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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Substance Use Navigator Program Lead - **Company:** CARDEA HEALTH - **Location:** United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $68,640.0 - $91,520.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Document Management Systems, Automation of Marketing - **Published:** June 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=91b494c8826d88eb ## About the Role Do you have experience in Working with individuals from underserved communities?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree?, * Lived experience with substance use, homelessness, or behavioral health challenges, or direct work with communities experiencing these issues. * Minimum of three (3) years of experience in substance use, homelessness, or behavioral health service settings. * At least two (2) years of program coordination experience, preferably in harm reduction or peer support programs. * Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction principles, trauma-informed care, and peer-based support models. * Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills. * Comfort working in field-based, non-traditional settings with high-acuity populations. * Ability to support and mentor staff with lived experience in a culturally responsive and strengths-based manner. Preferred Skills & Qualifications: * Supervisory experience in harm reduction, peer support, or related community-based programs. * Bachelor's degree in social work, public health, psychology, or a related field. * Bilingual in English and Spanish. * Familiarity with Alameda County systems and resources. * In-depth knowledge of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and local harm reduction strategies. Physical Requirements: * Occasional sitting or stationary work * Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, stooping, and ascending stairs * Occasional lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs * Frequent pushing and pulling * Frequent reaching high, low, and level ## Description The SUN Program Lead will oversee the operational, staff-facing, and client-centered components of Cardea Health's Substance Use Navigator (SUN) program. This role is responsible for supervising a team of peer navigators with lived experience, ensuring high-quality service delivery across multiple sites, and developing the systems, training, and support structures needed to sustain and grow the program. The program lead will balance hands-on field supervision with program development tasks such as scheduling, case conferencing, workflow design, and workforce development., Program Oversight & Workforce Development (70%) * Supervise and support SUNs across multiple program sites, providing coaching, reflective supervision, and debriefing in the field. * Coordinate daily scheduling and deployment of SUNs to ensure adequate coverage across shelters, clinics, and outreach settings. * Develop and lead onboarding, monthly training, and professional development activities rooted in harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care. * Facilitate weekly or biweekly case conferencing to support care planning and skill-building. * Implement and maintain documentation systems to track client touchpoints, referrals, and outcome data. * Ensure fidelity to harm reduction principles and evidence-based practices throughout the program. * Establish referral pathways to treatment, detox, MAT, housing, and other key resources. * Provide emotional wellness support, mentorship, and role modeling to reduce burnout and support SUN retention. Client-Facing and Programmatic Activities (30%) * Collaborate with SUNs to facilitate client-centered services, including MAT accompaniment, hospital discharge follow-up, and benefits navigation. * Launch and support peer-led support groups, wellness workshops, and community engagement activities. * Maintain strong communication loops with clinical and community partners to support warm handoffs and care continuity. * Support field-based service delivery and troubleshoot client or operational issues in real-time. * Lead drop-in hours and low-barrier engagement strategies for high-needs or hard-to-reach clients. Additional Duties: * Participate in leadership and quality improvement meetings to ensure program alignment with agency goals. * Assist with reporting and evaluation activities to demonstrate program impact. * Develop client feedback mechanisms such as advisory boards or surveys to improve services. * Perform other duties as assigned to support the success and sustainability of the SUN program. ## Related Videos - [Beyond Hiring: Building a Sustainable Talent Acquisition Engine at Deutsche Bahn](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1856-beyond-hiring-building-a-sustainable-talent-acquisition-engine-at-deutsche-bahn) - [Recruiting in 2025: Will AI Help or Take Over?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1301-recruiting-in-2025-will-ai-help-or-take-over) - [Same Tower, New Confusion: The Tower of Babel 2.0](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100101-same-tower-new-confusion-the-tower-of-babel-2-0) - [We Know Developers Are Neurodiverse. 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