Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)

About the role

Reporting to the Assistant Program Director or Team Leader, the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) provides comprehensive assessments for clients at the Union Hall shelter in Jamaica, Queens. As part of an interdisciplinary team, the CASAC participates in developing and implementing treatment plans, conducts individual and group counseling on chemical abuse/dependency, and advocates a drug‑free lifestyle.

Responsibilities

• Completes comprehensive evaluations to screen for substance use history, identify treatment needs, and collaborates with the team to develop an Individual Service Plan with the client.
• Utilizes assessments to establish the degree of risk for substance use and associated harmful behaviors and identifies interventions required to promote progress toward recovery.
• Provides individual and group counseling on substance use, relapse prevention, psychoeducation, and harm reduction using motivational interviewing and cognitive‑behavioral approaches.
• Advocates for clients to secure emergency detox, rehabilitation care, and other community supports that promote integrated substance use or dual disorder treatment.
• Serves as liaison between OASAS treatment programs and the CRF Transitional Housing Program.
• Refers clients to services with providers that have linkage/partnership agreements with CRF, as needed.
• Conducts outreach and develops referral and service resources for clients within the local community.
• Documents all client contacts, assessments, and activities in case notes and client charts; enters notes into CARES or other reporting systems and completes required reports.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, staff meetings, staff training, and coordinates client ceremonies, events, and other program activities.
• Performs additional duties as assigned and adapts to changing priorities and new responsibilities.

Requirements

• Valid OASAS‑certified CASAC (CASAC‑T applicants will not be considered).
• Education/experience: Bachelor’s degree preferred with ≥1 year navigating NYC substance use and mental health systems; Associate degree considered with ≥2 years; High School Diploma/GED considered with ≥4 years.
• Experience facilitating groups for homeless adults.
• Specialized knowledge of substance abuse issues, treatment, and family dynamics.
• Experience working with dual‑diagnosed populations.