Substance Abuse

Job Description

NOTE: All applicants must comply with ICL”s vaccination policy. Individuals selected for employment cannot begin working until they provide verification that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (with an FDA-authorized vaccine).

JOB SUMMARY:

The Substance Abuse Counselor assists clients with understanding and managing substance abuse.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Conduct or review assessment information to determine the substance abuse needs and preferences of persons served;

Provide individual counseling or conduct groups that address substance abuse issues as they relate to getting and keeping a job and permanent housing;

Develop and maintain working relationships with alcohol and substance abuse detoxification, rehabilitation, and treatment centers.

Ensure that clients have any necessary transportation and escort to substance abuse appointments and participation.

Provide motivational interviewing to clients as needed.

Provide group and individual harm reduction counseling.

Provide cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention techniques.

For clients with mental illness and substance abuse disorders, lay the groundwork for the implementation of Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment, an evidence-based practice, upon discharge.

Promote a smoke-free environment

Collaborate with the peer counselors and use linkages already developed in Brooklyn and Queens with Buprenorphine and Methadone programs and seek to expand these to other locations as needed.

Maintain up-to-date, accurate individual paper and electronic case records on each assigned client.

Comply with attendance and timekeeping rules and reports reliably and regularly to work on an on-going basis.

Attend regularly scheduled clinical meetings, staff meetings and supervision as well as in-service training and development activities

Execute emergency plans as outlined in the policy and procedure manual; administers CPR or first aid to staff or residents who require such services.

Obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications.

Obtain and maintain certification as an OD Responder from NYS Opioid Overdose Prevention Program (NYSOOPP) staff.

Participate in management and supervision meetings.

Participate in required trainings.

Immediately reports serious incidents, allegations of abuse, incidents, or sensitive situations and completes incident reports in accordance with agency policy.

Comply and promote compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and agency policies helping to strengthen and maintain an ethical organizational culture.

May have on-call responsibilities.

Perform other job-related duties that may be assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Basic knowledge of the causes and processes of substance abuse disorder.

Effective problem-solving skills

Effective interpersonal skills

Ability to work with diverse individuals

Ability to create and compose written materials

Ability to effectively and efficiently respond to questions from persons served

Ability to facilitate a meeting

Ability to present information to persons served and other employees

Ability to work with residents, families, and staff in a caring and respectful manner, and with due understanding of and consideration for cultural differences

Ability to serve as a role model to clients including modeling appropriate interpersonal interactions, appearance, demeanor

Ability to effectively use computer software

Willingness to continually learn and apply knowledge and willingness to participate in in-service training and development activities.

Ability to function as an effective team member, including performing share of work, cooperating with coworkers, and securing cooperation, and maintaining professional relationships and boundaries with co-workers, supervisors and residents

Ability to use sound judgment in identifying and solving problems, and knowing when to seek assistance.

Ability to learn, understand and comply with all regulations, policies and procedures.

Ability to organize time effectively to accomplish all tasks in a timely way and meet deadlines without prompting.

Ability to develop, evaluate, implement and modify a case management plan, meeting all deadlines and productivity standards

Ability to prepare accurate and timely documentation, reports and other written material as assigned.

Ability to be empathic, actively looking for ways to help people, to be compassionate and hopeful and to believe and help others work toward recovery.

Ability to engage in active listening—attending to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate

Ability to identify the nature of problems and to participate effectively in solving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Current CASAC or CASAC-T with a full CASAC credential within one year of appointment to position. At least 2 years’ experience providing direct services to people with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse. Equivalent training and experience will be considered. Valid NYS driver’s license required.