Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Supervisor, the Counselor in the Opioid Treatment Program, Outpatient Program, or Comprehensive Outpatient Program engages the patient in the initial and ongoing treatment processes of the clinic. Conducts a preliminary assessment of eligibility, prepares intake forms, sees that the patient is afforded needed services from other disciplines within the agency, and makes referrals to outside resources when necessary.

The Counselor aligns with people, purpose, process, and professionalism, and actively employs the principles of each to achieve personal, team, and organizational objectives.

Essential Functions

• On an ongoing basis, the Counselor holds regularly scheduled sessions with patients on their caseload concerning their strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.
• Meets all productivity and performance metrics as defined by agency leadership.
• Adheres with all policies outlined in Employee Handbook, Conflict of Interest policy, Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Collaborates with patients and collateral(s) for treatment planning that addresses the patients’ stated goals.
• Serves as a Case Manager for each patient to ensure that services are coordinated to meet each assessed need.
• Conducts therapy groups.
• Ensures all necessary forms are completed in a timely fashion and according to all agency and regulatory guidelines.
• Ensures the thorough and timely completion of program and reporting documentation in all systems including 10e11, ERDS, HRA-STARS, OASAS-CDS, and manual documents as needed.
• Maintains accurate and confidential patient records.
• Attends training seminars where instruction on treatment techniques and theories underlying therapeutic approaches are provided.
• Maintains active CASAC credential.
• Identifies and records significant data in the electronic medical record regularly.
• Holds individual conferences with other disciplines when necessary to facilitate effective treatment throughout the agency.
• Meets weekly for clinical supervision with the Behavioral Health Supervisor concerning work performed, problems encountered in the treatment process, and for case conferences.
• Collaborates with and refers to other disciplines both internally (Vocational, Psychiatry, Primary Care, etc.) and externally.
• Connects patients with appropriate services for Social Determinants of Health needs.
• Performs toxicology testing for patients on their caseload in accordance with federal and state regulations and as needed.
• Adheres to appropriate email etiquette, checks and responds to emails in a timely fashion.
• Attends all scheduled meetings as requested.
• Performs outreach activities for patients who are lost to contact.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services field.
• Two (2) years of work experience in Human Services providing treatment care with a minimum of two (2) years of satisfactory experience working with patients with Substance Use Disorders.
• Valid New York State CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor). CASAC-T with relevant experience will be considered.
• Possess a demonstrated ability in delivering person centered and trauma informed treatment, including successful engagement in specialized training, understanding of human interaction and personality development, understanding of harm reduction principles, and the ability to write and record case documentation.
• Familiar with counseling standards of care and industry best practices.
• Has an understanding of group dynamics.
• Must be computer-literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Competent in computerized programs that support treatment plans and case notes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to participate in various committees and work well with others in team settings.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Critical thinker and problem solver with high emotional quotient.
• Proactive and independent with the ability to take initiative.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish a plus.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Counselors are expected to work on a rotation basis on Saturdays and select holidays. Assigned shifts may change at the discretion of the Clinical Director according to the needs of the Program.