Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (Poplar)

Reporting to the Assistant Program Director or the Team Leader, the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) provides comprehensive assessments and participates in the development and implementation of treatment plans for clients with substance abuse histories. This role is based at our Polar site in Bronx, New York.

Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive evaluations to screen for substance use history and identify client treatment needs; collaborate with the team to develop an Individual Service Plan.
• 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 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 business needs.

Requirements

• Valid OASAS certification as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).
• 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 and specialized knowledge of substance abuse issues and treatment.
• Experience working with dual-diagnosed populations.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred (verbal and written communication with Spanish-speaking populations).
• Strong initiative, ability to work under pressure, and flexibility to work both independently and as part of a team 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 tasks and meet deadlines.
• High level of computer proficiency in Word and Excel; ability to learn new technologies and databases.
• Discretion in handling confidential information.

Other Requirements

• 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.