Substance Abuse Counselor

Position: Substance Use Counselor / CASAC (CFC & CTC)

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: Senior Director of Outpatient and Community Outreach Services

Work location/Schedule: Upper East Side (onsite and community-based); Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; includes some fieldwork and occasional schedule flexibility based on program needs

ABOUT US:

Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter (NCS) helps New Yorkers who have a history of homelessness, often compounded by mental illness or substance use, to achieve their highest level of independence.

We were established in 1982 by faith and community leaders on Manhattan’s Upper East Side who believed that homelessness is the responsibility of the entire community. More than 40 years later, we are still guided by the principle that neighbors should help neighbors.

Today, NCS offers an array of housing and supportive services, including counseling, substance use treatment, vocational and educational programs, and employment support. To learn more about our work, please visit Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter (ncsinc.org).

Are you a counselor who believes recovery begins with meeting people where they are?

NCS is seeking a compassionate and skilled Substance Use Counselor / CASAC to join our Chance for Change (CFC) outpatient program and Chance to Connect (CTC) community outreach initiative.

Chance for Change is an OASAS-licensed outpatient program that provides integrated, recovery-oriented treatment in a welcoming, clubhouse-style environment. Chance to Connect extends this work into the community through street outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness and complex behavioral health needs.

This role offers a unique opportunity to deliver both clinic-based and community-based services, supporting individuals across the continuum of care from initial engagement to sustained recovery.

Why Join Chance for Change & Chance to Connect ?

Clinical Supervision Toward Licensure
Clinical supervision is available for LMSWs pursuing LCSW licensure and for CASAC-T counselors working toward CASAC credentialing.

Mission-Driven Work with Real Community Impact
Support individuals facing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, homelessness, and chronic health conditions through compassionate, person-centered care.

A Collaborative ‘Clubhouse’ Treatment Environment
Work within a supportive, community-oriented model that emphasizes connection, recovery, and holistic wellness.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Substance Use Counselor / CASAC provides integrated substance use and mental health services across both clinic-based and community-based settings. The role includes individual counseling, group facilitation, outreach, engagement, and care coordination for individuals experiencing homelessness and co-occurring disorders.

The clinician works collaboratively with multidisciplinary staff to support individuals in achieving stability, recovery, and improved quality of life using trauma-informed, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented approaches.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Services (CFC)

• Provide individual, group, and family counseling to program participants.
• Conduct person-centered intake assessments and develop individualized recovery care plans.
• Deliver integrated treatment addressing co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions.
• Monitor toxicology results and incorporate findings into treatment planning.
• Facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational groups.

Outreach & Engagement (CTC)

• Conduct community-based outreach in parks, transit hubs, shelters, and other settings.
• Engage individuals experiencing homelessness using trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches.
• Build trust with hard-to-engage individuals and support connection to services.

Case Management & Service Coordination

• Link individuals to housing, medical care, mental health services, and substance use treatment
• Provide referrals for detox, outpatient treatment, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Assist with benefits applications (SSI/SSDI, Medicaid) and collaborate with staff trained in SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery).

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain timely, accurate, and complete documentation in AWARDS and other required

Systems.

• Complete progress notes, care plans, outreach logs, and discharge summaries in compliance

with OASAS, OMH, and agency standards.

Program Participation & Collaboration

• • Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and supervision.
  • Contribute to a safe, welcoming, and recovery-oriented program environment.
  • Engage in community-building activities including groups, meals, and program events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Demonstrated commitment to and passion for NCS’s mission.
• Current valid NYS credential: LMSW, LMHC, CASAC, or CASAC-T required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with individuals with substance use disorders.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or serious mental illness preferred.
• Strong understanding of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Experience with co-occurring disorders preferred.
• Strong engagement, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in clinic and community settings.
• Computer proficiency and experience with electronic health records (AWARDS preferred)
• Spanish language proficiency preferred.

Candidates actively working toward clinical licensure are encouraged to apply.

Additional Requirements:

NCS is committed to maintaining a safe and secure workplace for our employees and clients. Please be advised that regulatory agencies mandate all potential employees:

• Successfully complete a background screening process that includes fingerprinting prior to employment (including 28-year address history)
• Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (proof required upon hire)

Salary:

$60,000 – $65,000 annually
Final pay rate will be determined based on internal equity, experience, education, skills, and certifications.

NCS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off (vacation, sick, and personal days); paid holidays; a 403(b) retirement plan; disability and life insurance; and a collaborative team environment.

HOW TO APPLY:

Thank you in advance for your interest in this vacancy. We look forward to reviewing your materials.
To express interest in the role, please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] .

Equal Opportunity Employer

NCS is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.

We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.