About Us:

We are a local nonprofit organization, serving the Washington, DC region, empowering individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness to rebuild their lives with the involvement of the community. Our organization offers the most effective model for addressing homelessness, with innovative, customized programs that have positive, demonstrable results and a lasting impact on the community and beyond. Our programs are person-centric and individualized to meet the needs and goals of individuals, families, youth/young adults and Veterans experiencing homelessness. We provide outreach, hospitality, health care, case management, housing, job placement services, and advocacy. We have established a national presence and are known for sharing best practices in the field.

Our Core Values:

We are a Person – First Organization that believes in promoting transparency, and ethical practices among our team and those we serve. All individuals in our organization are expected to carry out their job tasks in a manner that is consistent with our core values. This includes the following:

• Excellence and Innovation
• Finding Ways to Say “Yes”
• Caring at the Core
• Agents of Change
• Support, Empowerment, and Development
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Collaboration
• Integrity and Accountability

Summary:

The Certified Addiction Specialist will provide counsel and support to participants receiving homeless services while navigating drug and/or alcohol dependency and recovery. In addition, this position educates program participants and staff by outlining evidence-based strategies supporting the recovery process, relapse prevention, overdose prevention/intervention, and more.

Responsibilities:

The below essential functions are representative of the major duties of positions in this job classification. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based on departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned similar to those identified below consistent with the knowledge skills and abilities required for the job.

• Conducts substance use disorder (SUD) intakes and assessments in addition to developing culturally appropriate participant-centered treatment plans for individuals receiving site-based permanent supportive housing and bridge housing services.
• Conducts individual and group sessions based on the participant’s treatment goals and level of care.
• Develops and facilitates SUD programming and group activities addressing relapse prevention and harm-reduction.
• Monitor participant progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• As a member of an internal interdisciplinary team, provide crisis support to program participants.
• Work collaboratively with housing case managers and other participant stakeholders to address housing stabilization barriers.
• Document all clinical services and interventions performed within the participants’ records and complete monthly treatment reports.
• Provide referrals and linkages to needed community resources aimed to create a network of recovery support for each program participant.
• Facilitates staff SUD training and webinars designed to enhance organizational SUD service capacity and awareness.
• Develops, implements, and facilitates substance abuse prevention groups and programs

Background & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with a concentration in psychology, sociology, or public health required.
• Specific training in alcohol and drug abuse counseling and treatment
• Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC l or CAC ll), in good standing, as required in the District of Columbia
• A minimum of three years experience facilitating substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation, with demonstrated experience serving homeless populations
• Experience working in a team environment
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma and intersectionality
• Understanding of the Housing First Model, strongly preferred
• Strong written, verbal, clinical and crisis management skills
• Ability to work in a culturally diverse, fast paced environment
• Strong commitment to mission, organizational core values including racial equity and social justice
• Ability to provide after hours on-call crisis support, as needed
• Valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and reliable transportation with the ability to travel within the DC Metro area (District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia).
• Must be able to speak, read and write competently in English.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Service driven and a positive attitude.
• Personable and approachable.
• Must be able to maintain positive and professional relationships and interactions with our internal customers (employees, supervisors/managers, and leadership team), and external customers (regulatory agencies, vendors, etc.).
• Self-starter with a sense of urgency.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Critical thinker and problem solver.
• Sound judgment and decision-making ability.
• Comfortable with presenting in small and large groups.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint/Publisher).

Desired:

• Master’s degree, preferably with a concentration in psychology, social work, or counseling, with appropriate licensure.
• Prior Human Service and/or Non-profit work experience.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

Typical office conditions. Walking, reaching, bending, lifting, fine hand coordination, ability to read and write in English, ability to communicate with employees and support agencies, and ability to remain calm under stress.

Background Checks:

The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and/or fingerprinting including FBI, drug screening, and Metropolitan Police Clearance

Direct Reports:

N/A

Indirect Reports:

N/A

Specific Requirements:

This employee must have a valid driver's license.

Other Details:

• Application Deadline: This job is open until filled, or the hiring manager determines that they can no longer accept applications.
• Compensation: The hiring pay range is between $58,117 - $69,395 annually. Depending on the position, the starting hourly pay rate or annual salary is based on a step system. A candidate’s starting pay determination is made based on meeting the basic position requirements, and current completed education, credentials and/or work experience. Please Note: The step system is set and not open to pay negotiation. Before moving forward in the selection process, interested applicants are encouraged to discuss starting pay eligibility with the Human Resources (Talent) Department.
• Benefits: We offer an excellent benefits package including low-cost health insurance, health reimbursement and flexible spending accounts, employer-paid dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B defined contribution plan matching, employee assistance programs, professional development, employee resource groups, 14 paid holidays, 15 days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave during 1st year of employment, and much more! (Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees).
• COVID-19: Effective September 19, 2021, the District of Columbia (DC) mandates COVID-19 vaccination for government employees, contractors, interns, and grantees. As a DC government contractor, we comply with this mandate by ensuring that all employees are in compliance with being vaccinated or have an approved exemption. If you would like to proceed with completing an employment application, it is with the understanding that this organization complies with the DC COVID-19 vaccine mandate. We appreciate your interest in joining the team.
• Location: TBD
• Interview Process: Phone screening, panel style interview, final interview.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, personal appearance, familial status, family responsibilities, political affiliations, matriculation, credit, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

How to Apply: Interested applicants should apply via the instructions list on the job board. (While Friendship Place prefers to receive online applications, interested persons may also apply by sending a copy of their resume to HumanResources@friendshipplace.org. Please include the position you are applying for in the subject line to allow your resume to be uploaded to the correct job advertisement)