The CASAC Counselor provides client-centered individual and group substance use counseling services, applying a harm reduction approach to support a diverse client population actively using substances. This role involves conducting screenings, assessments, intakes, counseling, and care coordination, with a strong emphasis on meeting clients where they are and addressing their unique needs.

The Counselor plays an active role in reducing barriers to care by building an engagement support system and fostering accessible, available, and appropriate linkages to treatment and supportive services. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and external providers is essential to ensuring continuity of care and positive client outcomes.

Essential Job Functions

The CASAC Counselor will be responsible for the following duties:

Clinical Services & Counseling

• Conduct screenings and psychosocial assessments to determine the severity of presenting problems.
• Provide individual and group counseling services for clients in need of substance use support.
• Develop client-centered treatment plans with defined goals and interventions.
• Document all services in compliance with SAMHSA funding requirements.

Care Coordination & Linkage to Services

• Coordinate service transitions and linkages with case managers, patient navigators, medical providers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Collaborate with interagency care teams to coordinate comprehensive service delivery.
• Provide education, risk reduction counseling, and referrals for HIV/AIDS, STIs, and PrEP/PEP services.

Community & Field-Based Engagement

• Conduct field visits to Single Room Occupancy (SRO) residences, substance use treatment programs, hospital detoxification units, long-term care facilities, and other relevant sites to connect individuals with GMHC services.

Program Support & Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation and statistical reporting.
• Participate in agency and program meetings, trainings, and supervision.
• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Supervise interns or volunteers as needed.

Special Skills and Knowledge

The ideal candidate for this position possesses most or all of the following:

Required

• Proven experience in working with populations served
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and experience working LGBTQ+ adults.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with above-average writing, documentation, and computer skills.
• Ability to engage clients with substance use issues in a nonjudgemental, empathetic manner.
• Experience conducting screenings and assessments for clients with multiple needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team is essential.
• Must be a professional and responsible person who is able to develop and maintain interagency liaisons as a means of meeting clients' needs.

Preferred

• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Education and Certification

• Master’s Degree in behavioral health or social science field preferred
• LMSW, LCSW, LMHC, MHC-LP, LCAT, LMFT and/or CASAC certification by OASAS in the State of New York required.
• Must be in good standing with all relevant licensing and certifying bodies.
• Commitment to maintaining required continuing education credits and timely licensure renewals.
• Completion of training or certification in harm reduction, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, or crisis intervention preferred.

Technical Skills

Applicants should demonstrate an intermediate to high level of proficiency in:

Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including:

• Data tracking and analysis for program reporting and case management.
• Using formulas, pivot tables, and data validation to ensure accuracy in documentation.
• Creating and managing spreadsheets to monitor client progress and deliverables.

Basic Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including:

• Outlook (email communication, scheduling, and coordination with service providers).
• Word (creating case notes, service plans, and official correspondence).
• PowerPoint (assist in preparing presentations for internal and external stakeholders).

Experience with Program-Specific software and data tracking systems, such as:

• eCOMPAS, AWARDS, or similar platforms for documentation and compliance reporting.
• Data entry and management to ensure contract deliverables are accurately recorded.

Strong documentation and compliance skills, ensuring:

• Accurate and timely entry of service data aligned with contract and funder requirements.
• Confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and data privacy standards.

Work Environment & Schedule

This is a hybrid position requiring a mix of:

• Fieldwork: Conduct site visits to Single Room Occupancy (SRO) residences, treatment centers, hospital detoxification units, and other locations.
• In-Office: Attend meetings, case conferences, and complete reporting.
• Remote Work: Occasional flexibility may be allowed based on supervisor’s approval and program needs.
• Participation in the annual AIDS Walk New York event is mandatory for all GMHC staff.

Physical Demands

While carrying out the responsibilities of this role:

• Travel & Mobility: Frequent travel across the five boroughs of NYC using public transportation, with occasional field visits outside the city as needed. Tasks may involve walking between community sites, program offices, and partner agencies, as well as transporting small items such as outreach materials or documentation.
• Physical Activity: The role involves a combination of office-based work and active field engagement. May including occasional movement to deliver resources, conduct community outreach, or assist during program-related events. Occasional lifting (typically up to 20 pounds) may be necessary.
• Sitting: The position involves both sitting for extended periods (during meetings, documentation, and telehealth sessions) and standing/walking during field activities.
• Communication: Frequent engagement in conversations is necessary, including speaking and listening in person, by phone, or over video conferencing with clients, colleagues, and external partners.
• Note-Taking & Documentation: The role requires consistent attention to detail when entering data, drafting reports, or taking meeting notes. This often requires a high level of focus and manual dexterity to write or type for prolonged periods.

GMHC supports a racial and gender-diverse environment which contributes to a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Working at GMHC requires a demonstrated awareness and seeks candidates dedicated to promoting equity and social justice within our community.