Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (Poplar)

Primary Function/Purpose

Reporting to the Assistant Program Director or the Team Leader, the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) is responsible for providing comprehensive assessments to all clients.

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the CASAC will participate in the development and implementation of treatment plans for clients who may have a history of substance abuse.

He/she will work directly with clients in individual and group counseling sessions on issues surrounding chemical abuse/dependency and advocates a drug-free lifestyle. This is for our Union Hall site in Jamaica, Queens.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Completes comprehensive evaluation to screen(s) for substance use history; identify the treatment needs of clients and in collaboration with the team will develop an Individual Service Plan with the client.
• Utilize assessment to establish the degree of risk for substance use and associated harmful behaviors and identify interventions required to promote progress towards recovery for the client.
• Provides individual and group counseling around substance use, relapse prevention, psychoeducation, and harm reduction based on motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral responses to substance use.
• Advocates for clients in securing emergency detox and rehabilitation care, and other community supports that promote integrated substance use or dual disorder treatment.
• Will serve as liaison between OASAS treatment programs and CRF Transitional Housing Program.
• Refer clients to services with providers with whom CRF has linkage/partnership agreements for services, as needed.
• Outreach and develops referral and services resources for the clients within the local community.
• Ensures all client contacts, assessments, and client activity, etc are documented in case notes and filed in the client chart. Enters case notes and client activity in CARES or other reporting sources.
• Completes reports as required.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, staff meetings, staff training, etc.
• Participates in the coordination of client ceremonies, events, and other program activities.
• Contributes to the overall success of the organization by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor or designee, and being able to pivot with ever-changing priorities and newly added job-related responsibilities that arise based on business changes, needs, and demands.

Minimum Qualifications

• CASAC with a Valid OASAS certification required.

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred) with a minimum of one (l) year of experience navigating the substance use and mental health systems in NYC
• Associate degree (considered) with a minimum of two (2) years’ navigating the substance use and mental health systems in NYC
• High School Diploma/ GED (considered) with a minimum of four (4) years’ experience navigating the substance use and mental health systems in NYC

• Experience facilitating groups for homeless adults, specialized knowledge of substance abuse issues and treatment, and family dynamics treatment is necessary.
• Experience in working with dual diagnosed population
• Spanish language proficiency preferred; ability to communicate verbally and in writing with Spanish-speaking populations is a highly desirable plus.
• Must have incredible initiative, the ability to work well under pressure, and the ability to be flexible and work both independently and as part of a team to complete complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Demonstrated discretion in handling confidential information.
• High level of computer proficiency in Word, Excel, and the ability to learn new technologies and databases.

Other Requirements (including Physical Demands)

• Contributes to the overall success of the organization by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor or designee, and being able to pivot with ever-changing priorities and newly added job-related responsibilities that arise based on business changes, needs, and demands.
• May be required to work long hours and a varied schedule to meet job demands and deadlines.

• Periodically may bend, lift, and carry objects weighing up to seventy-five pounds.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement – Children’s Rescue Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.

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