Substance Use Disorder Specialist

USD $26.42/Hr.You believe that every person deserves a place to call home. You see that homelessness is a systemic issue and want to be a part of the solution. You are ready to utilize your talent, experience, and creativity towards purpose-driven work. You want to work alongside industry leaders to learn, implement, and pioneer best practices. LA Family Housing is a leading non-profit agency in Homeless Services and Real Estate Development. With 40 years of experience and 13,000+ people’s lives changed each year, we know what it takes to end homelessness. We take tremendous pride in the emergence of our staff as national leaders in innovation, best practices, and policy within housing production and homeless services. Join the fight to end homelessness and make a difference in people’s lives at LA Family Housing!The Substance Use Disorder Specialist I is responsible for providing street-based substance use disorder assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, and follow-up referral/service tracking to people experiencing homelessness living on the streets and/or in encampments. This position will work within a street-based Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and will collaborate with various community agencies and programs that provide inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment. Provides mobile, street--based outreach to people experiencing homelessness living on the streets and/or in encampmentsMotivates individuals experiencing homelessness to engage in outreach services and associated community referrals that promote well-being by building rapport and providing emotional support to participantsCreates relationships with substance use treatment providers and develops the referral process; maintains a resource listing of substance use disorder services for those engaged through the Street-based Multidisciplinary TeamProvides ongoing street-based housing focused case management services utilizing a Harm Reduction and Housing First approach Screens and identifies persons with a substance use disorder or substance use symptoms; works with the individuals to develop a substance use treatment plan utilizing a harm reduction approachProvides follow-up services to ensure that referrals are completed; provide advocacy as needed, engage in care coordination and discharge planningResponsible for providing insight and knowledge of substance use-related disorders to outreach team membersProvides street-based housing focused case managementMaintains thorough and accurate records in both written form and through assigned electronic databases Coordinates program department activities as directed by supervisorAttends various regular staff, agency and community meetings as designated by supervisorDrives personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and drives agency vehicles periodically to transport clientsAdditional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by supervisorKnowledge and experience in conducting field-based services; understanding of the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and its overarching goal of achieving “functional zero” for those experiencing homelessnessExtensive knowledge of issues facing homeless single adults (e.g. chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, resources for undocumented persons)Able to demonstrate empathy and a non-judgmental attitude when engaging with persons experiencing homelessnessPossess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with mental health and physical health needsKnowledge of “harm reduction” and “housing first” philosophiesKnowledge of various substance use disorders according to DSM-5 requiredMust be able to perform extensive charting, electronic data entry, and documentationClinical experience in working with individuals with multiple diagnoses including substance use, mental illness, and/or physical illnessAvailability to work after hours for crisis calls and/or disaster responseManage emotionally charged situations by providing crisis intervention in a field-based environmentExperience working with a multidisciplinary teamConflict resolution skillsProficient in Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Zoom, and web-based softwareDemonstrated ability to prioritize roles, tasks, and deliverablesStrong advocacy skillsCreative problem-solving skillsMaintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standardsExcellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to be flexible and work in an environment subject to ongoing changeBilingual: Spanish/English preferred Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid CertificationAbility to pass post-offer Tuberculosis (TB) clearancesAbility to pass a Pre-Employment Physical Exam Travel is a regular duty for this position and is requiredMust have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance in good standingUse of a personal vehicle to travel between worksites and other locations is requiredAbility to work a 9/80 work scheduleMust be registered with CAADE, CADTP, and CCAPP.Must be enrolled in a substance use disorder (SUD) counselor training program but have not yet completed the training program, internship hours, and certification exam.Must be able to provide documentation of enrollment in the SUD counselor training program and registration with CAADE, CADTP, and CCAPP.6 months experience providing direct homeless service delivery, case management, health care, behavioral health care, or substance use counseling preferred OR Completed Substance Use Counselor course work including internship and externship hours and certification exam Active CAADE, CADTP, and CCAPP accreditation required 6 months experience providing direct homeless service delivery, case management, health care, behavioral health care, or substance use counseling requiredExperience working with individuals experiencing homeless preferredHealth, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403B Retirement Plan, 529 Education Savings Plan, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Legal Access Plan, Employee Appreciation Program, Company Sponsored Employee Events, Staff Development, 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule, Paid Sick, Vacation and 13 Observed Holidays, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligibility and more! The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Potential physical demands include but are not limited to: walking, climbing stairs, handling, finger/grasp/feel objects and equipment, reaching, communicating, being mobile, repetitive motions, visual activity, driving, and entering buildings. Comfortable working in a pet-friendly environment required. If an accommodation is needed, please inform the Human Resources Department. LAFH is committed and proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran. LA Family Housing will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if LA Family Housing is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing’s  webpage.

Created: 2026-04-15