JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Clinical Program Director of OASAS Substance Abuse Services and within the scope of licensing, training, credentialing, and privileging the Substance Abuse Services Counselor is responsible for providing direct services (e.g. diagnostic assessment; evaluation; intervention; referral; and alcoholism and/or substance abuse counseling in both individual and group formats) to patients served by HCC’s OASAS-licensed Substance Abuse Services program.
ESSENTIAL TASKS:
1. Conduct program intake and assessment activities including obtaining patient demographic information and consents: 1.1. Conduct intake assessment, stabilization, maintenance, and relapse prevention activities;1.2. Monitor substance abuse services program treatment agreement/contract with patients and obtain their signatures to document program registration; and 1.3. Conduct weekly urine drug screens to determine whether other substances (e.g. cocaine, fentanyl, opioids, etc.) are present;
2. Provide SBIRT (i.e., Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment) to patients who would benefit from this service;
3. Provide counseling services to patients as needed; 3.1. Meet with patients to evaluate their health and substance use problem; 3.2. Identifying issues and create clinical goals and treatment plans; 3.3. Teach patients coping and self-control mechanisms; 3.4. Help patients find or keep a job; 3.5. Lead group therapy sessions; 3.6. Providing updates and progress reports to courts or insurance companies; 3.7. Refer patients to support groups or providers who offer specialty services (e.g., residential or inpatient) for more intensive substance use disorder treatment; 3.8. Set up aftercare plans; and 3.9. Meet with family members or other people significant to the patient and provide guidance and support.
4. Monitor Medication Management for patients under the guidance of the waivered prescriber with close clinical follow-up and ongoing communication with the waivered MD by telephone, EMR, and team meetings;
5. Conduct patient care coordination activities, e.g. ongoing follow-up care, close telephone monitoring, relapse prevention, and support for patient self-management;
6. Coordinate with other service providers as needed: 6.1. Collaborate as needed with other care staff, including physicians, social worker/counselors, psychiatrists, pharmacy, and specialty care physicians to whom patients are referred; 6.2. Collaborate with physicians and pharmacies in obtaining medication history and assisting with prescription processing and refills, prior authorizations, insurance issues, concerns of diversion, use, safety, storage, and behavioral health referrals;
7. Conduct outreach for patient re-engagement efforts when patients miss medical appointments and weekly counseling appointments without prior notice to the medical provider or program staff; re-engagement activities may be conducted via phone or in person visit to the patient’s place of residence;
8. Maintain patients’ records in a systematic format in accordance with HCC policies;
9. Participate in New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), and the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) evaluation activities by collecting and reporting requested information.
10 Serve as a consultant and collaborator to/with the HCC team, patients and community professionals;
11 Participate in medical staff and other HCC meetings and committees;
12. Ensure that patients’ records are kept confidential consistent with the HCC policies and procedures and HIPAA standards;
13. Immediately report any discovered or suspected fraud, waste, or abuse of health center funds to Compliance Program staff or supervisor;
14. Report cases of suspected abuse or neglect of children and adults to the proper authorities in accordance with HCC policy and state law;
15. Immediately report any discovered or suspected violations of HCC’s protected health information privacy or security policies and procedures to the supervisor;
16. Pursue a continuing program to maintain or enhance competency as a Substance Abuse Counselor; maintain high levels of current knowledge about new developments in substance abuse treatment; and
17. Perform other tasks as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
1. At least one year of experience working with people experiencing high poverty, chronic illness, substance abuse, and/or behavioral health issues.
2. OASAS Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC-T) CASAC credential preferred.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
1. Knowledge of evidence-based and best practices in the outpatient treatment of chemical dependence and other forms of substance use disorder;
2. Ability to work independently;
3. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
4. Ability to deal tactfully and patiently with patients;
5. Ability to establish and maintain records, reports and statistical data;
6. Ability to enter and retrieve data in a computer;
7. Ability to use initiative and judgment;
8. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other related agencies; professionals and citizen groups; and
9. Skills in diagnostic and treatment procedures for substance abuse and related primary care and behavioral health conditions.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $28,000.00 - $33,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Clinical counseling: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
Work Location: In person