Outreach Substance Abuse Coordinator

Description

About Interfaith Community Services:

At Interfaith, we empower individuals and families in need by providing essential resources and services with compassion and integrity. Together, we foster a community of hope, accountability, and dignity. 

Founded in 1979 in direct response to rising rates of hunger and homelessness in North San Diego County, Interfaith Community Services works to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness by Helping People Help Themselves. Interfaith is the most comprehensive nonprofit social services agency in North County, providing both immediate safety net services and long-term, life-changing programs designed to meet the holistic needs of people in crisis. Together, in partnership with 250+ diverse faith communities, more than 650 recurrent volunteers, and a growing staff of over 200, Interfaith provides a safe haven and pathway towards self-sufficiency for more than 17,000 community members annually. 

If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a service-driven environment, we invite you to be part of our mission!

What You'll Do:

In the Outreach Substance Abuse Coordinator role, you’ll be primarily field-based position that will work in conjunction with Peer Support Specialists and other homeless outreach teams to identify and engage individuals and households affected by substance use disorders. The counselor will provide a comprehensive range of services, including screening, assessment, treatment planning, and linkage to recovery support services, while employing a harm reduction approach. The position will additionally attend and support case conferencing and ensure that clients with ongoing treatment needs are successfully connected with appropriate community-based treatment programs and level of care based on the American Society of Addiction Society (ASAM) level of care criteria, and provides warm hand off referrals outside of RWC when applicable. The position will interact closely with the interdepartmental treatment team of behavioral health clinicians, clients, associate clinicians, interns, community partners, program leadership and staff. 

• Conduct in the field outreach and engage with individuals experiencing homelessness to identify those with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Substance Use Disorder or other (SUD)/Mental Health (MH) needs
• Utilizes Motivational Interviewing and other counseling skills when connecting with individuals in pre-contemplation stage of change 
• Work collaboratively with community partners, including shelter programs and affordable housing properties, to identify and support eligible individuals and households
• Screen and assess referrals from the Oceanside and Carlsbad Police Departments, Fire Departments, and Housing & Neighborhood Services Departments
• Conduct in-the-field screenings and provide assessments and ongoing assessments, utilizing a harm reduction approach to build rapport and identify risks and needs
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to coordinate client care, participating in regular outreach and care conferencing meetings
• Collaborate with regional Emergency Department social workers, SUD counselors, and mental health practitioners to facilitate seamless care and system navigation for clients
• Develop personalized, strengths-based plans to mitigate the negative physical and psychological impacts of substance use, focusing on reducing barriers to sobriety
• Provide linkage to recovery support services, including vocational, educational, and crisis care services, and assist clients in developing informal support systems
• Facilitate referrals and coordinate entry into Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), detox, and other treatment options as appropriate.
• Collaborate across agencies, providers, and programs to enhance service and referral capacity for clients.
• Provide outreach, presentations, and resources to local middle and high schools educating students and discouraging drug misuse
• Participate in youth services collaboration and refer at-risk youth to appropriate resources, including those involved in drug-related offenses
• Complete accurate and thorough documentation of client meetings, interactions, and progress toward goals in a timely manner
• Maintain regular communication with the Housing & Neighborhood Services Department and provide monthly data reports on services provided and outcomes achieved
• Adheres to participant confidentiality as required by State and Federal (42 CFR) regulations 
• Performs additional duties as assigned 

Requirements

Who You Are:

You're passionate about making a lasting impact, whether supporting individuals directly or enhancing our organizational effectiveness. To thrive in this role, you'll:

• High School Diploma or equivalent, required 
• Bachelor's Degree in related field, preferred
• 2+ years of experience working in an addiction treatment facility, social services or nonprofit setting, required.
• Experience with individuals struggling with alcohol, drug, and mental illness or homelessness, required
• Bilingual (English/Spanish), preferred

Location: Oceanside

Hourly Rate: $22-$24

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

· Paid Time Off

· Paid Holidays – 13 scheduled

· Flexible Work Schedules

· Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

· AD&D / Group Life Insurance

· Flexible Spending Accounts – Medical and Dependent Care

· Matched 401(k) Retirement Plan

· Early Release Days!

· Work Anniversary Bonuses

· Tuition Reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

· Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

· Home Ownership Assistance Program

· Casual Work Environment

· Professional Growth and Career Development Opportunities

Interfaith is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, nationality, sex, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Interfaith will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.