Substance Use Specialist - Full-time; 4413-607-N

• Work collaboratively with ACT team members and function as a vital part of an interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary community-based treatment team.
• Responsible for providing services to clients in their home environment, community settings, provider offices and additional locations as needed.
• Responsible for providing direct support services to clients with psychiatric diagnoses, co-occurring substance use, chronic physical health problems and complex social needs.
• Assess and provide direct services to participants in the following areas: health and wellness, housing, income support, education, vocational training, employment and social supports, medication support.
• Complete the ACT Comprehensive Assessment and lead the assessment of the substance abuse related components of assessment.
• During the assessment obtains information: a) to establish the degree risk for substance use and associated harmful behaviors, and interventions required to promote progress towards recovery, and b) lead the ACT team in daily meetings and weekly clinical meetings around substance abuse issues and incorporate findings

• Utilize DOHMH resources to offer smoking and vaping cessation services and nicotine replacement therapy options.
• Identify treatment individuals should receive based on severity of substance use diagnosis, stage of change and immediate needs; recommend treatment objectives for the individual’s service plan.
• Use motivational interviewing and stage-wise interventions to provide mental health, relapse prevention, harm reduction and substance abuse counseling.
• Provide integrated dual diagnosis treatment (IDDT) to individuals served. Conduct weekly IDDT treatment group; run substance use support and Relapse Prevention groups.
• In conjunction with Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) options to treat substance use, prevent overdose and sustain recovery.
• Provide individual therapeutic support around substance use, relapse prevention, psychoeducation, and harm reduction based on motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral responses to substance use.
• Provide therapeutic support in a person/family-centered, strengths-based, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive manner.
• Contribute to person/family-centered, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented treatment planning.
• Evaluate IDDT services and expected outcomes on a continuous basis.
• Direct standards for toxicology screens, along with team psychiatrist and in accordance with Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) orders.
• Outreach and network with inpatient/residential detox and rehabilitative treatment centers.
• Act as an advocate and liaison for clients in securing emergency detox and rehabilitation care, and other community supports that promote integrated substance use or dual disorder treatment.
• Monitor treatment and provide follow up visits, treatment for co-occurring substance use disorders and respond to crisis situations.
• Link individuals to self-help recovery groups.
• Assists staff, clients, families, and other caregivers to understand substance abuse issues, entitlements, and community resources.
• Provide guidance, assistance, and referrals to enable clients to maintain a life free from drug use both during and after completion of treatment.
• Assist clients as necessary by escorting them or arranging for escort to appointments.
• Participate in daily treatment review meetings; leads discussions surrounding substance abuse issues and incorporates findings into service plans.
• Assist in the development of community support systems and networks.
• Develop crisis intervention and relapse prevention plans.
• Develop comprehensive service plans and 6-month service plan reviews in collaboration with individuals, families and natural supports, housing, providers, hospitals, shelter staff, criminal justice personnel, Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), and any additional community partners to promote attainment of treatment and recovery goals.
• Make visits to hospitalized clients to coordinate care. Provide advocacy for hospitalized clients. Assist with follow up care to support discharge planning, transition back to community and promote complete recovery.
• Meet monthly required levels of treatment contacts with at least 80% of contacts occurring in the community.
• Meet required service intensity and frequency to support monthly billing.
• Complete and signs progress notes, assessments, care plans, incident reports, and other required documentation in accordance to the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) regulations, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) guidelines, and Medicaid billing standards and regulations.
• Provide on-site crisis assessment and management of clients during regular work hours, both on-site and over the phone.
• Complete all quantitative and qualitative documentation within time limits set by CCNS and in the format required.
• Document services and changes in treatment plans in EHR and consistent with agency and regulatory and licensing entities.
• Provide 24/7 on-call crisis intervention on-call services on rotating basis.
• Represent the agency at internal and external provider meetings.
• Participation as needed to Agency’s response to serious incidents and critical debriefing.
• Commitment to person-centered treatment strategies, upholding participants’ rights, and self-determination in service provision.
• Maintains up to date knowledge of relevant funding source regulations and reporting criteria.
• Participates in CCBQ Agency meetings and workshops/trainings as required/requested.
• Adheres to all funding source standards in addition to the Agency (Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens) policies and procedures; seeks guidance/clarification from their immediate supervisor regarding interpretation, applicability, and implementation.

• Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation, Counseling, or related field.
• Certified Substance Abuse and Alcoholism Counselor (CASAC) Preferred
• Must have one of the following Licenses/Certification:

• NYSED Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Certification
• Licensed Master Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Licensed Mental Health Clinician
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse
• Creative Arts Therapist (licensed by NYSED or certified by an accredited Association)
• Licensed Occupational Therapist
• Pastoral Counselor
• Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner
• Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
• Apply for and maintain valid NPI number.
• 1 year of experience in the following required:

• Substance use assessment and identification of SUD, including tobacco, alcohol, and opioid use disorders
• Principles and practices of harm reduction
• Knowledge and application of stage-wise treatment
• Knowledge and application of motivational interviewing strategies and stage-matched treatments for all S
• Must complete the Integrated Mental Health and Addictions Treatment Training (IMHATT) Certificate within 90 days of being hired
• Able to lift up to 10 pounds.

• We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits including:
• Generous time off (Vacation/ Personal Days/ Sick Days/ Paid Holidays annually)
• Medical,
• Dental
• Vision
• Retirement Savings with Agency Match
• Transit
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life insurance
• Public Loan Forgiveness Qualified Employer
• Training Series and other additional voluntary benefits.

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens