Substance Use Specialist (ACT Team)

Goddard Riverside Community Center•New York, NY

11d

About The Position

The Substance Use Specialist works on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team, a licensed outpatient psychiatric clinic serving individuals with high service needs, including multiple hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and difficulty maintaining stability in the community. The ACT Team serves Manhattan and uses a nationally recognized, evidence-based model. The Specialist provides counseling, case management, and daily support related to substance use and co-occurring issues, and contributes expertise in co-occurring disorders as part of a multidisciplinary team. The role includes planning and documenting co-occurring disorder support group activities, researching substance abuse services, consulting with ACT staff on substance use services and harm reduction, and providing case management to ACT clients. The Specialist also participates in team meetings, conferences, training, and supervision. Work includes both field and office activities, with travel via public transportation and occasional stair climbing. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the role also rotates on-call service after outside work hours. Salary range is $56,000–$65,000, with the offer based on relevant experience and preferred qualifications.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work or a related field.
Ability to work in the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Outlook.
Ability to use or learn the AWARDS database.
Ability to use or learn other electronic databases, programs, and funder-related software as needed, such as CAIRS, NYCMED, and NIMRS.

Nice To Haves

CASAC preferred.
Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness, including those with co-occurring substance use disorders.
Experience conducting substance use assessments and identifying Substance Use Disorders, including tobacco, alcohol, and opioid use disorders.
Understanding of harm reduction principles and practices.
Training and/or experience in integrated mental health and substance use services.
Understanding of evidence-based models and theories related to trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and the stage-wise approach to treating substance abuse and serious mental illness.

Responsibilities

Plan, lead, and document activities for the Co-Occurring Disorder (CoD) support group.
Research substance abuse services and serve as a liaison to treatment programs.
Consult with the ACT team on substance use services, including harm reduction practices.
Carry a caseload of ACT clients.
Conduct client assessments and formulate treatment goals.
Facilitate client participation in entitlement programs, psychiatric services, medication management, rehabilitation, and other activities.
Refer clients to community health services.
Accompany clients to appointments as needed.
Communicate regularly with clients’ families about their needs and progress.
Serve as a liaison to other service providers.
Maintain up-to-date client case records according to program guidelines.
Visit clients in residential facilities, hospitals, on the street, and in other locations.
Rotate on-call service after outside work hours.
Attend staff meetings, case conferences, and training programs to upgrade skills and knowledge.
Attend supervision meetings to review client progress and case management strategies.
Work collaboratively with ACT team staff in a team case management model.
Perform other duties as required.