A&D Therapist

APLA Health’s mission is to achieve health care equity and promote well-being for the LGBT and other underserved communities and people living with and affected by HIV. We are a nonprofit, federally qualified health center serving more than 14,000 people annually. We provide 20 different services from 15 locations throughout Los Angeles County, including: medical, dental, and behavioral health care; PrEP counseling and management; health education and HIV prevention; and STD screening and treatment. For people living with HIV, we offer housing support; benefits counseling; home health care; and the Vance North Necessities of Life Program food pantries; among several other critically needed services. Additionally, we are leaders in advocating for policy and legislation that positively impacts the LGBT and HIV communities, provide capacity-building assistance to health departments across the country, and conduct community-based research on issues affecting the communities we serve. For more information, please visit us at aplahealth.org .


We offer great benefits, competitive pay, and great working environment!

We offer:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance (no cost for employee)
  • Vision Insurance (no cost for employee)
  • Long Term Disability
  • Group Term Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • 3 Personal Days
  • 10 Vacation Days
  • 12 Sick Days
  • Metro reimbursement or free parking
  • Employer Matched 403b Retirement Plan

This is a great opportunity to make a difference!


POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Program Manager of Substance Abuse Programs, the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) is responsible for the facilitation of a behavioral group specific to gay men or MSM who use crystal methamphetamine. The CADC ensures that services provided are consistent with APLA Health & Wellness harm reduction philosophy and larger health education goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist in the coordination and delivery of group sessions that focus on substance use, harm reduction, treatment education, and behavior modification.
  • Assess whether an individual qualifies and is a good candidate for the group level intervention.
  • Makes referrals to the APLA Health & Wellness behavioral health team, Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) program, or other treatment centers.
  • Act as a liaison between the APLA Health substance use programs and supplementary services to ensure seamless and timely enrollment.
  • Assure client confidentiality as defined by APLA Health policy and procedures.
  • Remain abreast of changes and updates within the substance use field that would be of benefit to the substance use programs and its respective clients.
  • Ensure that client files remain in alignment with contractual standards.
  • Provide appropriate crisis intervention and emotional support to clients.
  • Respond aptly to emergencies and notify appropriate staff and supervisor(s) in a timely manner.
  • Maintain open and accurate verbal and written communications with substance abuse program manager.
  • Provide program updates to department staff that share program findings
  • Assist the substance abuse program manager with the development and implementation of in person or virtual community forums and workshops.
  • Ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
  • Serve as speaker/facilitator for trainings as needed.
  • Prepare quantitative and qualitative reports as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEET BUSINESS NEEDS.

Job Requirements:

REQUIREMENTS:

 

Training and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Associate Degree or higher preferred.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
  • Certified as a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselor with a California certificate agency such as CAADE, CCAPP, or CADTP
  • Minimum two (2) years experience working with persons who use crystal methamphetamine.
  • Minimum two (2) years SUD counseling experience.
  • Training and/or experience working in HIV prevention and health education/health promotion.
  • Versed in counseling protocols and techniques associated with the facilitation of substance use interventions.
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Data management

Knowledge of:

  • Twelve-step programs and principles.
  • Health disparities spectrum of HIV and STD disease
  • Harm reduction and behavior modification theories
  • Health and social concerns of gay and non-gay identified MSM

 

Ability to:

  • Respect client boundaries and maintain professionalism in dress, speech and actions.
  • Coordinate multiple tasks.
  • Enforce program policies and procedures in a fair and firm manner.
  • React calmly and effectively in client crisis situations.
  • Communicate effectively with a diverse population.
  • Conduct group presentations, operate standard office equipment including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); and meet assigned deadlines.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is primarily an office position that requires only occasional bending, reaching, stooping, lifting and moving of office materials weighing 25 pounds or less. The position requires daily use of a personal computer and requires entering, viewing, and revising text and graphics on the computer terminal and on paper.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid California drivers license; proof of auto liability insurance; and have the use of a personal vehicle for work related purposes. COVID vaccination is required and APLA Health will consider accommodations for disability- and religious-based reasons

 

Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/disability/veteran.

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