SUD Youth Navigator - CENS

This is a union position.

Client Engagement and Navigation Services (CENS) will focus on increasing show rates for youth clients shared with state and County entities with whom they will be working. The CENS will achieve this aim by meaningfully engaging these clients, determining which SUD services are most appropriate for individuals based on an ASAM brief triage assessment for adults and an evidence-based screening tool for youth, motivating the individual to connect with the selected treatment provider, and ensuring that these individuals have the necessary support (e.g., transportation) and health coverage (e.g., Medi-Cal or My Health LA) to successfully connect with these treatment services. The CENS will provide a critical liaison role in assisting vulnerable individuals involved in multiple systems to access necessary services to address their SUD treatment needs. The CENS will provide high-touch (e.g., face-to-face) interaction to facilitate access to SUD treatment necessary for improving health outcomes, reducing frequent use of hospitals and emergency departments, obtaining employment, maintaining income benefits and housing, reuniting with children, and satisfying probation requirements or pre- or post-plea diversion from the Los Angeles Superior Courts. Additionally, the CENS will establish and maintain linkages to additional services to appropriately refer clients to service providers that address unmet needs that create barriers to successfully engaging in SUD treatment, such as poor health, domestic violence, and homelessness.

Use the Youth and Parent screening tool to determine SUD risks for youth clients and refer them to the nearest appropriate youth outpatient SUD providers, based on client preference and need, for further assessment as appropriate. Assist clients in entering data in the Department of Public Social Services YourBenefitsNow! – website for Medi-Cal enrollment or contacting a My Health LA provider to schedule an enrollment appointment. Provide clients with a basic overview of SUD in order to increase the likelihood of a client’s understanding and follow-through with treatment.

Discuss the steps to take in case of relapse, including overdose prevention; provide HIV/AIDS education and referrals for HIV testing and treatment services; and discuss the availability of medication-assisted treatment for alcohol and opioid use disorders. Conduct an ASAM triage assessment to determine if the adult client is in need of SUD treatment and the provisional level of care to which the client will be referred.

May also conduct additional assessments for ancillary service referrals if they have not already been conducted by the referring case worker, including, but not be limited to, vocational rehabilitation, education, transportation, housing, physical health, and other public social services.

Scheduling clients for a full ASAM assessment with a SUD treatment provider that matches the client’s needs and preferences using SAPC’s electronic Service and Bed Availability Tool (SBAT).

Responsible for entering data into SAPC’s electronic health record system so that client information is provided to the treatment provider before the client appears for the appointment, if possible.

Responsible for contacting clients to remind them of their upcoming provider appointments and will coordinate transportation to the SUD treatment provider, if needed.

Responsible for providing substance use disorder trainings to various community partners. Responsible for conducting community outreach, and participation in job and health fairs to promote public awareness about substance use disorders and to inform consumers about SUD treatment options available through DMC-ODS.

• High School Diploma or GED Registration or Certification from a recognized certifying organization, agency, or Board evidencing training and expertise in areas appropriate to SUD services (CAADAC, CCAPP, CADTP, CADDE, CARR).
• Minimum of 2 years experience providing SUD services to the youth population.
• Desired: Bachelor’s Degree in related field.
• Background Clearance Required: Must not be on active parole or probation.
• Knowledge Required: Culturally competent and able to work with a diverse population.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word Outlook and internet applications.
• Experience working successfully with issues of substance abuse, mental health, criminal background, and other potential barriers to economic self sufficiency.
• Skills and Abilities Required: Ability to enter data into various electronic systems while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the data.
• Professionalism, punctuality, flexibility and reliability are imperative.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills Integrity to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner.
• Action oriented.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organization skills and ability to multitask and juggle multiple priorities.
• Outstanding ability to follow-through with tasks.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of interdisciplinary team and independently assume responsibility.
• Strong initiative and enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in whenever needed.
• Able to communicate well at all levels of the organization including working with organization leadership and high-level representatives of partner organizations.
• Able to work within a frequently changing project scope while maintaining overall direction and structured priorities.
• Desired: Knowledge of co-occurring disorders and trauma informed treatment.
• Knowledge of Clinical documentation (treatment plans, progress notes etc.).
• Experience working with criminal justice population Bilingual Spanish Speaking.

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