POSITION OVERVIEW:
Under supervision of the Program Director, the Harm Reduction Specialist is an integral part of the Scatter Site Team. The Specialist is a team member responsible for engaging participants through harm reduction strategies including motivational interviewing and stage-wise interventions that target an individual's readiness for change. The Harm Reduction Specialist is a resource to other team members in issues related to mental health and co-occurring substance use.
KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
* Complete substance use screenings and assessments.
* Identify participant treatment and support service needs and associated service plan objectives based on stages of change and assessment results, including risk associated with harmful behaviors.
* Function as resource on harm reduction and substance use issues.
* Provide harm reduction services, integrated substance use treatment and relapse prevention.
* Provide harm reduction, relapse prevention and other groups that are responsive to need and interest.
* Link participants to self-help recovery groups.
* Advocate in securing emergency detox and rehabilitation care, and other community supports that promote integrated dual disorder treatment.
* Assess and provide services to participants to address health and wellness, housing, income support, education, vocational training, employment and social supports.
* Complete initial comprehensive recovery-oriented service plan and 6-month plan review incorporating participant and relevant others' feedback.
* Service planning and coordination; problem solving; support with maintaining housing; developing social connections; strengthening family and other relationships; developing independent living skills and obtaining necessary resources; accessing and accessing education and training; employment supports (job search, placement and support); entitlement and financial management; empowerment and self-help; wellness self-management with a focus on the development of coping skills; support with medications; and weekly groups.
* Use motivational interviewing, recovery and trauma-informed approaches when delivering services.
* Complete crisis intervention and relapse prevention plans.
* Collaborative with participants, families and natural supports, treatment programs and community partners to promote attainment of treatment and recovery goals.
* Maintain program case files and other records as 'audit-ready' at all times as required by program funding sources, including but not limited to progress notes, individualized family service plans and psychosocial assessments specific to the family unit.
* Counsel clients on treatment goals, such as issues with co-occurring disorders, unsatisfactory relationship between partners, parents and/or children; home management and work adjustment; care giving issues; or difficulties encountered in travel or stabilization in new community
* Utilize a strengths-based approach; maintain non-judgmental and unbiased approach
* Other duties as assigned by Program Director or Administrator
REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor's degree and/or CASAC; or Associate Degree with 3 plus year experience
* Two years of experience working with individuals with a substance use disorder and/or mental health issues.
* Excellent interpersonal skills; computer proficiency; excellent writing and verbal skills
* Demonstrated ability to interact with different races, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment, as well as ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
* Bilingual - (Spanish/English), preferred.