Position Title: Safe Haven Weekend Day Addictions Counselor

Department: Human Services Department

Supervisor: Safe Haven Program Coordinator

Exemption: Non-Exempt

Date revised: January 2023

Job Summary:

Work within a 14 bed, 24/7, low threshold program for homeless Veterans who may not yet be committed to full abstinence or recovery. Work closely with Safe Haven Team, other NECHV programing and VA Program Liaison to ensure highest quality of trauma informed, harm reduction services to meet Veterans needs and goals. The Weekend Day Addictions Counselor will work a Saturday and Sunday 7AM-3PM schedule. This position is considered essential staff and may require working during holidays and/or inclement weather.

Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with other program staff and VA Coordinator, work within the low threshold model of service and care, in a 14 bed, 24/7 recovery program.
• Provide substance use disorder counseling and crisis intervention to program participants.
• Work with Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed and Person Centered models of care with all program participants
• Assist with helping all participants and handle crisis and emergency situations as they may arise.
• Communicate relevant information about the shift to other staff.
• Maintain positive working relationships with NECHV staff, especially Operations Staff.
• Become familiar with referrals and resources to ensure that participants immediate needs are met.
• Work collaboratively with other NECHV programs, departments, and the Veterans Administration, maintaining positive relationships.
• Must abide by the professional guidelines set by the Human Services Department.
• Perform other duties as needed and as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelors Degree preferred.
• Three to five years experience working with substance abuse, mental illness, and with a diverse population.
• Veteran status a plus.
• LADC or CADC preferred.
• Must have knowledge, experience and skills working with Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed and Person Centered models of service.
• Must have knowledge, experience and skills in crisis intervention and de-escalation of potential situations.
• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to maintain personal and professional boundaries with colleagues and participants.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Must be able to work within the low threshold model of care and maintain a positive working relationships with Safe Haven and other Center staff, VA staff, and other community agencies such as Emergency Services and Police Dept.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work respectfully with a challenging and diverse population.
• Ability to gather and report data for reporting and maintain participant files and records according to standards set for the program.

The New England Center and Home for Veterans requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID, unless a formal request for exemption has been submitted and approved.