La  Familia  is  a  community-based  mental health  organization  serving  Alameda  County’s  multicultural communities  with  a  focus  on  those  with  limited  means  and  access  to  mental  health and substance  use disorder  (SUD)  services. Founded in 1975,  La  Familia’s  mission is  to  mobilize  all  possible  resources  to strengthen  the  emotional  wellness  of  individuals  and  to  preserve  families.  La  Familia  specializes  in linguistically  appropriate  (Spanish)  and culturally  sensitive  behavioral  health services, with a  focus  on trauma-informed and family  oriented treatment.  

La  Familia’s  Recovery  and Wellness  Department  has  provided SUD  services  for  Alameda  County residents  since  the  1970s.  Alameda  County  Behavioral  Health Care  Services  (BHCS)  is  in the  process  of implementing  the  Drug  Medi-Cal  Organized  Delivery  System  (ODS),  a new  approach  to  integrate  care for  individuals  with co-occurring  disorders.  La  Familia  is  excited about  continuing  and expanding  our SUD clinical  services  under  this  new  system  and  becoming  a leader  in  the  treatment  of  co-occurring disorders.  

We are  seeking  a  SUD  Counselor  to join our  Recovery  and Wellness  Department, and work out  of  our adult residential facility  in  Oakland, El  Chante. The  SUD  Counselor  reports  to the  Program  Supervisor and is  responsible  for  providing  direct  services  to the  residents  and supporting  the  overall  function of  the program.

POSITION OVERVIEW: We have an  exciting  Full-time  opportunity  for  a  well-qualified  Certified  Addiction  Counselor  in the  El Chante Recovery  Home  Program. This  program  provides  counseling  services  to program  participants  in the Oakland  Area,  Alameda  County. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct initial intake and assessments;
• Formulate treatment recovery plans for program participants;
• Conduct individual, group, and family counseling sessions;
• Develop and implement educational activities for youth and family members;
• Maintain all client program files;
• Develop community resources for clients and family members;
• Maintain and submit all program documentation and reports in Clinician Gateway
• Some outreach duties to locate, identify and initiate the engagement process for individuals eligible for services by frequenting locations throughout Alameda County.
• Provide assessment and appropriate referrals to clients for educational, training, and other supportive services as needed;
• Represent clients and intervene on their behalf with probation officers, law officials, etc.;
• Participate in all LFCS activities, meetings, events, etc.;
• Participate in case management sessions with Program Director as needed;
• Plan and implement social and recreational activities for program participants;
• Attend trainings as required/scheduled by LFCS;
• Attend and collaborate meetings with other co-staff and agencies;
• Maintain positive agency relations with other service providers to provide enhanced services for youth;
• Develop and complete compliance reports or performance reports as assigned;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Required - California Drug and Alcohol Certification (must be either a "CADC" from CCAPP, or "CATC" from CAADE, please list this designation and number clearly after candidate name on CV); California BBS Licensed individuals with beyond minimal SUD training and experience may be considered.
• Required Bilingual Spanish/English;
• Knowledge of alcohol and drug prevention and recovery/ treatment programs and principles;
• Knowledge of and sensitive to the needs of the Latino Community;
• Knowledge of the effects of alcohol and drug abuse;
• Must demonstrate ability to understand client needs and work with adult women.
• Ability to take instructions;
• Ability to work as part of a team;
• Strong oral and written skills;
• Strong problem solving skills;
• Ability to comprehend written material and accurately process information;
• Ability to organize and prioritize several projects simultaneously;
• Valid Driver License and Insurance.
• Willingness to perform related duties as assigned.

Other Responsibilities:

• Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, policies, standards and proscribed procedures.
• Demonstrates an awareness of and sensitivity to clients including cultural and ethical beliefs; and implements care in a thorough, skillful, consistent and continuous manner.
• Knowledge of community resources for client referrals.
• Attends work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to supervisor and management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
• Demonstrates knowledge of legal issues including client confidentiality and risk management in all aspects of client care and department functioning.
• Performs other duties as necessary.

Team commitment:

• Viewed by others to be an effective team member who is flexible, cooperative, and willing to assist others; and acts as a resource to team members and clients where appropriate.
• Handles difficult or conflict situations constructively and seeks appropriate assistance.
• Takes accountability for own actions and accepts constructive criticism.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and staff meetings as required, and actively participates in other departmental professional development including providing training and consultation.
• Participates in the assessment of current and future department learning needs and assist in the development of learning plans.
• Observes and keeps self-informed of activities in the department and makes recommendations for change.
• Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with fellow employees, supervisor, managers in other departments, senior management and executive staff, and community stakeholders.
• Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the agency.

Compensation:

• Full-time, Non- Exempt, Union Position
• $21.46/hour or $22.08/hour bilingual differential
• Excellent benefits package including medical/dental/vision benefits, vacation, sick, and holiday leave.
• External hires must pass a background check/drug screen. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws.