Addictions Counselor 1 (McPike ATC) (NY HELPS)

Addictions Counselor 1

The Addictions Counselor 1 serves as a member of the Addiction Treatment Center's (ATC's) multidisciplinary treatment team and works under the supervision of a higher-level Addictions Counselor or Licensed Master Social Worker performing duties related to the care and counseling of clients. Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Functions as a primary counselor for an assigned group or groups of clients managing all facets of clinical services and direct care.
• Provides individual and group therapy and facilitates a variety of recreational, vocational, and social activities.
• Interviews clients and reviews medical/psychiatric history; completes various assessments as part of treatment plan development
• Monitors patient compliance with treatment goals.
• Completes required client and facility documentation (both electronic and paper) adhering to applicable OASAS procedures and confidentiality regulations.
• Provides orientation to the clients regarding the nature of the treatment facility, including its programs, activities, policies, and rules.
• Provides Crisis Intervention.
• Maintains relationships with vocational, educational, social services, probation, parole, referral agencies, and other community agencies associated with client rehabilitation to ensure continuity of services.
• May communicate with insurance companies to obtain both preauthorization and recurring reviews.
• Conducts routine rounds and documents observations; maintains a safe and therapeutic environment.
• May transport clients using agency vehicles.
• Participates in meal preparation and distribution.
• Communicates shift change information as appropriate to facilitate smooth transition.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

For permanent, non-competitive appointment under the Civil Service Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement (HELP) Program, current registration as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in NYS.

This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.

NOTE: Applicants must possess current registration as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York State. Candidate must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs. Failure to maintain certification and Medicaid/Medicare eligibility will result in the termination of employment.

This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.

Mandatory overtime (MOT) is a requirement of this position. Chosen candidate(s) will be added to the mandatory overtime roster, which is utilized on a rotating basis. The MOT is applied during times of emergency, after the agency has made a good faith effort to have overtime covered and all other staffing options have been exhausted (volunteers, hourly staff, contracted staff). Our Addiction Treatment Centers (ATCs) operate 24/7/365 programing. Therefore, MOT IS an essential function of this position and is critical to maintaining adequate staffing at all times in order to ensure the health and safety of clients within the facility.

The salary range listed for this posting reflects the full range for this graded position, factoring in annual performance advances based on satisfactory annual performance reviews. Candidates with no previous State service will begin at the hiring rate (starting rate of the salary range) listed above, plus any applicable Location Pay/Geographic Pay/Shift Pay differentials.

Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations, and negotiated union contracts.

Generous benefits package, which may include: medical, dental and vision coverage; NYS Employees Retirement System (pension); optional Deferred Compensation Program; tuition assistance; generous paid leave benefits; compensation for 13 State holidays per year; access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs; and Flex Spending Accounts.

Telecommuting may be discussed as part of the interview process.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program allows public service employees to have the remaining balance on direct loans forgiven after 120 qualifying payments are made under an accepted repayment plan while working full-time for an eligible employer. New York State is an eligible employer.

Mandatory overtime (MOT) is a requirement of this position. Chosen candidate(s) will be added to the mandatory overtime roster, which is utilized on a rotating basis. The MOT is applied during times of emergency, when all other staffing options have been exhausted (volunteers, hourly staff, contracted staff). Our Addiction Treatment Centers (ATCs) operate 24/7/365 programing. Therefore, MOT IS an essential function of this position and is critical to maintaining adequate staffing at all times in order to ensure the health and safety of clients within the facility.

NOTE: Candidates must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs. Failure to maintain licensure, certification and Medicaid/Medicare eligibility will result in the termination of employment.

OASAS Addiction Treatment Centers (ATCs) are tobacco and vape free facilities.

Background Investigation Requirements:

Prospective appointees will be: 1) Checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable. 2) Investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC) that includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee's employment application may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees. 3) Screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees may be required to pay any necessary fees. Additionally, prospective employees whose names are indicated on the SCR may be barred from appointment.

OASAS recognizes the value that different people, perspectives and cultures bring to the agency. We strive to create an inclusive culture that uplifts and supports our staff, fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace. Individuals with lived substance use and/or gambling experience are encouraged to apply.

New York State OASAS is an equal opportunity employer and provides opportunity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, national original, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, ability, or any other protected class. OASAS encourages people with disabilities to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or hiring process, please reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io.

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title maybe filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.

OASAS and the Division of Addiction Treatment Centers are committed to establishing environments of safety and non-violence in keeping with the trauma informed Sanctuary Model.