Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) (47379)

CARE FOR THE HOMELESS•New York, NY

16d•$50,000 - $50,000

About The Position

SUMMARY: Provide direct alcohol/substance abuse counseling/treatment services to homeless clients, individuals and families that will address social and substance abuse problems. Assist clients in setting goals that will promote stability and empower them.

Requirements

Must have an active CASAC License from the state of New York
Familiarity with various substance abuse and clinical treatment modalities and resources
A minimum of Five (5) years of experience working with mentally ill, medically frail, homeless or special needs population required.
Exceptional skills at motivating clients to seek substance abuse treatment.
Solid individual, group counseling and communication and writing skills a must.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Directly provide case management and substance abuse counseling services to homeless clients who have co-morbid substance abuse issues
Complete a substance abuse assessment of clients to identify needs and treatment goals
Engage clients in substance abuse counseling and treatment and other rehabilitative services
Maintains a caseload of clients who need the services of the CASC.
Provide substance abuse counseling services to clients in sessions including education on harm reduction, relapse prevention, abstinence
Collaborate with internal staff to monitor clients’ treatment/medication compliance and address episodes of non-adherence
Establish an individualized intervention/treatment plan or strategy to promote identified goals
Use motivational interviewing, stages of change and seeking safety modalities to counsel clients to improve overall functioning
Utilize team approach, through regular collaboration with multidisciplinary staff and facilitate clients’ health care needs are sufficiently met
Provide advocacy for clients and families around treatment, entitlements and other necessary services
Provide direct services, including individual counseling, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, advocacy, psychoeducation, coordination of services and appropriate follow-up on all referrals
Encourage and provide ongoing support so that each client might assume an active role in their own treatment plan to the maximum extent possible
Maintain required documentation in CARES and update client's records in accordance with governmental and agency policy
Facilitate substance abuse groups to address addictive behaviors and promote relapse prevention
Complete group progress notes as required by agency policy
Identify, network and work collaboratively with community substance abuse service providers and maintain an up-to-date directory of these resources
Initiate contact and maintain referral relationships with State, City and private agencies that provide substance abuse treatment services including residential modalities
Arrange transportation to intake interviews at treatment programs and treatment-related appointments for clients
Directly escort clients to treatment interviews and/or treatment-related appointments when needed
Coordinate with both internal departments and external providers.
Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, case conferences and staff trainings
Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and Holidays
Perform other duties assigned related to the scope of the Substance Abuse Counselor position.