POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Program Manager of Substance Abuse Programs, the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) is responsible for the facilitation of a behavioral group specific to gay men or MSM who use crystal methamphetamine. The CADC ensures that services provided are consistent with APLA Health & Wellness harm reduction philosophy and larger health education goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the coordination and delivery of group sessions that focus on substance use, harm reduction, treatment education, and behavior modification.
• Assess whether an individual qualifies and is a good candidate for the group level intervention.
• Makes referrals to the APLA Health & Wellness behavioral health team, Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) program, or other treatment centers.
• Act as a liaison between the APLA Health substance use programs and supplementary services to ensure seamless and timely enrollment.
• Assure client confidentiality as defined by APLA Health policy and procedures.
• Remain abreast of changes and updates within the substance use field that would be of benefit to the substance use programs and its respective clients.
• Ensure that client files remain in alignment with contractual standards.
• Provide appropriate crisis intervention and emotional support to clients.

• Respond aptly to emergencies and notify appropriate staff and supervisor(s) in a timely manner. Maintain open and accurate verbal and written communications with substance abuse program manager.
• Provide program updates to department staff that share program findings
• Assist the substance abuse program manager with the development and implementation of in person or virtual community forums and workshops.
• Ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
• Serve as speaker/facilitator for trainings as needed.
• Prepare quantitative and qualitative reports as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEET BUSINESS NEEDS.

REQUIREMENTS:

Training and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Associate Degree or higher preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Certified as a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselor with a California certificate agency such as CAADE, CCAPP, or CADTP
• Minimum two (2) years experience working with persons who use crystal methamphetamine.
• Minimum two (2) years SUD counseling experience.
• Training and/or experience working in HIV prevention and health education/health promotion.
• Versed in counseling protocols and techniques associated with the facilitation of substance use interventions.
• Motivational interviewing
• Data management

Knowledge of:

• Twelve-step programs and principles.
• Health disparities spectrum of HIV and STD disease
• Harm reduction and behavior modification theories
• Health and social concerns of gay and non-gay identified MSM

Ability to:

• Respect client boundaries and maintain professionalism in dress, speech and actions.
• Coordinate multiple tasks.
• Enforce program policies and procedures in a fair and firm manner.
• React calmly and effectively in client crisis situations.
• Communicate effectively with a diverse population.

• Conduct group presentations, operate standard office equipment including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); and meet assigned deadlines.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is primarily an office position that requires only occasional bending, reaching, stooping, lifting and moving of office materials weighing 25 pounds or less. The position requires daily use of a personal computer and requires entering, viewing, and revising text and graphics on the computer terminal and on paper.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid California drivers license; proof of auto liability insurance; and have the use of a personal vehicle for work related purposes. COVID-19 Vaccination or Medical/ Religious Exemption required.

Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/disability/veteran.