetings as may be required and as assigned. * Assist with program and outreach events as may be required. * Assist with incoming calls. * Other duties as may be required to support GBHI mission and goals.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

* Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications * Valid California Driver's License and Auto Insurance * Must be over the age of 18 years

EDUCATION:

* Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification by an approved accrediting organization (CCAPP, CADTP or CADEE) * High school diploma or GED/High School Equivalence Certificate * Must be over the age of 18 years

EXPERIENCE:

* A minimum of three years' experience working in SUD treatment services

KNOWLEDGE:

* Knowledge of substance use disorder and family dynamics related to substance abuse; * Knowledge of the principles of client-centered, strength-based practice (including the principles of the recovery model and trauma-informed practice) * Understanding and experience working with recovering individuals and their impacted family members; * Knowledge of/experience with substance abuse services in the community

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:

* Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point) * Familiar working with a database (data entry and retrieval)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

* Excellent oral and written communication skills * Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflict, including dealing with un-cooperative clients * Ability to work evenings and weekends * Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards * Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards

INTERPERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

* Client- focused, team player, adaptable, communicator, organized, consistent, compassionate, culturally sensitive and competent

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelor's degree in Social Services related discipline * Experience working with veterans or homeless population * Bilingual in English and Spanish (written and verbal) * Strong crisis management skills * Conflict resolution skills

Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form 1-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (OHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.

Keywords: Volunteers of America - Greater Los Angeles, Orange , Counselor Alcohol and Other Drugs II Orange County, Other , Orange, California