Addiction Counselor

Organization

The Rescue Mission Alliance (RMA) is a Christian non-profit organization that has been serving the less fortunate in Southern California through emergency and long-term rehabilitation services since 1972. RMA partners with local churches to meet the spiritual needs of the people we serve. The Lighthouse for Women & Children provides a complete continuum of care specifically tailored to the needs of homeless women and women with children by offering shelter, intervention, substance abuse recovery, case management, education, life skills development, vocational training, employment and transitional housing.

Summary

The Addiction Counselor is a source of both biblical and practical support and guidance to the clients of the Lighthouse for Women and Children including counseling, teaching biblically-based classes and assistance to graduation. This is a full-time regular, non-exempt position located in Oxnard, CA, reporting to the Program Manager. Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience. This position is eligible for overtime and benefits according to applicable guidelines.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

·        Maintains case management caseload for assigned participants, developing support plans and tracking progress across a range of service areas and determinants of health.

·        Conduct initial needs assessments for newly enrolled, assigned participants.

·        Provides individual counseling and facilitates process groups to women experiencing a range of chronic addictions and dependences.

·        Schedules and conducts regular 1:1 sessions with all assigned participants at least weekly or more often as appropriate or directed for counsel, guidance, prayer, and accountability.

·        Facilitates educational groups/classes as assigned utilizing approved curriculum according to program schedule.

·        Schedules and supervises guest participation in program activities.

·        Completes and maintains accurate records or reports regarding participants' histories and progress, services provided or other required information.

·        Develops individualized support plan, regularly reviewing, evaluating and documenting progress toward measurable goals.

·        Collaborates with and coordinates community resources to meet crisis and support needs of participants as needed.

·        Cooperates and communicates fully with other staff members regarding participant behavior, progress activities, etc.

·        Participates in case conferences to evaluate treatment progress of participant.

·        Assist program participants to achieve goals as outlined in their individual support plans

·        Facilitates discharge-planning efforts for all assigned participants, including areas of housing, employment, medical psychiatric, financial, aftercare, etc.

·        Assess individuals' degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.

·        Accurately complete job assignments, agency forms, and written documents within assigned deadlines.

·        Presents and explains the Gospel to assigned participants, ensuring they understand the message completely, and recognizing God alone is responsible for the outcome.

·        Promotes the physical, spiritual, emotional, personal, educational, and vocational welfare of the program participants in Gospel context.

·        Performs intake interviews for program candidates, as needed.

·        Keeps Program Manager and other staff informed of any problems or potential problems, including drug use and any other discipline issues.

·        Conducts routine room inspections and searches.

·        Participates in training and educational workshops to upgrade skills and knowledge

·        Communicates truth and practices integrity in all matters.

·        Serves with a Christ-like character at all times, demonstrating the Fruit of the Spirit in all interactions with clients and participants (“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control” Gal. 5:22-23).

·        Implements and follows up on safety reports, inspections, and meetings.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Occasional driving duties, vehicles inspections, and maintenance coordination.
• Participation in spiritual and theological training as assigned by the Program Manager.
• Other duties as assigned by Program Manager.
• A "Servant Leader" in actual everyday situations in alignment with RMA’s Mission/Vision/Values.
• Promote RMA Safety Program and in alignment with the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and Smith Systems policies and procedures, model safe work practices.

Supervisory Responsibilities

·        There are no employees reporting to this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in the field of alcohol and drug treatment, mental health and dual diagnosis treatment and service delivery.
• Completion of a certificate program specializing in addiction studies.
• Must have previous experience in individual and group counseling.
• If recovering from substance abuse, candidate must have five years of continuous sobriety.
• Two years of homeless services or equivalent experience.
• Associate degree, preferably a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• A solid Bible based Christian faith, compatible with RMA’s Statement of Faith and an active member of an Evangelical church.
• Must have compatible theology with RMA core values.
• Valid California driver’s license and insurable under RMA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified from a California state-accredited certifying body in addiction and/or substance abuse disorder counseling.
• Previous experience with Genesis Process recovery model.
• Formal biblical training, college or seminary.

Skills

• Must be able to effectively multi-task, be a team player, have good communication skills and have strong listening skills.
• Excellent people skills; with proven ability to encourage and motivate others.
• Counseling based on Biblical truths and practical tools.
• Teachable spirit and willingness to submit to leadership.
• Self-motivated, exhibiting responsibility, maturity, integrity and dependability.
• Genuine burden to have people come to Christ and to have their needs alleviated.

Software

Must be proficient in Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel and Mission Tracker.

Graphic design a plus

Physical Demands

Must be able to lift up to 30 Lbs. without assistance.

Equipment

Basic office equipment, such as computers, copiers and printers. 

Work Environment

This position will function to a large degree in a residential program environment as well as an emergency shelter environment. As a part of normal duties, this position will be in facilities with an at-risk population where errant behavior and disease risk may be present. Appropriate safety considerations will be required to avoid illness or injury.