Substance Use Counselor I

The Substance Use Counselor 1 is a member of the CAT team and serves as the first point of contact for individuals seeking substance use disorder treatment services. This role is responsible for conducting initial screening phone calls, gathering demographic and clinical information, assessing treatment needs, determining MOUD or MAUD needs, providing information about available services, and scheduling intake appointments. This position serves as a liaison between patients/referring providers and clinical services to ensure connection to appropriate services. This position manages and provides referrals for adults, young adults and adolescent clinical services. The Access Team Member demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to helping individuals access appropriate care in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

Conducting initial screening phone calls; gathering demographic and clinical information; assessing treatment needs; determining MOUD or MAUD needs; providing information about available services; scheduling intake appointments; serving as liaison between patients/referring providers and clinical services; managing and providing referrals for adults, young adults and adolescent clinical services; completing screening for eligibility and facilitating referral; functioning as subject matter expert on SUD; determining appropriate level of care; maintaining accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR); coordinating communication between clients, clinicians, care managers, referral sources and other departments; following confidentiality standards and HIPAA regulations; assisting with appointment reminders, follow-up calls, and rescheduling; providing backup services within scope of practice

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to human services and 1 year of related experience; equivalent combination of education and experience; Ability to work as a directly supervised cotherapist in group therapy for alcohol/drug dependent persons and working knowledge of the concepts underlying group therapy including role of feelings, defenses; Knowledge of legal rights and societal attitudes toward the alcoholic/addicted person in and out of treatment; NYS Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) or (CASAC-T); If CASAC-T upon hire, successful completion of examination to remove the (T) designation within 12 months of hire

Nice to have

1-2 years experience in working with behavioral health population in a direct care capacity; Master's degree in a discipline related to human services; Experience in drug/alcohol dependence treatment; Work as a member of a team and able to work independently; Understanding of psychosocial stressors, community resources and safety issues; basic crisis intervention skills; problem solving skills; well-developed listening skills; ability to communicate clearly; ability to advocate, research and collaborate on behalf of patients; Knowledge of Microsoft Word products and electronic medical record