Job Description

About Us:

VOALA

HELPING OUR MOST VULNERABLE CHANGE THEIR LIFE STORIES

Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities.  VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at www.voala.org.

SAMHSA – SOUTH LOS ANGELES PREVENTION NAVIGATOR PROGRAM

Using a navigation approach, Volunteers of America of Los Angeles (VOALA) will work with community partners, to expedite services such as training and education around the risks of substance misuse and HIV/AIDS, and linkages to services and follow-up for racial and ethnic minority individuals at the highest risk for HIV and substance use disorders in Los Angeles County (LAC), California, Service Planning Area (SPA) 6, South Los Angeles, one of the designated areas hardest hit by HIV, with a particular focus on youth and young adults ages 13-24, (and may include but is not limited to persons experiencing economic and health disparities, homelessness, identify as LGBTQ, and live in areas with high rates of drug use).

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

The Outreach Specialist/Navigator is responsible for promoting the program throughout the surrounding areas, targeting community partners serving at risk youth, while aiding individuals at highest risk for HIV and substance use disorders.  Conducts agency/community outreach; provide HIV/substance misuse prevention programs (Evidence Based Practices-EBPs).  Participates in other community activities and represents VOALA.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides street outreach, engagement, HIV/substance misuse prevention programs (Evidence Based Practices-EBPs), and referral services for clients and their families
• Work with Lead Navigator and partnering agencies to develop and implement Community Education, Message building, and implement evidence-based substance use disorders/co-occurring disorders education, early intervention and treatment services
• Assist with linkages to care and follow up
• Assist with data collection

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications

EDUCATION:

• Associate’s Degree in Social Services or related discipline,
• Or equivalent combination of education and work experience (two years)

EXPERIENCE:

• 2 years of experience working with targeted population (including youth ages 13-24 preferred)

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of HIV and substance misuse education

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:

• Microsoft Office Suite, including: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiar with Databases.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Able to develop relationships with program participants, their families, as well as a variety of service stakeholders (schools, health and public benefit agencies).

• Strong written and oral skills in the English language, able to accurately complete required reports and data entry.

• Able to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflict, including dealing with un-cooperative clients.

• Able to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.

• Able to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.

• Must be willing to travel/drive company vehicle through Los Angeles County

COMPETENCIES:

• Must be able to work effectively with people from all walks of life with compassion
• Hold a California Drivers license, with required insurance and a reliable vehicle.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiar with community resources, and indigenous to SPA 6
• Bilingual (Spanish)

Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form 1-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (OHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.