CASAC

Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC or CASAC-T)

The Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC or CASAC-T) is a core member of People USA's Crisis Stabilization Team (CST), a forensic, community-based program serving individuals with serious behavioral health needs who are involved in or at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system. Operating under NYS OMH Program Codes 1230 (Intensive Case Management) and 2680 (Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services), the CST provides short-term, intensive support to promote stabilization, reduce unnecessary hospitalization or incarceration, and strengthen long-term engagement with community providers.

The CASAC provides specialized substance use assessment, harm-reduction-focused support, linkage to treatment, and integrated care coordination. This role works closely with courts, forensic partners, hospitals, and community providers to support diversion, stabilization, and successful community reintegration for individuals under CPL § 730 competency processes or returning from forensic psychiatric facilities.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive substance use screenings, assessments, and harm-reduction interventions.
• Develop individualized, person-centered recovery plans addressing substance use, mental health, and social determinants of health.
• Offer evidence-informed counseling techniques appropriate for short-term crisis stabilization.
• Support engagement with MAT, detox, inpatient, and outpatient SUD treatment providers.

• Participate in crisis de-escalation, safety planning, and immediate stabilization efforts in collaboration with CST team members.
• Coordinate rapid linkage to mental health, substance use, housing, medical, and social services.
• Provide intensive follow-up to ensure continuity of care and reduce barriers to service access.
• Document all services in Clearpoint and other required systems in alignment with OMH/DCMH standards.

• Support individuals ordered to competency evaluation and those returning from state forensic psychiatric facilities.
• Coordinate with forensic hospitals, courts, attorneys, probation, and DCMH to ensure community reintegration and adherence to court-mandated processes.
• Facilitate or arrange transportation for individuals mandated to CPL § 730 examinations.
• Assist in diversion efforts by providing treatment-focused alternatives and linkage to community supports.

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team consisting of a Team Leader, Forensic Peer Specialist, Family Support Specialist, and Program Assistant.
• Participate in DCMH-mandated trainings, site visits, audits, and quality-assurance processes.
• Provide client-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented services.
• Contribute to annual client satisfaction surveys and performance reporting as required by OMH and DCMH.

Job Qualifications Required

• CASAC or CASAC-T credential in New York State.
• Experience working with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs.
• Ability to work independently in the community and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong documentation, engagement, and crisis-intervention skills.

Preferred

• Experience in forensic mental health, criminal-justice-involved populations, or court-mandated treatment.
• Familiarity with CPL § 730 competency processes.
• Knowledge of OMH Program Codes 1230 and 2680.
• Bilingual or multicultural competence.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Community-based role with travel throughout Westchester County.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Must complete required training in trauma-informed care, crisis stabilization, forensic mental health, recovery-oriented practice, and cultural responsiveness.
• Must maintain confidentiality and comply with all OMH, DCMH, and People USA policies.

Why Join People USA? People USA is a peer-run, recovery-oriented organization committed to creating innovative, person-centered crisis services rooted in lived experience. As a member of the Crisis Stabilization Team, you will help shape a humane, compassionate alternative to incarceration that prioritizes recovery, dignity, and community connection.