Counselor Assistant

JOB TITLE Counselor Assistant

DEPARTMENT Addiction Stabilization Center

FLSA CLASSIFICATION Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR Clinical Services Supervisor

DATE February 2026

Job Summary

The Counselor Assistant is part of the multidisciplinary treatment team and works under the supervision of a Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) or other Qualified Health Professional (QHP) as designated by the Program Director. This position assists the program and participants with needs and support.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist primary counselor in completing client admissions, individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, treatment and discharge planning and other clinical activities as assigned.
• Help maintain safety and security by monitoring cameras, searching client belongings, monitoring client activities, performing building checks and practicing defensive driving.
• Assists with transportation of clients, room searches and toxicology collection.
• Provide orientation of program services to all clients including preparing rooms and client supplies for new admissions.
• Conducts routine rounds and documents client observations in EMR.
• Participate in regularly weekly scheduled clinical supervision meetings with the supervisor.
• Communicates shift change information as appropriate to facilitate a smooth transition.
• Assist in completing pre-screenings and documenting in EMR.
• Document shift notes, opening notes, behavior incidents, client activity logs, discharges and complete all NYS OASAS forms as required.
• Audit records, filing information according to NYS OASAS requirements.
• Provide basic crisis response along with team members.
• Attend and participate in meetings, Treatment Team, and trainings as requested by supervisor. Attend all mandatory staff meetings/ in-service trainings
• Maintain positive liaison relationships with other community agencies, i. e. Department of Social Services, Probation, Voc Rehab., Alcoholic Anonymous, Al-Anon, and ACOA, and other Addiction Service Providers.
• Assist in general daily duties such as: complete client laundry (to include folding client’s laundry and returning to client), placing linens in the pickup area, cleaning kitchen/dishes.
• Assist in obtaining client meals and supervise clients in the day room during meals and their living areas etc.
• Light housekeeping, cleaning and making beds. Maintaining logbook for cleaning/sanitizing building
• Receive and document deliveries and monitor inventory, stock shelves, e. g. request and stock kitchen and refrigerator items etc.
• Abide by all Mission, program and safety policies, procedures and guidelines.
• All other duties assigned by your supervisor.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Minimum of High School diploma or GED
• Prior work experience in substance use disorder treatment program preferred.
• Intermediate skills with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Current clean and valid New York State driver’s license preferred.
• Ability and commitment to the Ethical Principles of Substance Abuse Counselors.
• Enthusiastic support of our Mission Statement.

Core Competencies

• Maintain a professional and approachable attitude on the Mission campus.
• Meets deadlines.
• Ability to resolve conflict.
• Must be a motivated self-starter.
• Ability to de-escalate crisis situations.
• Promote harmonious work relationships.
• Ability to work with little or no supervision.
• Work independently as well as a team player.
• Follow all established infection control policies.
• Manage client behaviors and contingency management.
• Prioritize tasks and respond to situations in a timely manner.
• Remain calm, patient and professional in a fast paced environment.
• Demonstrate effective verbal, written and listening communication skills.
• Follow emergency procedures including fire drills, evacuation procedure, and disaster plan.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality regarding clients’ presence in the program, treatment or medical or HIV conditions per agency and federal law regulations
• Preserve the integrity of the ASC program by enforcing rules, adhering to program schedule and fostering a motivating environment for clients experiencing withdrawal.
• Demonstrates wisdom, good decision making, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Must obtain CPR certification within 90 days of hire and maintain current certification throughout period of employment.
• Commitment to adhere to all established policies and procedures of the Addiction Stabilization Center
• Agreement with Rescue Mission of Utica’s Mission Statement

Physical Job Requirements

The tasks described signify many of the physical requirements of this position, based on a Time Weighted Average of an 8-hour work day.

• Lift/move up to 25 lbs
• Twisting at the torso in stationary position

• Bending at waist using legs to lift heavy objects up to 25 lbs
• Bending at the waist to perform work at that level
• Standing/sitting for extended period
• Walking up and down stairs
• Typing on a computer and using a mouse
• Walking through facility and campus

Status/Hours: Part Time, 24 hours per week, 8pm-8am Wed and Fri, including every third Sat

Pay Rate: $16.00-16.50 per hour depending on experience

Benefits

We offer a competitive pay rate and comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), voluntary benefits, paid time off, holidays, and paid training.

The Rescue Mission of Utica is an equal opportunity employer encouraging individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.