CASAC Counselor

About the organization

For over 50 years, Acacia Network and its affiliates have been committed to improving the quality-of-life and wellbeing of underserved communities in New York City and beyond. We are one of the leading human services organizations in New York City and the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in the State, serving over 150,000 individuals every year. Our programs serve individuals at every age and developmental level, from the very young through our daycare programs to mature adults through our older adults centers. Our extensive array of community-based services are fully integrated, bilingual and culturally competent.

About the role

Under supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, the CASAC Counselor will provide counseling services in an integrated outpatient program. The CASAC Counselor provides comprehensive assessment services to clients who may have substance use and mental health barriers to employment by applying clinical judgment to determine appropriate treatment needs and level of care. This includes performing SUD diagnostic screening, assessment, evaluation, orientation, treatment planning, case management, counseling, intervention, crisis intervention, patient education, reporting and record keeping in both individual and group counseling settings. The CASAC Counselor is also responsible for referrals and coordination of care in consultation with other professionals.

Responsibilities

• Provide intervention and employ a range of treatment modalities including person-centered evidence-based approaches such as motivational interviewing, stages of change, trauma-informed care, anger management, medication-assisted treatment, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and contingency management.
• Perform SUD and mental health screenings and intakes, orientation, SUD assessment, SUD diagnostic impression, and level of care determination using LOCADTR.
• Develop treatment plans, conduct individual and group counseling, facilitate family interventions, provide psychoeducation, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reporting, recordkeeping, care coordination, and administrative supervision with regular supervision.
• Participate in supervision regularly.
• Develop and conduct group and individual counseling on a regular scheduled basis for caseload clients within the integrated outpatient program.
• Obtain random observed urine samples according to established protocol.
• Orient clients about program goals, objectives, rules and regulations, client obligations, rights, and program operations.
• Engage in prevention as well as treatment techniques.
• Maintain and update referral services and resources; make referrals when necessary and appropriate.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English including speaking, writing, aural comprehension, and reading at a level necessary to perform as a CASAC Counselor.
• Participate in outreach functions to reengage clients lost to contact and maintain census capacity.
• Complete all client progress update reports in a professional and timely manner to ensure coordination of care with client linkages including the criminal justice system and other entities.
• Participate in program meetings and required trainings.
• Complete any reasonable tasks or requests made by a supervisor.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED; Associate Degree preferred.
• Valid unrestricted OASAS certification as a CASAC.
• Minimum of three (3) years working in a Substance Use and Human Service setting.
• Must obtain Mandated Reporter (2 hours) training/certificate prior to hire date (training available at https://nysmandatedreporter.org/TrainingCourses.aspx).
• Must obtain the following training/certification within thirty (30) days of hire: Domestic Violence, Infection Control BASIC (non-medical/nursing staff), HIV, Child Abuse, Tobacco Cessation.
• Must obtain the following training/certification during in-house orientation: Supporting Recovery with Medications Addictions Treatment (MAT).
• Must obtain SUD training/certificate within thirty (30) days of hire (if applicable): Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment; CASAC Canon of Ethics (6 hours); Confidentiality related to 42 CFR (3 hours).
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to work on a strong team of professionals in a culturally diverse environment.
• Ability to multitask and to work and function under pressure.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation days and paid holidays.
• Support for