Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) (47379)

Care For the Homeless (CFH) Care For the Homeless (CFH) is a nationally recognized nonprofit leading the way in caring for those experiencing homelessness and housing instability in New York City. Since 1985, as the city’s first “Health Care for the Homeless” program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Pew Charitable Trusts, we have integrated healthcare, shelter, and social services in a coordinated, innovative model of care that meets people where they are. By providing comprehensive, compassionate support across 16 community health centers and five shelters throughout the city, we improve health outcomes and create pathways to stability. Our work is grounded in dignity, equity, and the belief that every New Yorker deserves access to quality care and the opportunity to live a healthy, stable life. We are proud to help end episodes of homelessness every day.

SUMMARY

Provide direct alcohol/substance abuse counseling/treatment services to homeless clients, individuals and families that will address social and substance abuse problems. Assist clients in setting goals that will promote stability and empower them. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Directly provide case management and substance abuse counseling services to homeless clients who have co‑morbid substance abuse issues Complete a substance abuse assessment of clients to identify needs and treatment goals Engage clients in substance abuse counseling and treatment and other rehabilitative services Maintain a caseload of clients who need the services of the CASC Provide substance abuse counseling services to clients in sessions including education on harm reduction, relapse prevention, and abstinence Collaborate with internal staff to monitor clients’ treatment/medication compliance and address episodes of non‑adherence Establish an individualized intervention/treatment plan or strategy to promote identified goals Use motivational interviewing, stages of change and seeking safety modalities to counsel clients to improve overall functioning Utilize a team approach, through regular collaboration with multidisciplinary staff, and facilitate clients’ health‑care needs to be sufficiently met Provide advocacy for clients and families around treatment, entitlements and other necessary services Provide direct services, including individual counseling, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, advocacy, psychoeducation, coordination of services and appropriate follow‑up on all referrals Encourage and provide ongoing support so that each client might assume an active role in their own treatment plan to the maximum extent possible Maintain required documentation in CARES and update client records in accordance with governmental and agency policy Facilitate substance abuse groups to address addictive behaviors and promote relapse prevention Complete group progress notes as required by agency policy Identify, network and work collaboratively with community substance abuse service providers and maintain an up‑to‑date directory of these resources Initiate contact and maintain referral relationships with state, city and private agencies that provide substance abuse treatment services including residential modalities Arrange transportation to intake interviews at treatment programs and treatment‑related appointments for clients Directly escort clients to treatment interviews and/or treatment‑related appointments when needed Coordinate with both internal departments and external providers Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, case conferences and staff trainings Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays Perform other duties assigned related to the scope of the Substance Abuse Counselor position Qualifications Education Requirements Must have an active CASAC License from the state of New York Associate’s degree preferred Experience Familiarity with various substance abuse and clinical treatment modalities and resources A minimum of five (5) years of experience working with mentally ill, medically frail, homeless or special‑needs population required Skill Sets Exceptional skills at motivating clients to seek substance abuse treatment Solid individual, group counseling and communication and writing skills a must #J-18808-Ljbffr Care For the Homeless