Behavioral Health Substance Use Counselor

Behavioral Health Substance Use Counselor – Brooklyn

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Supervisor, the CASAC Counselor in the Opioid Treatment Program, Outpatient Program, or Comprehensive Outpatient Program guides patients through initial and ongoing treatment. This role includes conducting eligibility assessments, completing intake paperwork, coordinating multidisciplinary services, and making external referrals as needed.

Essential Functions

• Hold regularly scheduled individual sessions with patients to explore strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences

• Meet productivity and performance metrics as defined by agency leadership

• Adhere to policies in the Employee Handbook, Conflict of Interest policy, Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Collective Bargaining Agreement

• Collaborate with patients and collateral contacts to develop treatment plans aligned with patient goals

• Serve as Case Manager, coordinating services to meet each patient’s assessed needs

• Conduct therapy groups for patients in the program

• Complete all necessary forms promptly and in accordance with agency and regulatory guidelines

• Document program and reporting information in systems such as 10e11, ERDS, HRA-STARS, OASAS-CDS, and manual records as required

• Maintain accurate and confidential patient records

• Attend training seminars on treatment techniques and therapeutic theories

• Maintain active CASAC credential

• Record significant clinical data in the electronic medical record on a regular basis

• Coordinate individual conferences with other disciplines to support integrated treatment

• Participate in weekly clinical supervision with the Behavioral Health Supervisor for case review and problem-solving

• Collaborate and refer to internal teams (Vocational, Psychiatry, Primary Care) and external resources

• Connect patients with Social Determinants of Health services as needed

• Perform toxicology testing according to federal and state regulations

• Observe appropriate email etiquette, responding in a timely manner

• Attend all scheduled meetings as required

• Conduct outreach to reengage patients lost to contact

• Perform additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services field

• Minimum two years of work experience providing treatment care in Human Services, including at least two years working with patients with Substance Use Disorders

• Valid New York State CASAC credential (CASAC-T with relevant experience will be considered)

• Demonstrated skill in person-centered, trauma-informed treatment and case documentation

• Familiarity with counseling standards of care and industry best practices

• Understanding of group dynamics

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and treatment planning/case note software

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to collaborate in team and committee settings

• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information

• Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and high emotional intelligence

• Proactive, independent initiative with strong time management to meet deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish