SUD Navigator - CARES

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We have an exciting Full-time opportunity for a well-qualified SUD Navigator in the Care First Navigation Center program, which partners with Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) law enforcement officers Crisis Intervention Team to connect individuals who may suffer with mental illness, homelessness and substance use disorder to supportive services. The team consists of peer staff with lived experience. The SUD Navigator will provide assessments and referral recommendations and linkage to necessary services to individuals who are in need of support of substance use disorder services. This team will provide services throughout Alameda County on or near BART property. 

Care First Navigation Center provides brief respite, de-escalation, assessment, case management planning, resource and referral provision, and support and follow-up to individuals who have or may immediately commit low-level criminal offenses.  The goal of the program is to reduce recidivism and to assist individuals in becoming an established and integral part of the community. This role will uphold and champion the agency’s mission, vision, and values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work culture.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: 

• Conduct initial intake and assessments; 
• Formulate recommendation referrals to services for program participants; 
• Locate, identify and initiate the engagement process for individuals eligible for services by frequenting locations throughout Alameda County;
• Establish working partnerships with stakeholders and referral organizations including social services, CalWorks, drug court, probation, behavioral health agencies, and similar;
• Maintain positive agency relations with other service providers to provide enhanced services for adults;
• Accurately and thoroughly represent the importance and value of substance use services for adults;
• Conduct individual sessions; 
• Part of Multidisciplinary Team to make recommendation and referrals based on individuals needs; 
• Maintain all client program files; 
• Develop community resources for clients; 
• Maintain and submit all program documentation and reports in data entry system.
• 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; 

Other 

• Attend trainings and participate in events relevant to key responsibilities
• Track and regularly report on key metrics for responsible function areas
• Leads and collaborate on special projects related to agency objectives as appropriate 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• 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.  
• 1 year preferred or 6 months required experience working with mental illness, homelessness, substance use recovery, and/or reentry population.
• Experience working with adults of diverse cultural backgrounds 
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English preferred but not required; 
• Knowledge of alcohol and drug prevention and recovery/ treatment programs and principles;
• Knowledge of the effects of alcohol and drug abuse;
• Must demonstrate ability to understand client needs and work with unhoused, mental illness, substance use disorder, and reentry population.
• Experience working with adults of diverse cultural backgrounds 
• Able to work independently, exercise good judgment, and have common sense  
• Able to work flexible hours 
• Non-Profit and Community Based Organization experience highly desirable.
• Demonstrates and models excellent “customer service” orientation, especially in the ability to interact with people at all levels within and outside the agency.
• Thinks independently and can make informed decisions when needed. 
• Exercises extreme discretion with the ability to hold, balance and transmit public and confidential information needed by various parties. 
• Proficient using MS Office products, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Acquires or maintains proficiency in using Google Drive products, including Docs, Sheets, and Forms.
• Valid CA Driver’s license
  • Auto insurance:  Personal vehicle may be used for business related purposes; it is recommended you inform your auto insurance carrier.   

BENEFITS:

• Excellent Health benefits package for you and your family including:
  • Medical/dental/vision benefits with 95% employee & 80% dependent employer premium contribution and employer paid life insurance.
• Vacation, 15 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days upon accrual
• Employee Assistance Plan to support yours and your family’s wellbeing and finances 
• Pet Plan Benefit: 
  • PetPlus Product and Prescription Discounts, Pet Assure Veterinary Discounts, AskVet 24/7 Pet Telehealth, and ThePetTag Lost Pet Recovery Service
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Work-life wellbeing & excellent work hours
• Supportive/Collaborative work environment 
• Opportunities for Growth and Professional Development
• License and Certification renewals reimbursed