Substance Use Disorder Counselor (Bilingual)

San Francisco, CA
Full Time
Resource Center
Mid Level

The Mission Neighborhood Health Center (MNHC) is a non-profit, multi-site community health organization offering comprehensive health services in the Mission and Excelsior Districts of San Francisco.  The center offers primary health care services, adult medicine, pediatrics, family planning, OB/GYN, HIV and homeless services. We advocate for health equity and deliver innovative, high-quality services responsive to the neighborhoods and diverse communities we serve.

We are currently looking for qualified candidates for our Substance Use Disorder Counselor role. Please note: This role requires applicants to be bilingual in English and Spanish. This position reports to the Director of Behavioral Health & Substance Use and is a Regular, Full Time, Non-Exempt role with a starting hourly range of $38.49 to $41.39 with full benefits. 

Primary Objective:
In conjunction with a multidisciplinary team of medical and mental health professionals, the Substance Abuse Counselor will provide outreach, motivational interviewing to support with care goals, referrals, and crisis counseling, utilizing patient centered harm reduction care principles. MNHC substance use services address the opioid and stimulant epidemics and provide support for all patients impacted by substances. The counselor will also provide clinical consultation to referrals, support the primary clinics, and behavioral health staff to address the need for treatment. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform screening of MNHC patients seeking substance use services using the designated screening tools (e.g. DAST-10, AUDIT-C, ASAM) embedded in the electronic health record.
  • Utilize a participant-centered, harm reduction model of services including an enhanced care management model in counseling sessions.
  • Model and support health and wellness activities and healthy coping skills for patients engaged in care.
  • Provide low barrier group interventions (health education groups) to adult and TAY patients.
  • Maintain accurate documentation for substance use services and activities, as required by Health Center Program (Compliance Manual).
  • Regularly review patient records and monitor plans and activities of patients with follow-up contact in-person or via phone.
  • Actively participate in peer review activities with other SUD counselors and behavioral health clinicians.
  • Collect information from collateral resources to aid in determining appropriate level of care and need for treatment.
  • Perform individual comprehensive assessment to referral resources that can complement treatment for MNHC patients diagnosed with substance use disorders.
  • Based on assessment, make referrals to the most appropriate programs in an effort to help health center patients access the right level of care to best meet their treatment needs.
  • Monitor patient access to and involvement with treatment and other providers to help address barriers to treatment and the recovery process; follow-up with patients to assess process and patient satisfaction within adjusting to the program.
  • Maintain working knowledge of drug and alcohol treatment agencies and programs and a list of resources that can be shared with patients and supporting staff in the center.
  • Provide warm hand off to connect patients with MNHC programs and medical services and to access the San Francisco medical and behavioral health system programs as needed.
  • Create a hospitable environment and provide services to patients with the utmost dignity and respect.
  • Attend relevant meetings, including clinical care coordination meetings, staff meetings, and other meeting that are needed to support the program and patients receiving substance use services.
  • Recommend a course of action and provide screening, support, and referral in collaboration with case management, primary care clinic staff and behavioral staff.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.
**To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to complete each of the essential job requirements satisfactorily.  The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

CORE COMPETENCIES
Customer Service
  • Strives to understand the needs of patients/clients.
  • Treats all patients with dignity, respect, and demonstrate appreciation of cultural differences.
Safety
  • Takes Immediate action to correct any unsafe situation
  • Follows correct procedures to ensure one's own safety and that of their team
Teamwork
  • Promotes team effort in all activities and uses a team approach to problem solving.
  • Understands and embraces the mission and strategic initiatives of the institution.
Communication
  • Candidates must have excellent communication skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • AA in Social Science or related field
  • Certificate in any of the following:
    • Addiction Treatment Counselor Certified (CATC),
    • California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators Certified (CAADE),
    • California Association of DUI Treatment Programs Certified (CADTP)
    • California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals Certified (CCAPP). 
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English.
  • Experience working with youth, adults, folks experiencing homelessness and dual and triple-diagnosed individuals.
  • Must be willing to provide support, advocacy and develop relationships following harm reduction principles with a very diverse population, including Spanish speaking immigrants, day laborers, women, LGBTQ, African Americans, active drug users and people with mental illness and other disabilities.
  • Ability to work with de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution and emergency response.
  • Excellent charting, record-keeping skills and assist in the development of a community resource list/file.
  • Candidates must have good working knowledge of and a sensitivity to individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health issues such as: PTSD, psychosis, borderline behaviors, bi-polar, etc.; working knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and ability to implement them; and strong knowledge of social services and mental health resources for low-income adults.
  • Must be able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, be sensitive to a diverse participant and staff population.
  • Must maintain professional respectful, honest interactions with participants, staff and outside agencies.
  • Ability to work professionally and ethically within multi-cultural settings, including ability to maintain patient confidentiality and privacy, documents, data, and communications.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • BA in Social Sciences or related field.

To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at www.mnhc.org. We offer a full range of benefits which includes the following:

  • Medical Insurance – MNHC pays 90-100% based on plan
  • Dental and Vision Insurance – free to employee
  • Life Insurance – free basic policy plus voluntary option
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for health & dependent care expenses
  • Commuter benefits for public transportation expenses
  • 2 weeks Vacation and 12 Sick Days each year
  • 12 Paid Holidays plus 3 floating holidays
  • 40 hours Paid Educational Leave
  • 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Company Contribution

Mission Neighborhood Health Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment for our diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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