Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)

Reporting to the Assistant Program Director or the Team Leader, the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) provides comprehensive assessments to clients and participates in the development and implementation of treatment plans for individuals with a history of substance abuse.

Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive evaluations to screen for substance use history, identify treatment needs, and develop Individual Service Plans in collaboration with the client and interdisciplinary team.
• Utilize assessments to establish the degree of risk for substance use and associated harmful behaviors; identify interventions to promote progress toward recovery.
• Provide individual and group counseling on substance use, relapse prevention, psychoeducation, and harm reduction using motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral techniques.
• Advocate for clients in securing emergency detox, rehabilitation care, and other community supports for integrated substance use or dual disorder treatment.
• Serve as a liaison between OASAS treatment programs and the CRF Transitional Housing Program.
• Refer clients to services with providers where CRF has linkage/partnership agreements.
• Outreach and develop referral and service resources for clients within the local community.
• Document all client contacts, assessments, and activities in case notes and client charts; enter data into CARES or other reporting systems.
• Complete required reports and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, staff meetings, and training.
• Participate in the coordination of client ceremonies, events, and other program activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, adapting to changing priorities and responsibilities.

Requirements

• Valid OASAS certification as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) required; CASAC-T is not accepted.
• Experience navigating the substance use and mental health systems in NYC:
  • Bachelor’s degree (preferred) with a minimum of 1 year of experience, or
  • Associate degree with a minimum of 2 years of experience, or
  • High School Diploma/GED with a minimum of 4 years of experience.
• Experience facilitating groups for homeless adults, specialized knowledge of substance abuse issues, treatment, and family dynamics.
• Experience working with dual-diagnosed populations.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred (verbal and written communication with Spanish-speaking populations).
• Ability to work well under pressure, demonstrate flexibility, and complete complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time management abilities; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated discretion in handling confidential information.
• High level of computer proficiency in Word and Excel; ability to learn new technologies and databases.

Other Requirements

• Ability to pivot with evolving priorities and newly added job-related responsibilities.
• 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 essential functions.