FACT Substance Use Specialist

Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Substance Use Specialist - $3000 Hiring Bonus Available
• The Company:
Pathways Vermont is a dynamic nonprofit agency committed to permanently ending homelessness and offering innovative mental health services through ongoing supportive social work.The Role:
Substance Use Specialist will bring expertise in the areas of harm reduction and substance use counseling to the FACT team.
The substance use specialist will engage individuals in the program in substance use support in individual and group settings.
The substance use specialist works as a member of the team to provide flexible, compassionate, community-based services that are designed to promote the stability, recovery, and community reintegration of individuals who experience mental health challenges, histories of incarceration, substance use challenges, and histories of community instability.
Specialists function as integral members of Pathways' Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team which utilizes an interdisciplinary staff to serve a combined caseload of clients.
Supervised by:
FACT Team LeaderLocation:
In Person, Chittenden CountySchedule:
Full Timer (35- 40 hours per week) Application Requirements:
A Cover Letter and Resume are required with your application.
Responsibilities:
Engage participants in the program in substance use support via individual and/or group counselingProvide education to Pathways and probation and parole staff around best practices as it relates to substance use supportNetwork with other community providers and provide coordinated care Engage in relationship building/rapport building with clients and provide service from a 'Choice' perspective as well as client centered, harm reduction, and strengths-based approaches.Assist with maintaining stable housing; employment; disability benefits; transportation coordination; linkage to community behavioral health services and recovery supports; and learning new skills.
Assist with maintaining adherence to conditions of supervision and satisfying criminal justice system requirements and conditionsHelp to relinquish attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors learned as survival mechanisms in criminal justice settings Meet with clients in jail if returned to incarceration and/or prior initial re-entryProvide pro social interaction opportunities and community connections post incarcerationProvide support with technical training to those individuals who experience a radically new world due to technological advances which have occurred while incarcerated.Share employment and housing resources having had to overcome similar challenges due to their own criminal histories.Collaborate with clients in the formulation and maintenance of a comprehensive, Medicaid-compliant service plan that is reviewed and modified with the client on a regular basisMaintain written and computerized records, compile reports and complete other program documentation (including case notes, face sheets, statistics, letters, petty cash receipts, etc.).Attendance at the annual All Staff and Programmatic Retreats is an expectation of employment with Pathways Vermont, unless excused by the employee's manager/HR.
Retreats are held on workdays, during normal working hours, and are fully paid.Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
At least one year training or supervised clinical experience providing substance use treatmentUnderstanding and integration of harm reduction principles Lived experience of having been incarcerated, under supervision and/or in the criminal justice system will be considered an asset Lived experience of mental health, substance use, homelessness and/or other life challenges will be considered an asset Patience, creativity, flexibility, compassion, and sensitivity to persons with disabilities and other minority populations.Prior experience working in a mental health and/or harm reduction agency, preferably in community services preferred.A good understanding of the issues facing persons with mental health challenges or substance use issues, particularly as related to meeting basic needs of food, clothing, shelter and advocacy.
In particular, knowledge of the criminal justice system and how it impacts individuals with mental health challenges is valuableExcellent communication, writing, and computer skillsExcellent interpersonal skills, sound knowledge of supportive counseling skills and the ability to form relationships with a diverse group of peopleAbility to structure time, develop work priorities independently, and meet program expectations with regard to documenting interactionsExcellent independent problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to intuitively approach challenging situationsKnowledge of community resources for exiting incarceration, mental health and substance useValid driver's license, a reliable personal vehicle available for work purposes and current automobile insurance required Physical Requirements:
Regularly driving to visit individuals in geographic area.
Visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle required.Often meeting with persons in the community in inside or outside environments.Extending and/or grasping with hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction at times when collecting paperwork, assisting with applications, completing hand-written forms, etc.Ability to ascend and descend stairs occasionally required (in instances when businesses and/or meeting places do not have an elevator)Regular operation of a laptop computer and other office machinery including frequent typing and extensive reading.Frequent oral communication through spoken word for sharing of ideas and giving or receiving detailed information.
Compensation:
$20-$25.00 per hour $3000 Hiring Bonus Available
• Hiring bonus to be paid after successful completion of 60-day introductory period
• Full Time Benefits:
Medical, dental and vision insuranceLong Term Disability/Life InsurancePaid Time Off (accrual of 210 hours per year to start)9 Paid Holidays Annually403(b) Retirement Savings PlanEmployee Assistance ProgramEmployee Wellness Reimbursement ProgramLongevity Recognition RewardsAccess to a wide variety of Pathways facilitated trainings including Intentional Peer Support It is the policy of Pathways Vermont that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identification, or disability.
Pathways Vermont is committed to a diverse workplace that reflects the communities we serve, and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people including people with military experience, individuals with disabilities, and people of color.
Compensation details:
20-25 Hourly WagePIc8b074f4a4ad-26***