Addiction Counselor - Level I

Duties & Responsibilities Purpose of Position : The Addiction Counselor serves as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team and participates in and/or leads the development and implementation of clinically sound, culturally relevant, and medically monitored treatment programs, case management, care coordination, and other supportive and consultative services for patients in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment, in a sensitive and caring manner, and promotes the notion of recovery and self‑sufficiency as a goal of treatment. Ensures optimal utilization of resources and services and compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal rules and regulations and NYC Health + Hospitals standards of care to improve outcomes and the patient experience. Essential Duties And Responsibilities Conduct initial screenings and assessments of patients, perform ongoing toxicology screenings to obtain pertinent information about SUD and Co‑Occurring Disorder (COD) and develop psycho‑social histories of patients to identify potential SUD and other specific patient problems; formulate appropriate diagnostic impressions; prepare accurate screening, intake, and assessment reports. Facilitate and/or co‑facilitate individual, group, and family counseling for patients admitted to a SUD treatment program, provide psycho‑education, and conduct skills training classes. Make decisions and maintain required records regarding appropriate Level of Care (LOC) using patient criteria tools, such as LOC for alcohol and drug treatment referral (LOCADTR), a patient placement criterion system, to ensure that a patient in need of chemical dependence services is placed in the most clinically appropriate level of care. Develop and continually monitor treatment/recovery plans in collaboration with patients and members of the multidisciplinary team, including establishment of short‑term and long‑term treatment goals, objectives, and specific interventions. Initiate discharge planning criteria, accurately record treatment plans that are consistent with established standards and applicable administrative rules, and document treatment outcomes using accepted methods and instruments. Participate in the evaluation of treatment progress and monitoring of patients’ recovery plans. Prepare and maintain confidential case records and files and record progress of patient in relation to treatment goals and objectives. Participate in relevant staff meetings and discussions and document services provided in case records and files in a timely and accurate manner and in compliance with all applicable standards, to ensure appropriate reimbursement. Discuss financial responsibility with patients in the case of outstanding bills, and provide money management assistance. Provide orientation to new patients, patients’ families and significant others, to familiarize them with the program’s rules, goals, procedures, services and expectations over the course of treatment; establish and maintain relationships with patients’ families and significant others, and provide support by ensuring appropriate referrals, identifying service gaps, expanding community resources and helping to address unmet needs. Coordinate and provide case and care management services and activities that integrate supportive services, agency, professional and/or community resources in a planned framework of action, which address a patient’s mental, physical, and/or behavioral needs in order to achieve the patient’s established goals. Provide crisis intervention and support by responding to and following through in crisis situations, and seek additional assistance in the management of crisis situations when needed. Act as a liaison and advise staff of patient needs with regards to job training, housing, and education programs; may advise patient on job, education, or drug treatment programs, and may make field visits to community services. Conduct outreach activities and provide advocacy designed to educate staff and communities on substance abuse, substance use disorder, addiction, prevention and availability of services. Participate in and/or complete internal/external quality assurance/performance improvement (QA/PI) activities, programs, trainings and related mandated health care events, as required. Hold and maintain required certification(s) and complete required continuing education; submit appropriate documentation within an established timeframe. Comply with NYC Health + Hospitals policies and procedures, and applicable local, state and national requirements and guidelines. Perform other related duties, as directed. Minimum Qualifications Any individual working in a NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)-Certified Treatment Program or newly‑hired into the System in the title of Addiction Counselor in a NYC Health + Hospitals healthcare setting must have proof of completion of OASAS “Supporting Recovery with Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT)” training. For Assignment to Level I: Valid Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) – Level 1 Certificate issued by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS); or Considered a Qualified Health Professional (QHP) based on licensure, certification and/or registration along with appropriate experience and/or training as defined in Section 800.4 (U) of the OASAS Treatment Services: General Provisions, Title 14 NYCRR Part 800 ( #J-18808-Ljbffr NYC Health + Hospitals