Addictions Counselor 1 (McPike ATC) (NY HELPS)

This position serves as a member of the Addiction Treatment Center’s (ATC’s) multidisciplinary treatment team, working under the supervision of a higher-level Addictions Counselor or Licensed Master Social Worker to provide care and counseling to clients.

Responsibilities

• Functions as a primary counselor for an assigned group or groups of clients, managing all facets of clinical services and direct care.
• Provides individual and group therapy and facilitates recreational, vocational, and social activities.
• Interviews clients and reviews medical/psychiatric history; completes assessments as part of treatment plan development.
• Monitors patient compliance with treatment goals.
• Completes required client and facility documentation (electronic and paper), adhering to OASAS procedures and confidentiality regulations.
• Provides orientation to clients regarding the treatment facility’s programs, activities, policies, and rules.
• Delivers crisis intervention services.
• Maintains relationships with vocational, educational, social services, probation, parole, referral agencies, and other community agencies to ensure continuity of services.
• May communicate with insurance companies for preauthorization and recurring reviews.
• Conducts routine rounds, documents observations, and maintains a safe and therapeutic environment.
• May transport clients using agency vehicles.
• Participates in meal preparation and distribution.
• Communicates shift change information to facilitate smooth transitions.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Current registration as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York State.
• Eligibility and maintenance of full and unconditional participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs. Failure to maintain certification or eligibility will result in termination of employment.
• Mandatory overtime (MOT) is a requirement of this position. Chosen candidates will be added to the mandatory overtime roster, utilized on a rotating basis during emergencies when all other staffing options are exhausted.

This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility. Appointment status (e.g., non-competitive via the HELPS program) will be discussed with candidates under serious consideration.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• NYS Employees Retirement System (pension).
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program.
• Tuition assistance.
• Generous paid leave benefits.
• Compensation for 13 State holidays per year.
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs.
• Flex Spending Accounts.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program after 120 qualifying payments while employed full-time by New York State.

Pay

The salary range reflects the full range for this graded position, including annual performance advances based on satisfactory reviews. Candidates with no previous State service will begin at the hiring rate (starting rate of the salary range), plus any applicable Location Pay, Geographic Pay, or Shift Pay differentials.

Background Investigation Requirements

• Prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Those found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment.
• Criminal Background Check (CBC), including State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or falsified/omitted information on the employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its merits.
• Screening against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees may be barred from appointment if their names appear on the SCR.

OASAS Addiction Treatment Centers (ATCs) are tobacco- and vape-free facilities.