Behavioral Health Specialist I

Center for Alternative•New York, NY

1d•$63,654 - $63,654•Hybrid

About The Position

CASES is a New York City agency working at the intersection of behavioral health and involvement in the criminal justice system. Its mission is to increase public safety through innovative services that reduce crime and incarceration, improve behavioral health, promote recovery and rehabilitation, and create opportunities for success in the community. The Behavioral Health division provides a continuum of services for justice-involved individuals with serious mental illness, including outpatient clinic, health home care management, assertive community treatment, and intensive mobile treatment (IMT). IMT is a multidisciplinary team serving clients identified by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Single Point of Access who may move frequently among behavioral health, housing, and criminal justice systems and may have serious mental illness, violence-related risks or history, and/or substance use. IMT services include assessment and treatment planning, crisis intervention, medication management, medication-assisted treatment, integrated mental health and substance use treatment, individual and group therapy, psychoeducation, psychosocial and vocational rehabilitation, support with medical concerns and activities of daily living, entitlement assistance, housing procurement and support, coordination with criminal justice and shelter systems, and help accessing family and community resources. The primary goal is to engage clients and improve their quality of life through treatment, rehabilitation, housing, and support services that promote wellness, recovery, community integration, and community safety. This full-time position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for 35 hours per week excluding breaks. It is based at 2090 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10027, with a flexible arrangement that allows some work to be done remotely; at least two days in the office are required. The stated salary is $63,654 annually, although the posting refers to that salary as being for the Senior Peer Specialist role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
At least two years of experience working with adults with needs related to mental health, substance use, trauma, violence risk, homelessness, frequent psychiatric hospitalizations, and criminal-justice involvement.
Strong commitment to social justice and the CASES mission.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience using an electronic health record; Footholds AWARDS is preferred.
Experience in a multidisciplinary setting and field-based clinical work.
Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
Individuals with lived experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Work with clients, families, and/or significant others to develop person-centered treatment plans.
Screen and assess clients for treatment of co-occurring substance use disorders, including through interdisciplinary assessment.
Advocate and liaise for clients within the criminal justice and shelter systems.
Assist clients in securing medical care, entitlements, and community supports that promote integrated physical and mental health, safety, wellbeing, and recovery.
Provide or connect clients with employment counseling, vocational rehabilitation, housing applications and placement, and life-skills training.
Provide individual counseling incorporating Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment principles, as appropriate.
Complete progress notes and assessments in the electronic health record in a timely manner.
Work with external stakeholders, including hospitals, shelters, jails, and primary care providers, to achieve positive client outcomes.
Provide services in a strengths-based, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive manner.