Substance Use Specialist, FSP Santa Monica

Role: Substance Use Specialist, FSP Reports to: Program Manager Program: 1303-FSP Department: Health & Wellness Location: Westside Mental Health Office - 1749 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 Setting: 100% Onsite Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt/Non-Management Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc. Openings: 1 Job Description Summary: Full Service Partnership is a specialized mental health program that provides wraparound and individualized field-based services to individuals with complex needs, including serious mental illness, chronic health issues, substance use disorders and homelessness. With the support of and in partnership with the FSP team, the Substance Use Specialist performs a variety of tasks to assist the most vulnerable and chronically homeless individuals in SPA 4and 5 in their recovery from substances and in regaining control over their lives. In addition to their capacity and duties as either clinician or case manager on the team, the Substance Use Specialist serves as a primary team liaison for individuals struggling with substance use and addiction, such as by providing 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 Use Specialist 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. Encourage and promote an environment that is strength based to assist clients in meeting their individual goals. Street outreach to identified homeless persons working with the team to engage in services and accept treatment from the program staff Assist with enrollment process as needed. Provide linkage to stable housing, and other supportive services as needed to assist clients to obtain housing stability, in addition to client advocacy, case management, and benefit establishment. Conduct screening interviews, complete housing documentation, and coordinate clients' move-in with the housing authority, property managers. 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. Document and account for time spent on client contacts and activities in client record in accordance with 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. Job Description 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 ac-credited 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 Current, valid California Driver's with an acceptable driving record and reliable vehicle Able to transport members in your vehicle Computer literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel Detail oriented with excellent time management, organizational, written, verbal, and computer skills Able to learn quickly and work effectively with a wide range of constituencies and with minimal supervision Able to obtain and maintain CPR/1st Aid certification Current, valid California Driver's License with an acceptable driving record If candidate is also a Clinician must have: Master's degree in Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Clinical Counselling, Psychology, or a related field and valid registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Job Description Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in related field preferred Knowledge of 12-Step organizations, culture, terminology, and literature Working knowledge of criminal justice system Certification as an Anger Management and/or Domestic Violence facilitator Bilingual in English/Spanish Job Description Work Environment: Combination of field and 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.

Created: 2026-04-15