Substance Use Counselor, OASAS

Who is Bridging Access to Care, Inc.:Bridging Access to Care, Inc. (BAC) is a nonprofit, multi-service, community-based behavioral health care organization committed to building healthy communities, one person at a time.

In 2012, Brooklyn Aids Task Force changed its name to BAC and successfully made the transition from an AIDS-centered organization to a multi-service community-based healthcare organization. Brooklyn Aids Task Force was the very first HIV/AIDS organization in Brooklyn prioritizing serving persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) since 1986. Today, BAC provides mental health and substance use-related social services, comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, and coordinated health care and supportive services to under-served racial and ethnic minority communities in the Brooklyn and other parts of New York City.

Bridging Access to Care, Inc. offers a competitive salary package, including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.

JOB SUMMARY: The Substance Use Counselor delivers trauma-informed, person-centered care to individuals impacted by substance use disorders, using a harm reduction and recovery-focused approach. The Substance Use Counselor is responsible client engagement and outreach, comprehensive assessments, facilitation of individual and group counseling sessions, and collaboration with interdisciplinary service providers. The substance use counselor also ensures timely and accurate documentation in compliance with New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) 822 outpatient program standards. This role is vital to promoting client recovery, well-being, and long-term stability.

EDUCATIONAL AND WORK QUALIFICATIONS

• MINIMUM: Candidates with a High School Diploma or equivalent must hold a CASAC/ Advanced CASAC certification to be eligible.
• Masters Social Work or another related field Preferred
• MINIMUM: One (1) year of experience/training working with individuals utilizing substances
• MINIMUM: Three (3) years experience/training in integrated mental health and substance abuse assessment/treatment, Motivational Interviewing techniques.

LICENSURE: CASAC required , Advanced CASAC Preferred

CERTIFICATION: LMSW preferred

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assessment and Treatment Planning:

• Provide intake evaluations, pre-admission assessments, and brief screenings.
• Conduct or review comprehensive assessments to determine the substance use needs, strengths, and preferences of persons served.
• Develop individualized treatment plans, integrating person-centered, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approaches.
• Regularly review and update treatment plans in collaboration with clients to ensure progress toward recovery goals in compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Counseling and Support:

• Provide individual counseling sessions and facilitate group counseling to address substance use, co-occurring disorders, and recovery needs.
• Incorporate evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other modalities aligned with the goals of trauma-informed care and harm reduction.
• Promote and utilize harm reduction strategies to reduce the negative impacts of substance use, acknowledging each client's readiness for change.

Collaboration and Referral:

• Build and maintain effective relationships with detoxification, rehabilitation, and treatment centers to ensure seamless referrals and continuity of care for individuals transitioning between services.
• Collaborate with peers, medical staff, and client support representatives to ensure comprehensive service delivery.

Supportive Services:

• Administer onsite drug testing/urine toxicology as outlined in clients' service plans, providing education and support as needed.
• Guide and monitor the use of Naloxone (Narcan) and intervene during crisis situations to prevent overdose or harm.
• Collaborate with client's support network and other service providers on treatment planning, service coordination, and case management support with the goal of promoting client's recovery and stability in the community

Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date paper and electronic case records, ensuring compliance with OASAS regulations and organizational policies (i.e., progress notes should be completed within 24 hours of service and locked within 48 hours).
• Utilize collaborative documentation practices to engage clients in real-time treatment planning, progress note development, and goal setting, in accordance with OASAS 822 regulations and person-centered care principles.
• Complete incident reports for serious situations, including abuse allegations or sensitive incidents, in line with agency protocols.
• Follow all regulatory requirements and internal policies to ensure ethical, legal, and safe delivery of services.
• Attend clinical meetings, staff meetings, supervision, and professional development opportunities as part of ongoing training.

Ethical and Professional Conduct:

• Demonstrate a commitment to maintaining confidentiality, respecting client rights, and providing ethical, culturally competent services.
• Report regularly to work and adhere to attendance and timekeeping policies.
• Participate in on-call responsibilities when required, providing support during off-hours as needed.
• Foster a supportive, trauma-informed, and client-centered work environment.

Impaired Driver Program (IDP) Specific Duties:

Conduct Assessments:

Perform comprehensive substance use assessments for individuals referred through the IDP to evaluate their substance use history, treatment needs, and progress toward recovery. Complete the required intake forms and provide recommendations for appropriate services.

Develop Treatment Plans:

Create individualized treatment plans that address the substance use issues and specific needs of individuals in the Impaired Driver Treatment Program, utilizing trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing.

Provide Individual and Group Counseling:

Lead both individual and group counseling sessions for impaired drivers in accordance with NYS OASAS guidelines. Focus on developing insight into the relationship between substance use and impaired driving, promoting behavior change, and supporting the individual's recovery.

Monitor Program Compliance:

Track and document the progress of participants in the IDTP. Ensure clients meet the program's attendance and participation requirements as mandated by the court, DMV, or referral agency. Prepare and submit compliance reports as needed for monitoring bodies.

Collaborate with Legal and DMV Systems:

Work closely with probation officers, courts, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and other legal entities to ensure that clients comply with all legal requirements and treatment mandates. Assist with coordinating referrals to additional services as necessary.

Facilitate Psychoeducational Groups:

Deliver psychoeducational groups designed to help impaired drivers understand the dangers of impaired driving, recognize triggers, and develop strategies to reduce recidivism.

Additional Duties:

• Participate in management and supervision meetings to contribute to the ongoing improvement of services.
• Attend all required trainings related to job duties
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor or program manager.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, and ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Bilingual/Second Language: English speaking Haitian Creole and/or Spanish (Strongly preferred)
• Strong understanding of and sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and needs of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, including those from marginalized communities.
• Comfortable with digital tools and software for project management, data tracking, and communication, with a commitment to leveraging technology to improve program outcomes.
• Use of Motivational Interviewing techniques/stage-wise treatment and IDDT, WRAP
• Knowledge of Harm Reduction,
• Ability to prioritize, and follow policy and procedures.
• Ability to deliver Trauma-informed, Client-Centered Treatment

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $32.36 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• This role requires collaboration with external systems such as the legal system and the DMV. Are you comfortable working collaboratively with these entities

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• mental health and substance abuse assessment/treatment: 3 years (Required)
• substance use or co-occurring disorders case management : 2 years (Required)
• EHR systems: 2 years (Required)
• Individual / group counseling: 2 years (Required)
• Motivational interviewing: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CASAC (Required)
• LMSW (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person