Sober Living Home Leadership Course Outline and Workbook

LastupdatedApril29,2013
San Diego County Sober Living Coalition We Lead The Way Home
A workbook and guide for managers who lead peer supported housing for people living in recovery.
copyright2013SanDiegoCountySoberLivingCoalition.Youarefreetousethismaterial.1
Strange is our situation here on Earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to divine a purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that we here for the sake of others above all for those upon whose smiles and well-being our own happiness depends.
AlbertEinstein
This guide is created by people who open their homes to those seeking a recovering life. We live and support each other as family. We welcome your input and your experience, strength and hope. Aboutthiscourseandworkbook This workbook contains information and resources designed specifically to help managers, leaders and senior residents know and understand their roles and responsibilities and to help them succeed in their roles. This workbook is based on excellent work by many that have come before us and those who founded the Sober Living Network, of which we are a valued member. We are grateful to Karen Hayes, SDSLC board member and past president, who has been training people throughout the Sober Living Network for many years and without her dedication and leadership we would not be here today. This course and workbook will continue to be developed by and for members of The San Diego County Sober Living Coalition and will continue to grow organically with best practices added regularly. You will note that each page has a last updated date in the header. As long as you access this document online, you will receive instant updates as they are added. Check back often to find more tips, techniques and words of wisdom from your peers. There are links throughout this workbook that will work only when you are online. Each link takes you to a separate document.Thelinkslooklikethis. If you are not yet part of our Google Apps program which allows you to view this document online sign up at members.sdslc.org/google-apps.html.
LastupdatedApril29,2013 The primary objectives and purposes of the San Diego County Sober Living public benefit corporation shall be: 1. To act as a member association of individuals, corporations, sole proprietorships, nonprofits and other parties that wish to operate homes designed to support disabled adults in family-style alcohol & drug free residences, also known as sober living environments or homes. 2. To provide education, training and technical assistance to its members. 3. To be an integral part of the San Diego County recovery community and act as a provider of affordable and supportive housing. 4. To establish, maintain and enforce best practices and operating standards of all homes. 5. To be a housing resource for residents and others in San Diego County who seek affordable housing in an alcohol and drug free environment. 6. To increase recognition of the need and value for the homes we operate. 7. To be a resource for alcohol, drug treatment, law enforcement and other county services who seek to place persons in an alcohol and drug-free environment.
Mission Statement:
The San Diego County Sober Living Coalition (SDSLC) Mission is to provide education, training and assistance to owners, operators, developers and managers of housing intended to accommodate persons living with disabilities who desire to live in a family style alcohol and drug free living environment. The SDSLC shall also be a resource for residents of member homes for information on available housing, their housing rights and to provide grievance mediation and other services and supports designed services and supports designed to help residents maintain their housing and live in a safe, supportive environment
LastupdatedApril29,2013 WorkshopOutline 1. Welcome 2. Reflection 3. Introduction 4. Pre Test 5. An introduction about sober living, our coalition and the company we keep a. Knowing what is and what is not sober living and the level of support we provide and the things we do not provide b. Know our Code of Ethics c. House Leaderss Qualifications and Responsibilities d. Our Philosophy e. The laws that apply 6. Leadership and Management Skills a. Recruiting, training and assisting residents in a peer supported environment b. Who steps up when you are away? Create a checklist with emergency numbers. 7. Providing Residents with the information they need and want. a. How to welcome a new resident b. Developing a new residents guide c. Providing information about what it is like to live in sober living. d. Reviewing the house rules and agreement in person - tell them why the rules exist - apply spiritual principles 8. Managing the house day to day and creating a democratic culture
LastupdatedApril29,2013 a. Signage and visible instructions - post the house rules in a visible place - post the recovery bill of rights b. Assigning and maintaining chores - assigning or volunteering c. Identify local resources d. Setting clear rules and clear enforcement practices - explain why these rules exist. Apply spiritual principles e. Have a written maintenance schedule f. Have regular house meetings g. Maintaining an alcohol + drug free environment h. How to deal with arguments between residents 9. What to do when things go wrong a. Prepare for the 5 emergencies b. Managing conflict c. Know what to do and why when a resident exits - Voluntary exit - Involuntary exit 10. Can residents return after exit? 11. Caring for yourself and your recovery 12. Carry the message
LastupdatedApril29,2013 PreTest Leadership Training Pre - Test Name________________________________________________ What do you hope to learn today? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ What are the priorities of a house leader? _____________________________________________________________________________ How do you define a sober living home? ______________________________________________________________________________ What does peer supported housing mean to you? ______________________________________________________________________________ As a manager/leader what is your greatest challenge/ ______________________________________________________________________________
LastupdatedApril29,2013 Anintroductionaboutsoberliving,ourcoalitionandthecompanywekeep General Information provided by the State of California Alcohol- and drug-free houses (also known as sober living) are important in supporting treatment and recovery services in a community by helping recovering persons to maintain an alcohol- and drug-free lifestyle. Residents are free to organize and participate in self-help meetings or any other activity that helps them maintain sobriety. The house or its residents: do not and cannot provide any treatment, recovery, or detoxification services; do not have treatment or recovery plans or maintain case files; and do not have a structured, scheduled program of alcohol and drug education, group or individual counseling, or recovery support sessions. Persons typically become residents of an alcohol- and drug-free house after being in a licensed non-medical residential alcohol or other drug recovery or treatment facility. However, participation in a licensed facility is not necessarily a prerequisite for residency. Alcohol- and drug-free houses are not required to be licensed nor are they eligible for licensure. By definition, they do not provide alcohol or drug recovery or treatment services and are, therefore, not subject to regulation or oversight by the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP). These houses have three things in common: 1. They ensure that a person who is in recovery lives in an environment that is free from alcohol and drug use. 2. The residents themselves reinforce their recovery through support with other recovering persons. 3. The residents are free to voluntarily pursue activities to support their recovery, either alone or with others.
SanDiegoCountySoberLivingCoalition OURCODEOFETHICS Owners,managersandleadersofmemberhomesagreetoabidebythiscodetomaintainavital concernforthelivesandwellbeingofallpersons. 1.Bededicatedtorecognizingthedignityandworthofallhumanbeings. 2.MaintainaZEROTOLERANCEalcoholandillicitdrugfreeenvironmentremovingresidents whofailtomaintainsuchsobrietyforaperiodofnolessthansevendays. 3.Owners,Operators,andManagersorotherstaffagreestodevelopskillstorelocateresidents anddoallthatispossibletorelocatelodgerswhennecessarytoputthemoutofthehouse. 4.Maintainqualityhousingthatisconsistentwiththequalityoftheneighborhood.Demonstrate activitiesthatbenefittheimmediateneighbors. 5.Houseoperatoragreesthatresidentagreementsandruleswillreflectthehouseisan unrelatedfamilyofpersonswithdisabilitieslivingtogetherinmutualsupport. 6.Houseoperatorsunderstandthattheymustdeveloptheskillstooperatethehouseinaway thatcomplaintsfromclients,neighbors,andoutsideprovidersarenotgenerated.Ifahouse continuestogeneratecomplaints,thehousewillbesubjecttoremovalformtheNetworkwebsite andmembershipcanbecancelled. 7.Staffmemberswhoarealcoholicsandaddictsmustremainabstinent.Becleanandsoberat least9monthsandremainabstinent,ifanalcoholicoraddict.Staffmemberswhoarenot alcoholicsoraddictsmustremainalcoholfreeduringperformancehours. 8.SubmittorandomdrugtestingattherequestoftheSoberLivingCoalition. 9.Nophysicalviolenceorthreatsofviolenceareallowedinthehome. 10.Owners,Operators,andManagersorotherstaffneverbecomeromanticallyorsexually involvedwithhomelodgersoranyonethesoberlivinghomeisassisting. 11.Owners,Operators,andManagersorotherstaffmustneverbecomeinvolvedwithlodgers personalfinancialaffairs. copyright2013SanDiegoCountySoberLivingCoalition.Youarefreetousethismaterial.9
LastupdatedApril29,2013 12.Owners,Operators,andManagersorotherstaffmustrespecttheprivacyandpersonal rightsofalllodgers. 13.Owners,Operators,andManagersorotherstaffmustassurethatnoweaponsareallowed onsoberlivingpremisestothebestoftheirability. PERSONALSTATEMENT Ifasoberlivingowner,operatorormanagerisfoundtohaveviolatedanyoftheabovecodeof ethicsoftheSanDiegoCountySoberLivingCoalition,afterreceivingappropriatenoticeandan opportunitytobeheard,suchviolationmaysubjectthemembershipoftheindividualtoreview andpenalties.Thesepenaltiesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto:publicreprimand,suspension orrevocationofmembership.Thisactiondoesnotcurtailanyoftheotherrightsandremediesof thepartiestoredress,norshalladeterminationofaviolationrisetothelevelofproofasifthe matterwereheardinacourtofcompetentjurisdiction. MysignaturebelowindicatesmyagreementtoabidebythisCodeofEthics. NameofSoberLivingEnvironment: ______________________________________________________________ Name:__________________________ Signature:_____________________________ Date:_______________
LastupdatedApril29,2013 OurAssociations By fact of membership in the San Diego County Sober Living Coalition each member home is also a member of: The Sober Living Network
The Sober Living Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the operation and management of sober living and other community recovery support resources. Over 25,000 men and women in Southern California find safety and support in the Network's quality sober living homes each year. Recent university research has shown sober living to be tremendously effective in promoting long-term recovery from alcoholism and addiction.
The National Association of Recovery Residence
The National Association of Recovery Residences promotes a recovery-oriented continuum of care for those with substance use disorders by credentialing recovery residences that implement empirically-based recovery principles and practice standards. Core Values The core values of the National Association of Recovery Residences are: Hope, Compassion, Respect, Honesty, Responsibility and Fairness
The San Diego Association of Non Profits
SANDAN's Mission As the voice of San Diego's nonprofit sector, SANDAN's mission is to promote, connect and lead a vibrant and effective nonprofit sector that advances the well being of the San Diego region. SANDAN fulfills its mission through these core strategies Providing leadership and capacity that strengthens and supports the San Diego nonprofit sector. Advocating for the interests of the nonprofit sector Promoting the San Diego region nonprofit sector and its successes Coordinating and connecting all nonprofit sub-sectors (umbrella) Unifying and amplifying the nonprofit sector voice Connecting nonprofits to resources Tracking and reporting on key social and sector indicators and social return on investment in nonprofits Creating bridges and linkages to government and business Advancing the highest standards of ethical nonprofit practice
Knowing what is and what is not sober living and the level of support we provide and the things we do not provide
California Sober Living Laws By David Montoya, eHow Contributor California's sober-living homes have been changing the lives of those that need direction and structure to get their lives back in order. As the names indicate, these homes are designed to provide an alcohol and drug-free environment for individuals with substance-abuse problems. These homes are regulated under California and federal laws. Proposition 36 Proposition 36, also known as the "Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act," was passed by California voters in 2000. This proposition dramatically changed California's laws regarding first- and second-time offenders of non-violent simple drug possession. In place of jail time, these offenders are able to choose to be placed in a sober-living home for treatment. Subsequent offenses (i.e. third-time offenders) do face incarceration. A sober-living home must be certified with either the state of California or local counties. Private organizations such as California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors are also able to certify. Landlord-Tenant Law California's sober-living homes are governed by state landlord-tenant laws. This means that the tenants and those that run the home owe certain legal obligations to each other. Tenants of the sober-living facility are responsible for paying rent on time, not using the premises for illegal purposes, and to keep the facility in good condition. Those running the home are responsible for the habitability of the facility (i.e. running water and heat) and to repair any problems with the home. Eviction rules apply as well. Notice of eviction must be given before anyone can be removed from the sober-living home. Click here to view a complete version of California Tenants Rights
Federal Fair Housing Amendment Acts The Federal Fair Housing Amendment Acts ("FHAA") apply to sober-living homes. The FHAA amended the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to extend prohibitions against race, religion and gender discrimination to those with disabilities and families with children. The FHAA includes those with physical disabilities as well as mental disabilities. Furthermore, the Act covers conditions that affect a person's ability to to perform everyday functions such as walking, speaking, learning and so forth. The FHAA prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to those listed under the Act or to create different terms in the lease or rental agreement.
Our Philosophy The philosophical belief is that most addicted persons are best assisted when they spend substantial time in recovery supportive meetings, to read self-help books and literature, to share with other recovering persons, and to become involved in helping other along with participating in alcohol and drug free social and recreational activities to maintain long-term recovery. The greater amount of recovery supportive space and activities that exist in any given community - the more recovering persons will be exposed to recovery information and activities - the greater will be the recovery level. Alcoholics, addicts and family members who come to fully understand and accept that recovery is totally their responsibility increase their survival chances. Recovering persons learn that they can remain clean and sober during lifes agonizing and frustrating situations and events. Sober living home leaders serve as role models for other members. Leaders will recruit, train and assist new coalition members to committee and other coalition activities. Homes are able to assist recovering persons by creating a democratic culture, instilling self-help learning activities and promoting individual responsibility. The San Diego County Sober Living Coalition and its members believe that a well managed sober house can assist at least 80% of the addicted population as effectively as very expensive clinical treatments. Research indicates that those who remain longer in recovery supportive environments, such as sober living homes, have an increased chance of maintaining sobriety. Twelve step meetings are a prime example of how a democratic culture provides structure and recovery assistance without professional supervision. A democratic culture establishes a belief system that motivates recovering persons to assume responsibilities to conduct self-help meetings that start on time, follow a format and usually end on time. A well managed sober living home develops a democratic culture within the housing environment that sets the structure and theme of self-responsibility.
Are you a leader or a manager?

What is the difference between leadership and management? Management and leadership are both necessary for success. Individuals who can excel in both help their residents thrive. Your management side needs to: schedule resident interviews monitor chores track home maintenance monitor rules & compliance
Your leadership side needs to: encourage residents to follow your example create a level of trust (not necessarily friendship)
The skills involved in operating a sober living home require the following abilities: Recruit, train and assist residents to manage the home Assist residents and participants to create a democratic culture Facilitate and stimulate recovery enthusiasm within the home Be knowledgeable of community resources and have the ability to share resource information Assure that the home is maintained orderly, safe, clean and alcohol and drug free Maintain control of the home without being in control of the residents Instill a sense of belonging and ownership among the residents.
LastupdatedApril29,2013 Democratically managed sober living homes need recovery-seasoned residents to set the tone of the house to be available to assist new residents to develop their own recovery program. Once a democratic culture is established with recovery enthusiasm managers and leaders can serve as mentors for the residents. However, managers and leaders should take caution in sponsoring a resident. This may cause complications and send mixed messages: Is this my sponsor suggesting a behavior change or is it the house manager telling me to change or move out? Be mindful that as a manager you are responsible for getting things done. As a leader you are a model to live by. Applying spiritual principles Discussion and notes: Ask participants to list one to three spiritual principles and describe how they apply to managing their home. 1. ______________________________________________________________________ 2. ______________________________________________________________________ 3. ______________________________________________________________________
Recruit, train and assist residents to be core management of the house Recruiting New Residents When people look for a sober living home they are looking for the things that are standard in Coalition member homes

The house appears clean and well maintained. There is a rental agreement for each resident, signed by the owner, representative, or landlord, and the resident, that shows clearly the amount of any deposit, refund policy, rent payment schedule, policy on return of rent if a person leaves, and housekeeping duties. There are other conditions of residency. There is a written policy dealing with use of alcohol or other drugs. Local planning officials have any record of local ordinance violations at the house. Residents, or former residents, who are willing to speak with you about their experience with the house, have good things to say about it. Recommended to you by the staff of a licensed facility, by the county alcohol or drug program administrator, or by other personal contacts knowledgeable about alcohol or drug abuse treatment or recovery.
LastupdatedApril29,2013 Recruiting ResidentsWorksheet As part of our interactive learning experience, we will create a dialogue based on these questions. At the end of the session, you should have gained a perspective on your recruitment practices.
Discussion
What are some best practices?
Do you have a written criteria? (This is different than house rules)
Do other residents discuss the criteria on occasion?
Is your criteria discriminatory?
What do you expect of residents?
Are your expectations in writing and discussed with new or prospective residents?
LastupdatedApril29,2013 Assistresidentsincreatingademocraticculture
Our homes are run on a democratic basis.

During the last days of our drinking or using drugs, most of us ceased to function as responsible individuals. We were not only dependent upon alcohol and/or drugs, but were also dependent on many others for continuing our alcoholic and/or drug addicted ways. When we stopped drinking or using drugs, we began to realize just how dependent we had become. For those of us who had been in institutions or halfway houses, resentments against authority were common. A major part of this philosophy is that dependency is best overcome through an acceptance of responsibility. Each resident equally shares in the responsibility for the running of the House. During our drinking and drug use years, and even before, many of us found it difficult to accept authority. Many individuals in society are able to abide by the strict letter of any rule, regulation, or law. Alcoholics and drug addicts seem to have a tendency to test and retest the validity of any real, potential, or imagined restriction on their behavior. As alcoholics and drug addicts, we became experts at outwitting "the system." As recovering alcoholics and recovering drug addicts, it has become important for us to learn how to live, without the use of alcohol or drugs, within a society which relies on a wide variety of rules. By running our homes on a democratic basis, residents become able to accept the authority of the group because the group is a peer group. Each resident has a voice in the group and each has an opportunity to relearn responsibility and to accept decisions once they are made. The opportunity for a house to democratically function requires periodic meetings within the house at least once a week. Such meetings should be used to resolve any operational or personality problems facing the house. Any group, in order to function effectively, needs leaders. Misguided leaders can copyright2013SanDiegoCountySoberLivingCoalition.Youarefreetousethismaterial.21
LastupdatedApril29,2013 create dependency and usurp self-responsibility. We rely on democratically chosen leaders, but the leaders must always be but trusted servants.
Discussion:
In recovery, there is no black and white. No one program. How do you stimulate recovery enthusiasm? Celebrate clean time and special days? Apply spiritual principles in all your house affairs and your management style?
Welcoming the new resident
Set the tone. Help new and prospective residents know what sober living is. (Many have misconceptions, have heard bad stories or do not realize how good sober living can me. This is important to emphasize especially for first-timers and newcomers and those who have been incarcerated or institutionalized. It is a new life. Recommended Reading for Residents Informationfornewresidents
AResidentsGuidetoSoberLiving For fear that they will be unreasonably limited in what they can do and when, many who would thrive at a sober living home opt instead to return home too soon. Without the support of a clean and sober living environment, many who do well in drug and alcohol rehab find that they falter on their own. SoberLivingRulesandRegulations:HouseRules Themostbasicrulesandregulationsassociatedwithsoberlivingareprettymuchwhatyou wouldexpectinanyroommatesituation.
1. Keepingcommonareasclean,forexample,isstandard. 2. Takingoncertainchoresaroundthehouse(i.e.,trashduty,makingdinner,cleaning
commonareas)isexpectedanditsalsoexpectedthatyoumaintainyourchores regularly.
3. Somehousesdogroupdinnersandallareexpectedtoassistinthepreparationand
LastupdatedApril29,2013 cleanup.Everyweek,therearehousemeetingsthatyouwillneedtoattend. Thesekindsofsoberlivingrulesandregulationsaresetdowntomakesurethateveryone enjoysapeaceful,respectfullivingenvironment. SoberLivingRulesandRegulations:PersonalResponsibility There are a number of rules that apply to personal responsibility at sober living homes. At sober living facilities it is usually expected that you come home by a certain time each night and get out of bed by a certain time each morning. If you are leaving the house, you generally need to sign in and out and let people know where you are going. During the first month or so at your sober living home, you may be expected to bring a sober companion with you to help you stay accountable for your actions and later you may be asked to call to check in if you will be gone for hours at a time. SoberLivingRulesandRegulations:TheSupporttoExcel Most sober living facilities have a set of expectations in place with a single goal in mind: helping you to build a strong foundation that will sustain you in recovery. You may be required to get a job, attend 12 step meetings out in the community, volunteer your services or attend a school program that will help you get a job. For those who live in the area, you may be expected to start looking for and secure a new home for yourself toward the end of the treatment. All of these sober living rules and regulations are to make sure that you have the support you need to stay clean and sober as you go through the stressful process of finding employment and setting out on your own.
Providelocalinformationandresources
Listing of recovery resources and 12 step meetings on our website Map and listing of local food resources on our website Money saving coupons on our website What else might we provide? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
LastupdatedApril29,2013 Managing Day by Day a. Household tasks and chores Ask for volunteers for chore monitoring. (Let people use their gifts) How can you contribute? Ask a few questions to identify: - Is the resident compliant? - Are they being of service? Let people choose their chores, if possible Better if rotated (weekly/monthly). Make a list and make it visible
b. Weekly house meetings .Weeklyhousemeetingsaresuggested. HouseMeetings It is important to have a House meeting at least once a week.The House meeting is the place to resolve any conflicts, which arise from living together as a group. It is also a good place to pass on information about new 12 step or other recovery related meetings and/or social events. Its also a good time to share recovery enthusiasm Residents may be asked to talk about what they appreciate about each other, what they are grateful for.
LastupdatedApril29,2013 Weekly check - in: Tips: - Schedule for a regular time when it is convenient for residents. - Start and end on time. Value residents time. 30-60 minutes is optimal. - Set ground rules A meeting could be used to: + consider new applications for membership; + resolve any problem affecting members in the House; + resolve general complaints about maintenance of the house + review chores and assignments + let residents know of upcoming vacancies What have you done for recovery this week? Are you attending meetings? Being true to your program? Are you working or looking for work? Any personal issues to share? How can the house help you? Ask the group what other resources they might need
Meetings for problem solving

A special meeting should be called, just as soon as possible, whenever there is any suspicion that a member is drinking or taking drugs. You may wish to have a secretary to note any decisions or updates and post them in a visible location. The residents run the meeting to look at problems and solutions. Residents create their own ground rules for the meeting similar to the format of a 12 step meeting. There is no one way or right way to do this. What will make the current residents feel safe? How might it be adjusted when a new resident comes in or there is significant turnover? Whocanstepupwhenthemanagerisaway? Who decides? The group? How will you prepare them? Have a checklist of key items copyright2013SanDiegoCountySoberLivingCoalition.Youarefreetousethismaterial.28
Discussion
c. Drug Testing Have written policies and procedures as a best practice. Have a consent form signed by every resident
Example Form
DRUGTESTINGCONSENTFORM DISCLOSUREANDAUTHORIZATIONTOOBTAININFORMATION PLEASEREADCAREFULLYBEFORESIGNING Name_________________________________________________________________________ HomeNameisanAlcoholandDrugFreeEnvironment. HomeNameiscommittedtoaAlcoholandDrugFreeEnvironmentforthebenefitofresidents. Therefore,HomeNamehasestablishedaepolicythatincludespreresidence,postaccident,reasonable suspicionandrandomdrugtesting. HomeNamehaszerotoleranceforpossession,use,beingundertheinfluenceofortestingpositive foralcohol,illegaldrugsorthemisuseoflegaldrugsonthejob. Allresidentsmustabidewiththetermsofthispolicyasaconditionoftenancy/residency. ___Ivoluntarilyagreetosubmittoanalcoholanddrugtestaspartofmyapplicationforresidencyand priortomovein. ___Iunderstandthatapositiveresultindicatingalcohol,illegaldrugsorthemisuseoflegaldrugsormy refusaltosubmittoanalcoholand/ordrugtestingprocedurewilldisqualifymefromfurtherconsideration forresidency. ___Further,IunderstandthatifIliveatHomeName,Imayberequiredtosubmittoapostaccident, reasonablesuspicionorrandomalcoholand/ordrugtestatanytime. ___IagreethatIwillsubmittoanyrequestedalcoholand/ordrugtesting. ___Iunderstandthatapositiveresultindicatingalcohol,illegaldrugsorthemisuseoflegaldrugsor myrefusaltosubmittothealcoholand/ordrugtestingprocedurewillresultinevictionandremovalfrom theresidenc Ifullyunderstandthepurposeandcontentofthisdocument. PrintName __________________________________________________________________________ Date__________________________________________ Signature_______________________________________________________________
LastupdatedApril29,2013 10.Whattodowhenthingsgowrong
Disturbanceintheforce Everyone is affected when there is a problem. Its a family affair. Based on our experience this is the process of how we deal with issues: Insertbestpracticeshere
Discussion
Focus on actions that have consequences When to call the police What to do when the resident says NO How to flip the switch
Best practices recommended by other home owners and managers 1. Be a role model 2. Communicate, collaborate 3. Encourage first then enforce 4. Liberal Refund Policy 5. Create a safe space where residents have a voice 6. Be clear in writing your agreements. Do not use pretend legal speak: Get feedback from your residents. Add to your agreement I have read and understand what this agreement copyright2013SanDiegoCountySoberLivingCoalition.Youarefreetousethismaterial.31
LastupdatedApril29,2013 says and I have been free to ask questions about and I got the answers I needed. 7. Liberal refund policy 8. Super clear, documented and signed instructions for getting refunds or deposits back 9. Create a community for healing 10. Be equal, be firm, be consistent enforcing rules, especially your rules about relapse. Make no exceptions. No favorites, no exceptions, no excuses As a manager when there is a set of house rules and guidelines that the house is required to go by be a role model Don't go around breaking rules. Follow the rules and live by them. This way if someone does break a rule you have credibility and can sit down and talk with the resident. As a manager you need to be able to relate and intermingle with them. This does not mean you have to be friends. Perhaps by being present and allowing residents to see how you act builds a more trusting long lasting relationship between you and your residents. You are another addict living in recovery. Nothing more, nothing less. If you have rules that should never be broken, some call them the cardinal rules, never allow flexibility on these. Things like sexual misconduct, having or using weapons, theft or any other criminal act should be within your zero tolerance policy. Learn and live the code of ethics.
Discussion
DocumentationTheincidentreport
Documenting incidents such as evictions, violence or the breaking of cardinal rules should all be documented as soon as possible while times and actions are fresh in your mind. Using the Coalitions incident report provides you with a greater level of accountability and record keeping. If available online in the training, go through the incident report.
11.ExitingthehouseDiscussion a.Voluntary
b.Involuntary 1.Contactfamily 2.Contacthospital 3.ContactDetox

Central San Diego Volunteers of America 101 16th Street San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-9343 East San Diego County McAlister Institute (call for location) (619) 232-9343 North San Diego County Fellowship Center 737 East Grand Avenue (760) 745-8478
4.Interventionist
Security Deposits.
Most residential leases and rental agreements in California require a security deposit. This is a dollar amount, usually one month's rent, that's intended to cover damage to the premises beyond normal wear and tear, and to cushion the financial blow if a tenant skips out early on the lease without paying. Heres a summary of California landlord-tenant laws that cover the use and return of security deposits.
Does California law limit how much a landlord can charge a tenant for a security deposit?
Yes. Under California landlord-tenant laws, a landlord may charge a renter the equivalent of two months' rent for the security deposit if the residence is unfurnished, and three months' rent if the residence is furnished. California landlords can also add an extra one-half month's rent if the tenant has a waterbed. Landlords may not charge nonrefundable fees in California.
What about when a renter moves out? What is the deadline in California for returning a security deposit?
Under California law, a landlord must return the renter's security deposit, with an itemized statement of deductions, within 21 days after the renter has surrendered the rental property to the landlord (that is, returned the keys and vacated the property).
Is there additional information that California landlords must provide to renters when it comes to security deposits in California?
Yes. In addition to complying with California laws on security deposit limits and how (and when) the deposit must be returned to tenants, landlords in California must provide renters with advance notice before taking any deductions out of the security deposit, such as for the cost of repairs for damage to the property.
The most common disagreement between landlords and tenants is over the refund of the tenant's security deposit after the tenant has moved out of the rental unit. California law therefore specifies procedures that the landlord must follow for refunding, using, and accounting for tenants' security deposits. California law specifically allows the landlord to use a tenant's security deposit for four purposes: 1. For unpaid rent; 2. For cleaning the rental unit when the tenant moves out, but only to make the unit as clean as it was when the tenant first moved in 3. For repair of damages, other than normal wear and tear, caused by the tenant or the tenant's guests; and 4. If the lease or rental agreement allows it, for the cost of restoring or replacing furniture, furnishings, or other items of personal property (including keys), other than because of normal wear and tear. A landlord can withhold from the security deposit only those amounts that are reasonably necessary for these purposes. The security deposit cannot be used for repairing defects that existed in the unit before you moved in, for conditions caused by normal wear and tear during your tenancy or previous tenancies, or for cleaning a rental unit that is as clean as it was when you moved in. A rental agreement or lease can never state that a security deposit is "nonrefundable. Under California law, 21 calendar days or less after you move, your landlord must either: Send you a full refund of your security deposit, or Mail or personally deliver to you an itemized statement that lists the amounts of any deductions from your security deposit and the reasons for the deductions, together with a refund of any amounts not deducted. The landlord also must send you copies of receipts for the charges that the landlord incurred to repair or clean the rental unit and that the landlord deducted from your security deposit. The landlord must include the receipts with the itemized statement.
12. Caring for yourself and carrying the message The value of our sober living homes, and the peer support at its foundation is our most valuable asset. This is because the therapeutic value of one addict or alcoholic helping another is without parallel. It is the core of the 12 step programs and is proven by millions to be the thing that works the most to help others stay clean and sober. Perhaps one of the most important things a manager/ leader or senior resident might remind themselves on a daily basis is that I am an Addict/Alcoholic. Its a disease that lasts a lifetime and requires daily vigilance. Reminding ourselves that we live in a home with those with a common disease helps us remain humble. We are open to the possibility that, even if we are in charge, we could be wrong in some situations. As a manager and leader, practicing spiritual principles in all of your affairs is paramount; it keeps you safe. Admit when you are wrong in your house. Freely forgive minor infractions and encourage amends and right action. Practice honesty. Be true to yourself and others. Remain open-minded when people have behaviors, quirks and beliefs that are not like yours.
Be willing to learn from your residents. They are not your possessions, your employees or less than you. They are your roommate. You are sharing your home with other people. Be kind, even in the face of adversity. Be gentle and firm as you can. When you find yourself charged or ready to react, PAUSE. Take a deep breath. Be not afraid to admit what you do not know and to ask for help. You are supported by many people who pledge to abide by our code of ethics. They are here to help you. Be mindful if your role as a manager or leader is negatively affecting your recovery. In that case, ask the owner or manager of your home to give you some down time. Remember on the worst days, that we learn that the best escape is to be in conscious contact with a higher power, however you understand your higher power, and know you are not alone. Remember on the best days, that we learn to share ourselves and be of service. Be grateful daily. Be grateful for your residents. Even the knuckleheads or trouble makers. They too are learning how to live better,just like you. Let go of judgement. Be clear of mind, body and spirit. Live up to your commitments and ethics and never compromise your principles. If a fellow resident has different views, find a way to allow him or her space but do not fear to employ the guidance of others in the home when there are problems. Working together for solutions always works well. At the end of the day, we learn what we live. Live not in the past, or with anger or
malice toward anyone. Live well and prosper. Be yourself. Improve what you can and surrender the rest. You have been chosen to be a manager of a home, not an office or a workplace. A home, where people live. You must have demonstrated some quality and talent that brought you to this position. Use that. You have also been chosen as a leader.
Honesty and integrity are the cornerstone of sustainable success. In order for people to want to follow their leader they must have complete trust in his honesty, his dedication, his commitment and his unshakeable ethics and high standards and values. Leaders who are open, truthful and consistent in their behaviors are more likely to inspire trust, loyalty and commitment in others. Thank you for your service.
Recovery Lives Here
Thanks to Karen Hayes, Lucinda Terrell-Pollard, the board of directors and all the members of The San Diego County Sober Living Network and our friends at the Sober Living Network for their guidance and support in creating this workshop. The journey continues.
San Diego County Sober Living Coalition 1010 University Ave #440 San Diego, CA 92103 619-828-2201 support@sdslc.org

Sober Living Home Leadership Course Outline and Workbook

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Sober Living Home Leadership Course Outline and Workbook

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LastupdatedApril29,2013

The National Association of Recovery Residence

The San Diego Association of Non Profits

Are you a leader or a manager?

Do you have a written criteria? (This is different than house rules)

Do other residents discuss the criteria on occasion?

Is your criteria discriminatory?

What do you expect of residents?

Our homes are run on a democratic basis.

Welcoming the new resident

Meetings for problem solving

b.Involuntary 1.Contactfamily 2.Contacthospital 3.ContactDetox

Recovery Lives Here

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