WHY WORK FOR US?

We are mission and values driven and your contributions will make a difference. We make a positive difference in people's lives and help an average of 23 people per week to find a place to live.

If you join us, you will be able to advocate for change while also working with influential people who effect changes in policy and devote time to issues of racial and social justice. We prioritize your work/life balance and provide various scheduling options in addition to generous time off, health, and wellness benefits and we're committed to helping you reach your potential by providing opportunities for professional growth across the state.

ABOUT PATH

Since its foundation in 1984, PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) has pioneered bold and effective approaches to assist people experiencing homelessness. PATH operates services throughout California, connecting our clients to a comprehensive continuum of homelessness prevention, street outreach, employment preparation and placement assistance, individualized case management, supportive services, interim housing, and permanent supportive housing.

ABOUT OUR TEAM

Every program in our growing range of services is designed to holistically address barriers to long-term housing stability, implementing evidenced-based practices to promote improved well-being beyond housing alone. We are committed to improving the quality of our services by creating a diverse work environment for the community at large. We seek input from our clients, employees, and stakeholders to ensure equity in service delivery and accessibility for all the people we serve.

ABOUT THE JOB

As part of the Metro Rail Outreach team, the Substance Use Specialist will participate in daily street outreach to homeless clients on the MTA (Metro) system in the metropolitan Los Angeles region. Using the PATH Street Outreach Integrated Care approach, the Substance Use Specialist will provide outreach and engagement services to conduct interventions to quickly assess and link clients to long-term housing, health, mental health and other supportive services. The Substance Use Specialist may attend community meetings and develop relationships with local businesses, organizations, and service providers. Substance Use Specialist will refer clients for necessary services and offer transportation assistance. The Substance Use Specialist will work as part of a multidisciplinary street outreach team to identify solutions to trends within the homeless community.

Position Responsibilities include:

• Conduct nightly outreach at Metro stations, bus stops, and aboard trains to develop relationships and build rapport with clients in order to assist them with finding a home.
• Conduct VI-SPDAT (Vulnerability Index- Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool) assessments for all new clients in order to connect them to proper intervention and services and document results in the HMIS.
• Conduct substance abuse assessments and provide referrals as necessary.
• Provide street-based case management services that are designed to prepare and connect homeless clients to long-term supportive services and achieve their goals including: Assistance with the establishment of personal benefits including (GR, SSI, TANF, Veterans Pension, etc.). Assistance with obtaining various forms of identification, including birth certificates and social security cards. Provision of employment assistance, housing referrals, and health related assistance, as identified on the ISP. Assistance with applications for supportive and subsidized housing and prospect potential locations for affordable rental housing. Provision of and/or assistance with connection and access to any other services that assist with improving quality of life, such as mental and physical health services.
• Meet with established clients on a regular basis to review, evaluate, and support goal completion.
• Respond within specific contract timeframes to requests for street outreach services and send follow-up information to the requestor and the supervisor.
• Collaborate with community substance abuse and mental health providers to ensure seamless referral services.
• Work with local law enforcement and interim service providers to ensure a smooth transition from street living to interim housing.
• Provide ongoing information, referrals, linkages, and advocacy for all other identified needs.
• Creatively use and develop community resources to broker and link clients to services.
• Provide a high-quality customer service environment for all clients.
• Participate in staff meetings and training as assigned by the supervisor.
• Complete all necessary paperwork to track client progress (daily logs, ISP, etc.).
• Maintain documentation standards as set forth by the program contract and PATH policies.
• Complete paperwork on each face to face and telephone contact with the client, or with any collateral contact, by close-of-business on the next working day.

WHAT YOU BRING

We’re looking for candidates with:

• Analytical Skills and Attention to Detail: Gather and interpret data, identifying trends, patterns, and insights to inform decision-making. Ability to consistently produce high-quality work, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work effectively with others, seeking out and building positive working relationships with colleagues, participants, and stakeholders. Work effectively with others, contributing to team goals and recognizing the strengths and contributions of others.
• Communication: Convey information clearly and effectively (both verbally and in writing) to individuals and groups in a manner that informs, engages and maintains their attention.
• Creativity and Initiative: Take action and make decisions without being prompted, demonstrating a proactive approach to work and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Think outside the box, generating innovative solutions to problems or challenges.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Analyze and evaluate information and situations, identify key issues, consider alternatives, and make logical decisions based on sound reasoning that will achieve the desired outcome.
• Ethics and Boundaries: Maintain ethical and professional standards, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing the right thing in all situations while maintaining professional boundaries.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. Certification in substance use counseling (e.g., CATC, SUDCC, CADC).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Two (2) years required working directly with substance use services.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Regardless of qualifications, candidates must:

• Have employment eligibility verification
• Have or be able and willing to obtain CPR/First Aid training
• Successfully complete the following as a condition of hire: Tuberculosis Test, Background Screening, Drug Test

DRIVING

Driving is an essential function of this position. To meet the employment requirements for this role, all candidates must:

• Have reliable transportation
• A valid driver’s license
• Proof of insurance and ownership for personal vehicles used during work duties
• The ability to qualify for PATH's insurance coverage

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

CALIFORNIA-BASED WORK EXPECTATIONS

We are a California employer. Therefore, all regular and customary work must be performed within the state. Approval for work outside of the office, does not establish approval for work to be conducted outside of California. PATH does not offer fully remote positions. While some roles may include a schedule that involves multiple designated worksites or approved off-site locations (e.g., hybrid schedules), this does not imply that work will be performed from home. Many positions are fully on-site with no off-site work. All work schedules are determined by the responsibilities of the role and operational requirements, and may be adjusted at any time.

WHAT WE OFFER

In addition to a rewarding work environment, we offer our employees a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, vacation and sick time, paid holidays, and a retirement plan.

READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH ACTION?

If this position sounds like a fit, please submit your application today. A resume is required.

PATH provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, PATH complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

PATH will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

PATH is dedicated to racial and social justice by centering equity in our service delivery and maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment for the communities we serve. We seek awareness and insight from witnessing the stories of our clients and learning from the experiences of our staff to ensure impactful systems change. If people are empowered, they can bring their authentic, whole selves to work and when people feel like they belong, they can become part of a unified effort of ending homelessness for all.