Substance Use Specialist - 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 just 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, and committed to helping people live their healthiest and fullest lives.

About the role

We are seeking a Substance Use Specialist to join our ACT Team. This role provides substance use counseling, education, and support to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges. Using a harm reduction, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented approach, the Specialist supports participants in achieving their recovery and life goals through flexible, community-based services.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of 12-15 participants and provide case management services (can fluctuate based on staffing and team needs).
• 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 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.
• Complete 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.

Requirements

• Current CASAC or CASAC-T credential required.
• Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree with experience.
• Prior experience providing substance use counseling preferred, ideally in community-based or mental health settings.
• Valid NYS driver’s license required.
• Bilingual (Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Yiddish) a plus.

Skills

• 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.
• Ability to use electronic health record systems for documentation and other electronic systems for communication (e.g., email, Teams, Zoom).

Physical Characteristics

• Must be able to move throughout the workday and accompany individuals served in the community.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods while using a computer.
• Able to work in an open-space office setting in close proximity to co-workers (within 3 feet).
• Must be able to move in tight spaces as needed.
• Occasional lifting of more than 5 lbs. (e.g., carrying backpack with laptop and materials).

Pay

$28.50 per hour for CASAC-T and $30.50 per hour for CASAC.

Schedule

8:30 AM – 5:00 PM