The Department of Clinical Social Services provides comprehensive clinical social services to patients and their families at UC Davis Medical Center. The Substance Use Navigator (SUN) is responsible and accountable for providing substance use disorder assessments, treatment planning, psychoeducation, counseling and intensive care coordination to patients at UC Davis Medical Center. As a member of the Substance Use Intervention Team (SUIT), the SUN coordinates with physicians, psychiatrists, and social workers to develop and implement treatment plans to ensure successful linkages to community providers. Critical aspects of this position involve the screening, interviewing and assessment of patients suffering from substance use and co-occurring disorders.
Apply By Date 11/29/2025 by 11:59 PM
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the positio
- 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. Maintain current certification, in good standing, with CCAPP or CAADE to maintain employment with UC Davis 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.
- Experience in counseling, social work, or other related fields.
- Experience with evidence-based substance use disorder treatment models and an understanding of treatment modalities is expected.
- Ability to work effectively within a stressful, sometimes hazardous environment with rapidly changing priorities and deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to work in an independent capacity, with the ability to appropriately triage referrals.
- Ability to exercise mature judgment and project a professional demeanor.
- Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to apply excellent professional and personal boundaries with clients.
- Proficiency with computer programs and operating standard office equipment (telephones, fax machines, 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.
Key Responsibilities
Department Overview
The SUN works closely with the SUIT consultation service to determine appropriate services needed while the patient is receiving care at UC Davis Medical Center and at discharge. The SUN provides support and linkages to patients and their family members to appropriate community providers. The SUN shall adhere to and promote the CCAPP Code of Conduct for credentialed Alcohol and Drug professionals. The SUN works variable hours, which include weekends and holidays, and may be assigned to other work shifts. The SUN must be able to work with adult and pediatric patients of all ages. The SUN position requires a high level of clinical judgement, problem-solving skills, creativity, organizational and priority setting abilities, and excellent communication skills. The SUN may be asked to participate in special projects and collect data to improve the quality of services delivered to patients. The SUN must be flexible as changes in technology, healthcare coverage, regulatory requirements, and our patient population may mandate changes to workflow, work standards, and work practices on an as needed basis
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $31.17-$55.89
- Salary Frequency: Hourly
- Salary Grade: 191
- UC Job Title: BEH HEALTH PSYCHTRC PROFL 2 HX
- UC Job Code: 004462
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100%
- Shift (Work Schedule): Sun- Wed (10 hr shifts- working hours variable)
- Location: Surgery & Emergency Serv PAV (HSP010)
- Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is 100% on-site
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Physical Demands
- Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Work occasional overtime, flexible hours, weekends and holiday shifts as required.Work is performed with many interruptions during the day.Position is expected to travel/drive occasionally.References reflect an overall meets or exceeds.Methods of Measurement Include the Following: Direct Observation, Feedback from staff or patients, Documentation Ages Served:Infants (0-12 months)Children (12 months - 15.5 years)Adolescents (9-18 years)Adults (10 and older)Geriatric (65 and older)
Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
University of California- Davis Health
$
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, tuition reimbursement
Nov 20, 2025