SUD Navigator - CENS

JOB SUMMARY 

HealthRIGHT 360, a nonprofit organization and a family of programs, is committed to providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare services to vulnerable populations. Our mission is to tackle systemic barriers to healthcare and promote health equity for all. We offer a wide range of services, including mental health care, residential and outpatient substance use treatment, and primary health services. Additionally, we provide transitional support for individuals re-entering the community after involvement in the criminal justice system. By integrating physical and behavioral health, we empower individuals to overcome challenges by addressing social determinants of health, fostering resilience, and facilitating recovery.

Prototypes' Client Engagement and Navigation Services (CENS) is dedicated to improving the attendance rates of clients seeking substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, in collaboration with state and county agencies. CENS accomplishes this by actively engaging clients, assessing their needs through an ASAM brief triage for adults or an evidence-based screening tool for youth, and guiding them to suitable treatment options. The program also ensures clients have the necessary support, such as transportation and health coverage (e.g., Medi-Cal or My Health LA), to access these services successfully. Operating in various locations throughout Service Planning Area 3 (SPA 3), including Pomona, Pasadena, and El Monte, CENS provides tailored support to help clients connect with the right treatment resources.

The SUD Navigator plays a key role in connecting individuals with appropriate substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services. Using an ASAM triage assessment for adults and evidence-based tools for youth, the Navigator determines the best treatment options, motivates clients to engage in care, and ensures they have the necessary support, such as transportation and health coverage (e.g., Medi-Cal, My Health LA). They provide face-to-face support, serve as a liaison for individuals involved in multiple systems, and connect clients with additional services to address barriers like poor health, domestic violence, and homelessness. Since the program operates throughout SPA 3 at various county facilities, and SUD Navigators also conduct community outreach and participate in job and health fairs, reliable transportation is required to effectively perform these duties across different locations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Assessment and Referrals

• Conduct an ASAM triage assessment to determine if the adult client needs SUD treatment and the provisional level of care to which the client will be referred.
• Conduct additional assessments for ancillary service referrals if they have not already been conducted by the referring case worker, including, but not limited to, vocational rehabilitation, education, transportation, housing, physical health, and other public social services.
• Use the Youth and Parent screening tool to determine SUD risks for youth clients and refer them to the nearest appropriate youth outpatient SUD providers, based on client preference and need, for further assessment as appropriate.

Client Enrollment and Support

• Assist clients in entering data in the Department of Public Social Services BenefitsCal website for Medi-Cal enrollment or contacting a My Health LA provider to schedule an enrollment appointment.
• Contact clients to remind them of their upcoming provider appointments and coordinate transportation to the SUD treatment provider, if needed.

Education and Intervention

• Provide clients with a basic overview of SUD to increase the likelihood of a client’s understanding and follow-through with treatment.
• Discuss the steps to take in case of relapse, including overdose prevention; provide HIV/AIDS education and referrals for HIV testing and treatment services; and discuss the availability of medication-assisted treatment for alcohol and opioid use disorders.
• Provide substance use disorder training to various community partners.
• Conduct community outreach and participate in job and health fairs to promote public awareness about substance use disorders and to inform consumers about SUD treatment options available through DMC-ODS.

Service Coordination

• Schedule clients for a full ASAM assessment with a SUD treatment provider that matches the client’s needs and preferences using SAPC’s electronic Service and Bed Availability Tool (SBAT).
• Enter data into SAPC’s electronic health record system so that the client information is provided to the treatment provider before the client appears for the appointment, if possible.

And perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Certification, or Licensure

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Substance Use Disorder Counselor Registration or Certification from a California certifying agency (CCAPP, CAADE, CADTP).

• Valid First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Valid California Driver’s License and access to registered and insured transportation.

Experience

• Experience working as registered substance abuse or behavioral disorder counselor or recovery specialist in community mental health preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

In an 8-hr workday, employee is required to perform work:

Sitting

4

Hrs

Standing

2

Hrs

Walking

2

Hrs

Driving

Frequently

In an average month, employee must travel out of town:

☐ Often (>2x)

☒ Sometimes (<2x)

☐ Never

In an 8-hr workday, employee must:

Not at all

Occasionally

(1/4-2½ hrs.)

Frequently

(2½-5½ hrs.)

Continuously

(5½-8 hrs.)

Bend/stoop

☐

☒

☐

☐

Climb

☒

☐

☐

☐

Reach above shoulder level

☐

☒

☐

☐

Kneel

☐

☒

☐

☐

Balance

☒

☐

☐

☐

Push/pull

☐

☒

☐

☐

Squat

☐

☒

☐

☐

Crawl

☐

☒

☐

☐

Crouch

☐

☒

☐

☐

Lift*

☐

☒

☐

☐

Carry**

☐

☒

☐

☐

*     Usual number

       Maximum number

5

20

lbs

lbs

**   Usual number

       Maximum number

5

20

lbs

lbs

Job requires:

Working at heights

☐ Yes

☒ No

Explain

Operating heavy machinery

☐ Yes

☒ No

Type

Operating desk machines

☒ Yes

☐ No

Type

Computer, fax, printer, phone

Precise manual dexterity

☒ Yes

☐ No

Explain

Documentation, data entry

Exposure to extreme heat, cold, humidity

☐ Yes

☒ No

Explain

Exposure to dust, fumes, gases, chemicals

☐ Yes

☒ No

Explain