Addiction Counselor

Addiction Counselor

The Addiction Counselor is an integral member of the clinical team, responsible for managing a caseload of patients with substance use disorders. The Counselor provides individual counseling, facilitates and co‑facilitates therapeutic groups, and uses a trauma‑informed approach to support each patient’s recovery. Key duties include conducting assessments, screenings, intake, orientation, psychoeducation, and referrals. The Counselor also completes sample swabs, participates in crisis intervention when needed, collaborates with internal and external teams to coordinate care, helps patients access appropriate levels of treatment, and maintains accurate, up‑to‑date documentation.

Depending on credentials and experience, this work may be co‑facilitated with other staff members.

• Develop a treatment plan in concert with the Program Director or Clinical Supervisor that reflects an understanding of specialized track issues related to the physical, medical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs and specific diagnosis.
• Use a strengths‑based and trauma‑informed approach to work collaboratively with patients and internal and external treatment team members to help support patients in their treatment and recovery.
• Provide clinical consultation to referral resources, mentors, family members, and others to help support patients in their recovery.
• Work closely with patients to engage them in the decision‑making process and help them understand the benefits of assessment and accessing the appropriate level of care as indicated.
• Collect and review referral information upon assignment of patients from the referral source and consult with others as needed to support coordination of services and scheduling of patient interviews.
• Based on assessments, make referrals to the most appropriate programs and agencies in an effort to help patients access the right level of care to best meet their treatment needs.
• Assist patients with scheduling an admission or first appointment date at the program or facility where they are referred.
• Monitor patient access to and involvement with treatment and other providers to help address barriers to treatment and the recovery process.

• Applicants without CASAC Credential
  • Minimum of a high school diploma (Bachelor’s or Master’s in Human Services or related field preferred)
  • Strong interest in addiction treatment and willingness to receive training and become credentialed as a CASAC
  • Knowledge or willingness to learn about Trauma‑Informed Care, Co‑occurring disorders, Client confidentiality and privacy laws
• Applicants with CASAC Credential
  • Minimum of a high school diploma (Bachelor’s or Master’s in Human Services or related field preferred)
  • At least one (1) year of experience working with individuals with Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
  • Training and experience in Trauma‑Informed Care, Co‑occurring disorders, Relevant privacy and confidentiality laws

• Genuine interest in helping others recover from addiction
• Caring, patient, and understanding with a kind and respectful attitude
• Calmness in tough situations and ability to offer steady support
• Well‑organized and dependable with a positive outlook

• Full‑time non‑exempt role with an hourly rate of $30.21‑$35.71 (annualized at 35 hours a week to $55,000‑$65,000)
• Full benefits package: medical, dental, and vision insurance; 25 days of paid time off; access to a retirement account with an employer match; tuition reimbursement.
• Location:
  
  Briarwood, Queens
• Schedule:
  
  Tuesday‑Saturday 1 pm‑9 pm except for Thursday 11 am‑7 pm