Adolfo - AOD Counselor

WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 600 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 4,000 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA-NCNN, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for a full-timeAOD Counselor for the Adolfo Housing Program at our Mather Community Campus. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage. 

The AOD Counselor is responsible for the efficient and compassionate operation of the program, assuring quality service to all residents through the coordination of program functions and specific assistance to other program staff. By successfully collaborating with partner service providers and Adolfo staff, the AOD Counselor is responsible for assuring quality service to all residents and the performance of all other daily work duties as it relates to overall organizational operations. Objectives include supportive interaction with program participant families and team members, assessment of participant’s needs, and performance of all work duties as required.  Work is performed in a cost-effective and service-oriented manner as it relates to established organizational standards.

Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the department.

1. Complete daily shift logs, incident reports or behavior alerts as needed.
2. Communicate with service providers and external county/state/city program representatives as required.
3. Provide crisis intervention as needed.
4. Respond to all client questions and concerns.
5. Provide residents with a safe, supportive environment free from ethnic or social prejudices.
6. Comprehend and adhere to ethical guidelines and confidentiality laws.
7. Communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions.

Responsible for assistance with client development.

1. Explain program requirements and regulations to new clients upon intake.
2. Implement and maintain case plans to assist the clients with substance abuse treatment, mental/physical health services, education, employment and permanent housing and update every 90 days.
3. Provide individual sessions twice monthly to monitor client case plans.
4. Facilitate weekly life skills groups three times per week.
5. Provide appropriate referrals as dictated by client case plans.
6. Maintain client files including personal data, medical information, progress reports, assessments, and release and referral forms.
7. Conduct urinalysis testing in a fair and non-judgmental manner as needed.
8. Role model positive behavior which helps clients as they work towards self-sufficiency.
9. Provide monthly client statistical and status reports as instructed by Manager and by the second day of each month.

 Responsible for all areas of daily program maintenance in compliance with company policies.

1. Document and report all client concerns and/or infractions that can impact the program security.
2. Secure approval for exceptions to standard policy.
3. Notify management of potential workflow problems and resource needs necessary to attain performance standards.
4. Adhere to staffing schedules in order to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and to accomplish program objectives.
5. Provide emergency shift coverage as needed.
6. Perform reasonably related duties as assigned by the Manager.

 Responsible for training and development of new staff.

1. Assist in department orientation and training for new employees as requested to ensure quality work outcomes.
2. Identify appropriate ongoing training for both new and existing staff and report needs to management.
3. Serve as part of the development team by providing information and support for the development of quality operations.
4. Maintain an above average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure safe work environment for clients and all personnel.

 Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, CPR, First Aid, etc.

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related field is preferred. This position requires Registered Recovery Worker qualification. Certified AOD Counselor with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience working within the AOD field is preferred. This position requires demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and to provide services to clients without ethnic or social prejudices.  It requires general knowledge of issues and challenges unique to emancipated former foster youth, homelessness, substance abuse, cultural diversity, and people with disabilities.  Specific knowledge and experience with Twelve Step philosophy, addiction and recovery, and dysfunctional family dynamics is preferred.  Must be able to utilize a range of interventions to work with clients with varying needs and levels of functioning.  Must have the flexibility to work irregular hours and have the willingness to function as a team member.  Computer skills required. Valid California driver's license and ability to meet the organization’s insurance carrier guidelines are required. Must pass all required background clearances in accordance with agency, County, State, and federal standards. CPR/First Aid certification is required within 90 days of employment. Completion and maintenance of all required training and health clearances.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Teamwork skills

Oral and written communication skills

Computer Skills (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook)

Ability to de-escalate situations and assist residents and staff in emergency situations

Organizational skills

Analytical and decision-making ability

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and stoop throughout the workday

Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds

Ability to travel between campus and community locations as needed

Able to climb stairs as required