Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Work Schedule:   Full time, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., 

SUMMARY:

The Substance Abuse Counselor will conduct services within our OASAS licensed substance abuse outpatient recovery program. The Counselor will meet with clients individually and in group settings as required.            

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Conducting groups for clients who are working towards and/or maintaining abstinence, which includes using evidence-based curriculum and focusing on topics such as anger management, parenting, co-occurring disorders, spirituality, men's and women's specific issues as well as general recovery topics.
• Conduct detailed alcohol and drug assessments in order to determine immediate and long-term service needs for the development of a comprehensive treatment plan.          
• Conduct screenings, brief assessments, and intakes which include entering all screening assessment, and intake data into our Electronic Health Record (AWARDS) system with the accompanying progress notes.
• Maintain a client caseload and conduct individual sessions, as required, according to the client’s treatment plan and complete progress notes in accordance to charting requirements.
• Work as part of a full treatment team which includes counselors, peers, nurse practitioners, medical doctors and clinical director in order to provide the highest quality of service to our clients.         

QUALIFICATIONS:

• CASAC or CASAC-T with HSD/GED     
• Spanish speaking a plus.
• A thorough understanding of the disease of addiction and the impact it can have on the lives of our clients.
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing and the stages of change as well as person-centered practices.      
• Theoretical knowledge of a client’s psychological and physical needs and an understanding of group work practices and principles needed.
• Knowledge of OASAS 822 outpatient program a plus.           

We are the largest nonprofit on Staten Island, committed to serving the needs of hungry and homeless. We serve people with special needs - people living with HIV and AIDS, people using substances, people living with mental illness - with an array of on-site professional services. We offer a comprehensive continuum of compassionate care that begins with street outreach, shelter, and soup kitchen and food pantry, and extends to treatment, other clinical and support services, and transitional and permanent supportive housing. Visit our website for more information at

Company Description

We are the largest nonprofit on Staten Island, committed to serving the needs of hungry and homeless. We serve people with special needs - people living with HIV and AIDS, people using substances, people living with mental illness - with an array of on-site professional services. We offer a comprehensive continuum of compassionate care that begins with street outreach, shelter, and soup kitchen and food pantry, and extends to treatment, other clinical and support services, and transitional and permanent supportive housing. Visit our website for more information at