Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Specialist

Position Summary: The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Specialist is a core client of the multidisciplinary ICM, ACT, and FACT team responsible for providing integrated, community-based treatment to adults living with serious mental illness (SMI) and co-occurring substance use disorders. The SUD Specialist provides services across varying levels of care based on participant need, supporting individuals receiving Intensive Case Management (ICM), Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), and Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT). Working within a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and harm reduction framework, the SUD Specialist partners with individuals to reduce the impact of substance use, promote recovery, improve health outcomes, and increase community stability. Services are delivered primarily in community settings, including clients’ homes, shelters, hospitals, correctional facilities, treatment programs, and other locations where individuals live and receive services. As a client of the multidisciplinary team, the SUD Specialist collaborates closely with med providers, nurses, clinicians, service coordinators, peers, housing specialists, employment specialists, benefits specialists, and community partners to provide integrated behavioral health and substance use treatment. This position is community-based; services can be in the office or field based on client needs. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Screening and Assessment o Conduct SUD screenings, assessments, and treatment planning. o Provide individual and group counseling, psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, and relapse-prevention services within scope of practice. o Support clients in developing recovery goals and reducing substance-related risks. o Respond to behavioral health and substance use crises in the community. o Participate in crisis assessment, de-escalation, and safety planning. Multidisciplinary Team o Active participation in regularly scheduled team meetings and case reviews. o Participate in treatment planning, crisis planning, discharge planning, and transition planning with the team and clients. o Assist with outreach and engagement of clients who are difficult to engage in traditional treatment. o Provide services consistent with the ACT/FACT model and program requirements. o Support continuity of care across behavioral health, medical, substance use, housing, employment, and other service systems. o Use data to identify trends, inform decision-making, and drive program improvements. Community- Based Services o Provide services in community settings based on client needs. o Conduct outreach and engagement activities. o Meet clients where they are and establish therapeutic relationships that promote trust and participation. o Assist clients with accessing community-based recovery and treatment resources. o Provide support during transitions between treatment settings. o Coordinate with residential, detoxification, outpatient, medication-assisted treatment, and other SUD providers. o Assist clients in overcoming barriers to accessing treatment and recovery services. Documentation o Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, and other relevant records in compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements. o Ensure adherence to El Hogar and Sacramento County regulatory policies and procedures. Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A