Substance Use Navigator
Full time University of California San Francisco posted 2 weeks ago in Substance Use Disorder Shortlist Email JobJob Description
Job Summary
Project HOUDINI LINK (Hospital Opioid Use Disorder treatment INItiation and
LINKage to care) will provide medication assisted treatment (MAT) and
comprehensive psychosocial services to 150 individuals aged 18 and older with
opioid use disorder (OUD) who present to Zuckerberg San Francisco General
(ZSFG). The population of focus will be hospitalized patients who are initiated on
MAT for OUD, San Francisco residents and referred to one of six diverse outpatient
MAT programs.
The Substance Use Navigator will work closely with the ZSFG medical teams to link
and retain each enrolled patient in outpatient care using contingency management
and motivational interviewing.
ZSFG is the largest safety net hospital in San Francisco and currently offers MAT
on-demand to hospitalized patients, but linkage to outpatient care is low. The
population of focus is at high risk of treatment drop-out and drug overdose due to
co-occurring mental illness, stimulant use and homelessness. Three evidence-based
practices, known to be effective with the population of focus, will be used to
overcome these barriers: MAT pharmacotherapy (methadone, buprenorphine, or
extended-release naltrexone), patient navigation with motivational interviewing, and
contingency management.
The Substance Use Navigator will be providing recruitment and linkage from ZSFG
Inpatient Medical-Surgical Units. Responsible for recruiting project
participants, linking patients to community-based medication-assisted treatment
(MAT) providers, primary care and mental health care as necessary, delivering
motivational interviewing and contingency management, re-engaging patients that
may drop-out from MAT. Acts as a communication liaison to various treatment
providers.
Please note: This is a full-time contract position until December 31st, 2021, with
long-term extension pending secured funding.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training
- Nine-hour law/ethics and confidentiality online course to be completed through
CCAAP upon being hired - Training and experience in delivering behavioral health interventions to persons
with substance use disorder as well as conducting point of care urine drug screens
with fidelity to established policies and procedures - Strong skills to deliver evidence-based assessments and interventions with
fidelity - Strong skills to comprehend and assess patient’s grievances to quickly locate
appropriate resource for assistance - Proficiency with Windows-based software including Microsoft Word, Excel,
Outlook. Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area - Understanding of mental health issues and sensitivity toward mental health
clients - Understanding of substance use disorders, harm reduction and recovery
- Knowledge of the SF transportation system and ability to transport clients to
various locations - Ability to communicate and resolve issues effectively with a diverse population of
patients, staff and physicians - Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to develop solutions and
recommend changes and follow through with implementation - Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong aptitude to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate behavioral
health services to the population of focus. Solid interpersonal and customer service
skills. Diplomatic and highly organized. Ability to remain calm under pressure and
apply sound judgment - Strong skills to work as part of a team, to prioritize and handle multiple tasks
simultaneously and work independently in a fast-paced, demanding environment
with minimal supervision. Ability to work collaboratively with other community
agencies - Strong ability to maintain professional boundaries
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training
- Registration with a California approved Substance Abuse Counselor Certification
Organization (http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/Pages
/CounselorCertificationOrganizations.aspx). Completed Counselor certification may
be provided in lieu of counselor registration - Spanish language skills
- In-depth knowledge of the organization and how to get issues resolved
- Strong knowledge of Patient Rights & Responsibilities, Joint Commission
standards, and Centers for Medicare/Medicaid regulations. Knowledge of Medical
Terminology. Strong knowledge of data collection, compilation, and analytical
techniques - Experience working in a safety net hospital, delivering motivational interviewing
or contingency management
