Job Abstract

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.

CENTRAL CITY RECOVERY

Residential Treatment for your substance-use disorder, the program ranges from 30 to 120 days depending on medical necessity and the need of a controlled environment to establish a foundation for recovery. Our co-ed program provides an evidence-based trauma-informed care model of utilizing cognitive behavior therapy and motivational interviewing. Program emphasis includes instruction on developing coping and life skills allowing each individual to maintain a healthy, productive lifestyle and overcome the stress and barriers to successful daily living. We provide wrap-around services including assessments, individual and group therapy and counseling, treatment planning, case management and referrals. All potential patients must have or qualify for Medi-Cal or My Health LA coverage within Los Angeles County. Ideal candidates will meet the following criteria: be over 18 years of age, have an imminent need for substance-use disorder treatment, and to be comfortable in a multicultural setting with individuals of diverse ethnicities and lifestyles.

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

The Counselor AOD I – MC, is a Registered AOD Counselor, under supervision of a Certified AOD Counselor or Licensed Therapist, is responsible for the provision of alcohol and drug treatment services to clients and their families, engaging in treatment plan process with therapist and case manager and ongoing clinical documentation to support the whole person care of the client. The Counselor will have completed the formal coursework required for Certification by a BBS approved Certifying Organization, and be achieving the supervised hours required for Certification. Meets annual registration renewal requirements and submits annual renewal of Registration until Certification is earned.

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 and therapist 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 treatment services with members of the multidisciplinary Case Management team
  • Conducts discharge and transition planning; drafts discharge summary
• Meets regularly with supervisor and multidisciplinary Case Management Team to ensure the implementation of prescribed treatment protocol, the success of the client in the execution of the treatment/case plan.
  • Attend and participate in scheduled supervision meetings with assigned supervisor;
  • Attend and participate in shift exchange meetings, case conferences, staff meetings and other treatment team meetings in accordance with program needs
• Ensures timely and accurate records are kept, both hard (paper) copy and electronic health records. These records shall document all treatments and client progress, including records of client self-administration of prescribed medication.
  • The Counselor shall monitor Self-administration of medication, and shall monitor and collect drug screens as may be required.
  • All record-keeping shall support client’s privacy rights under HIPAA, be in accord with State and Federal law, and SCADP policy and procedure.
  • Prepare reports as required by funder.
• Adheres to professional standards of care and conduct, as set forth by licensure/certification and SCADP 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.
• Participates in coverage of telephone hotline, pursuant to organization training and procedure.
• Other duties as may be required to support SCADP mission and goals.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications

EDUCATION:

• Alcohol and Drug Counseling Registration by an approved accrediting organization (CCAPP, CADTP or CADEE)

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of one year’s experience in the provision of SUD treatment services working with the target population; Minimum of 3 years sobriety, if recovering

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 L.A. County;

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:

• Basic Microsoft operating system navigation – Outlook, MS Word, Excel, PowerPointm, Office. Familiar with Database use/data entry and retrieval.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflict, including dealing with un-cooperative clients.
• 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.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends

INTERPERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Culturally sensitive and competent
• Good organization skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors Degree in Social Services related discipline
• Strong crisis management skills
• Conflict resolution & de-escalation skills
• Demonstrated ability with EHR
• Bilingual Spanish preferred

VOALA BENEFITS SUMMARY:

• Choice of 3 medical insurance plans
• Choice of 2 dental insurance plans (one plan for employee only; has no premium)
• Vision insurance plan
• Voluntary Supplemental Coverage
• Accidental Injury Coverage
• Hospital Care Coverage
• Critical Illness Coverage
• Pet Insurance
• Paid vacation time
• Paid sick time
• 10 company paid holidays
• Company funded 401a retirement pension plan
• Optional employee contribution to 403b retirement savings plan
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Programs to maintain your health and well-being
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) – (No cost to employee and 100% confidential)
• Company funded Short-term Disability Insurance (STDI) Insurance
• Company funded Long-term Disability Insurance (LTD)

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 as required by the federal government 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.