Substance Use Counselor - ACT

Do Work That Matters. In a Culture That Means It. Be part of a team that values connection, accountability, and real impact. At Access, our Culture Playbook isn’t a poster on the wall – it’s how we show up for each other and for the people we support. You’ll be part of a team that is clear about expectations, supportive and accountable, focused on outcomes that matter to people, and committed to helping people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible while ensuring staff can do the same.

Location & Schedule

Mt. Vernon, NY

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm (35 hours weekly)

Pay

Rate of pay: $28.50 per hour (CASAC‑T) or $30.50 per hour (CASAC). Driver’s license required.

Overview

The Substance Use Specialist will provide substance‑use counseling, education, and support to individuals living with co‑occurring mental health and substance‑use challenges. This role maintains a caseload, delivers individual and group counseling, participates in treatment planning, and coordinates care with the interdisciplinary team and community partners. The counselor utilizes a harm‑reduction approach to support participants in working toward their self‑identified recovery and life goals. Services are delivered through Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), an evidence‑based, person‑centered, recovery‑based model that serves individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and co‑occurring substance‑use disorders. ACT teams meet participants in homes and community settings, providing tools for housing, employment, relationships, wellness, and symptom management while integrating trauma‑informed, culturally competent care.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of 12‑15 participants and provide case‑management services.
• Perform intake interviews and evaluate appropriateness for treatment.
• Complete bio‑psycho‑social assessments, treatment plans, and required reporting (e.g., AOT, CAIRS) within required timeframes.
• Establish collaborative, supportive relationships with participants to promote engagement in recovery and work toward life‑goals.
• Utilize trauma‑informed and evidence‑based approaches to provide individual, group, and family counseling as indicated by the treatment plan.
• Provide psychoeducation around substance use, co‑occurring disorders, recovery, and relapse‑prevention strategies.
• Complete timely and accurate progress notes for all participant and collateral contacts in compliance with regulations, laws, and agency policies.
• Prepare discharge summaries and documentation in accordance with agency policy and regulatory standards.
• Attend and actively participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Make appropriate referrals to outside providers and community resources as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and support during emergencies.
• Participate in on‑call rotation.
• Stay current on agency and clinic policies, as well as state and federal requirements related to substance‑use services.
• Participate in individual and group supervision as scheduled.
• Respect and support interdisciplinary team decisions regarding patient care.
• Participate in staff training and professional development activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Current CASAC or CASAC‑T credential required.
• Ability to work independently while functioning as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong skills in boundary‑setting, limit‑setting, and crisis management.
• Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of co‑occurring disorders, evidence‑based practices, and recovery supports.
• Proficiency with electronic health record systems and electronic communication tools (e.g., email, Teams, Zoom).
• Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree with relevant experience.
• Prior experience providing substance‑use counseling preferred, ideally in community‑based or mental‑health settings.
• Valid NYS driver’s license required.
• Bilingual in Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Yiddish is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the workday and accompany individuals served in the community.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods while using a computer.
• Comfort working in an open‑space office setting in close proximity to co‑workers (within 3 feet).
• Ability to navigate tight spaces as needed.
• Occasional lifting of more than 5 lb (e.g., carrying a backpack with laptop and materials).
• Capability to work in an open‑space floor plan and remain mobile throughout the workday.