APLA Health's mission is to achieve health care equity and promote well-being for the
LGBT and other underserved communities and people living with and affected by HIV.
We are a nonprofit, federally qualified health center serving more than 14,000 people
annually. We provide 20 different services from 15 locations throughout Los Angeles
County, including: medical, dental, and behavioral health care; PrEP counseling and
management; health education and HIV prevention; and STD screening and treatment.
For people living with HIV, we offer housing support; benefits counseling; home health
care; and the Vance North Necessities of Life Program food pantries; among several
other critically needed services. Additionally, we are leaders in advocating for policy and
legislation that positively impacts the LGBT and HIV communities, provide capacity-
building assistance to health departments across the country, and conduct community-
based research on issues affecting the communities we serve. For more information,
please visit us at aplahealth.org.
We offer great benefits, competitive pay, and great working environment!
We offer:
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance (no cost for
employee)
• Vision Insurance (no cost for
employee)
• Long Term Disability
• Group Term Life and AD&D
Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 4 Personal Days
• 10 Vacation Days
• 12 Sick Days
• Metro reimbursement or free
parking
• Employer Matched (6%) 403b
Retirement Plan
This is a great opportunity to make a difference!
This position will pay $25.60 - $28.82 hourly. Salary is commensurate with experience.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Substance Use Disorder Services Director, the Certified
Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) will provide substance use disorder services for
patients of APLA Health & Wellness. Staff will provide services identified through a
substance use disorder screening tool and assessment to promote health and wellness
through services, advocacy and education with a focus on the needs of low-income
LGBTQ adults including but not limited to people living with HIV/AIDS. Position will
collaborate with existing services at APLA Health & Wellness to provide integrated care
from a holistic perspective. In addition, staff will be tasked with providing education and
consultation to primary care and behavioral health providers on areas of substance use
disorder treatment, and seeking to enhance our integrated care model.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Complete substance use disorder services intakes, screening tools,
assessments; develop a treatment plan that addresses the collaborative clinical
goals of counselor and patient and document treatment progress notes; provide
treatment termination & case closure.
• Provide individual and group substance use counseling, building a caseload with
a goal of 30 hours of billable services delivered per week.
• Provide substance use disorder treatment or behavioral health referrals,
advocacy, and service information to patients and their support systems.
• Act as a liaison between the APLA Health substance use disorder services and
other services to ensure seamless and timely enrollment.
• 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.
• Provide appropriate crisis intervention and emotional support to clients.
• Respond aptly to emergencies and notify appropriate staff and supervisor(s) in a
timely manner.
• Provide outreach, patient identification, education, and provider consultation on
addiction treatment and enhancing our integrated service delivery model of care.
• Participate in the collection, development, and deployment of education and
outreach materials with a specific focus on issues related to the LGBT population
in need of substance use identification and treatment, including opioid misuse
information and resources.
• Utilize harm reduction techniques and framework to engage clients and reduce
risky behavior while remaining well-versed and open to abstinence-based
interventions for clients seeking that model.
• Document services in eClinicalWorks and/or other charting and data collection
systems as appropriate. Documentation will be performed in a timely and
accurate fashion in accordance with program policies and professional standards
of care.
• Adhere to all applicable professional, legal, and ethical standards of substance
use counselling in the provision of services, including but not limited to:
mandated reporting, provision of effective services, case documentation, client
confidentiality/HIPAA regulations, ensuring client safety, and maintaining
professional boundaries.
• Attend trainings and case conference meetings as required.
• Prepare monthly reports and statistics as requested.
• Maintain patient substance use disorder files to ensure completed documentation
required by funders and agency Quality Management Plan.
• Maintain open and accurate verbal and written communications with supervisor.
• Assist supervisor with the development and implementation of in person or virtual
community forums and workshops.
• Ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEET BUSINESS NEEDS.
REQUIREMENTS:
Training and Experience:
• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum 2 years SUD counseling experience.
• Minimum 2 years' experience working with LGBTQ+ community
• Certified as a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselor with a California
certificate agency such as CAADE, CCAPP, or CADTP
• Versed in counseling protocols and techniques associated with the facilitation of
substance use interventions.
Preferred:
• Associate Degree or higher preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
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 LGBTQ+ community
• Gender specific and evidence-based services
• Motivational Interviewing
• State and local resources, recovery treatment regulations
Ability to:
• Respect client boundaries and maintain professionalism in dress, speech and
actions.
• Coordinate multiple tasks.
• 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 driver's license; proof of auto liability insurance; and
have the use of a personal vehicle for work related purposes OR be able to travel for
work related reasons reasonably through alternative transportation.
COVID vaccination and booster required or medical/religious exemption.
Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/transgender/disability/veteran.