Senior Substance Use Navigator

Company: Roots Community Health Center
Location: Oakland
Posted on: February 13, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: Job Duties: Perform comprehensive barrier assessment to address barriers such as: psychosocial health, criminal history, physical health, probation/parole status, mental health, job- readiness/competency, substance use, DMV issues, family/support system, child support orders, custody matters, housing, tax issues, access to food, clothing and hygiene items, civil restitution orders, and access to healthcare services. Drive a Roots vehicle daily for outreach to unhoused populations with Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) use in Alameda County, primarily East Oakland. Work in partnership at all times on outreach with a SSUN or Roots STOMP staff. Engage with individuals experiencing substance use challenges across healthcare, emergency, and community-based settings. Conduct substance use screenings and assessments to identify needs and determine appropriate treatment and referral pathways. Provide individualized education and advocacy regarding harm reduction strategies, treatment options, and recovery resources. Build collaborative relationships with treatment facilities, healthcare providers, social service organizations, and law enforcement. Coordinate care by facilitating access to detoxification services, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), inpatient and outpatient programs, and peer-based recovery supports. Conduct post-referral follow-ups to support engagement and treatment retention. Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to program evaluation and data collection efforts in accordance with privacy and confidentiality guidelines. Provide face-to-face visits and make outreach calls to the participant based on their needs Assist participants in enrolling in public benefit programs (Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWorks, etc.), medical and social services. Provide health coaching (medication adherence, etc) Assist in picking up patient medications at local pharmacies and deliver directly to patients. Support medical providers and clinical staff as needed during Welcome Wednesday clinic operations. Help keep the work site clean and safe at all times. Complete all required documentation and reports in a timely fashion and in the manner required by program contracts. Participate in staff meetings, supervision, agency meetings and staff training. Competencies: Ability to work effectively within stressful, sometimes hazardous environments with rapidly changing priorities and deadlines. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and maintain a healthy presence within a close-knit group. Ability to proactively identify team dynamics concerns and take appropriate action. Ability to exercise mature judgment and maintain a professional demeanor. Ability to recognize and manage personal triggers, self-regulate emotionally, and perform effectively under pressure. Demonstrates strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills. Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries with clients. Demonstrates organizational skills, including attention to detail, task prioritization, time management, and multi-tasking. Demonstrates clear, effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to build rapport and foster trusting relationships so participants feel comfortable and safe. Comfortable working with and entering data accurately. Demonstrates a continuous learning mindset and openness to constructive feedback and self-improvement. Requirements: Minimum Required Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position Valid California Driver License with safe driving record and understanding this role requires daily driving with a team member. Active certification through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) or the California Association for Drug/Alcohol Educators (CAADE) is required. Acceptable certifications include: RADT, CADC-CAS, CADC-I, CADC-II, or CADC-III, CATC I, CATC II, CATC III. Alternatively show completion of CA Bridge Substance Use Navigation Training 101 and achievement of the CA Bridge CHW Certification. Maintain current certification, in good standing, with CCAPP, CAADE or CA Bridge to maintain employment with Roots Community Health. Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent work experience or training. 3 years of recent experience in AOD in a health care facility or residential treatment facility as a Senior Substance Use Navigator. Experience with evidence-based substance use disorder treatment models and an understanding of treatment modalities. Comfort level working with communities of African descent, low-income, unhoused, formerly incarcerated and individuals with behavioral health challenges. Proficiency with computer programs and operating standard office equipment (Microsoft Office, G Suite, telephones, e-fax, copy machines, etc.). Preferred Qualifications: Experience with electronic medical records is preferred. Proficiency in Spanish, as well as English, is highly desirable. Knowledge of community resources and services is preferred. Personal or family history of systems involvement (jail/prison, foster system, mental health system, etc.) is preferred. 2 years of experience working in non-profit organizations or community clinics is preferred.

Keywords: Roots Community Health Center, Rohnert Park , Senior Substance Use Navigator, Healthcare , Oakland, California