Certified Alcohol And Substance Abuse Counselor (Casac)

JOB TITLE: Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)

PROGRAM: Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT)- White Plains

HOURS PER WEEK: 35

Salary Range: $50,000-$57,000

In-Person/ Mobile

MCRT Team partnership model to support law enforcement in addressing mental health crises through rapid engagement, assessment of needs, and providing short-term support and linkage to necessary services, such as crisis prevention and response team, crisis stabilization services, treatment programs, County Single Point of Access (SPOA), peer supports, care management, respite, and social services. The team addresses various behavioral health-related crises, including crisis resolution, suicide threats, wellness checks, substance misuse, and more, relying on trauma-informed, de-escalation, and harm-reduction techniques. This program runs a 24/7 staffing model. Rotating weekends and holidays are required.

SUMMARY of DUTIES

Responsible for direct patient services as a clinical staff member to individuals in crisis. Knowledge of area resources and agency services, particularly to coordinate individualized care. Ability to engage and effect change through a person-centered model. Demonstrate initiative, flexibility, creativity, and a collaborative spirit. Support recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values, including recognizing individual rights of self-determination, choice-shared decision-making, and collaboration. When possible, utilize evidence-based practices, always embracing a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.

SPECIFIC DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide culturally sensitive direct, clinical triage and assessment services, including but not limited to assessment and treatment planning, crisis counseling and intervention, and community consultation and education. Services are delivered to anyone and anywhere within the community.
2. Document client interactions in electronic health records to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures.
3. Identify case management needs of clients and coordinate with other agency staff and community agencies to have these needs met.
4. Coordinate treatment with other community agencies and services, particularly around social determinants of health, to meet an individual's immediate needs.
5. Establish and continually develop relationships with community providers, resources, programs, etc., to assist with connection communication around clients' needs and continuing services for clients.
6. Engage daily with members of law enforcement, 9-1-1 services, first responders, and other various entities of emergency services.
7. Respond to dispatch calls as assigned.
8. Participate in program development and required training programs.
9. Follow the established agency/program policies & procedures.
10. Maintain appropriate professional standards.
11. Operate an agency vehicle.
12. Other designated related duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS

1. Principles, practices, and community mental health treatment methods include complexity-capable interviewing, assessment, and crisis intervention.
2. Adequate knowledge base of community resources in mental health, substance use, medical, housing, financial entitlements, and legal advocacy for client treatment purposes and relationship building.
3. Understanding the impact of culture on mental health practices.
4. Computer proficiency, including the ability to master electronic health records, is required.
5. Strong attention to detail.
6. Effective crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
7. Good time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
8. Bilingual, Fluent in Spanish strongly preferred.
9. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and cultural humility.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Active CASAC certification is required. CASAC-T will be considered.
2. Bachelor’s degree- preferred.
3. Experience working with individuals with behavioral health diagnoses, substance use disorders, and histories of trauma; experience with navigating the systems and interacting with housing, criminal justice, and health care is a plus.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality standards promulgated by the state (OMH, OASAS, DOH) and federal government (SAMHSA and 42 CFR).
5. Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Must be a stress-resistant team player, flexible, creative, and open to feedback.
6. Must have advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office - Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and database management.
7. Must have and maintain a Defensive Driving certification.
8. Must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
9. Must be and maintain clearance through the NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.
10. Must be and maintain clearance by the DCJS New York State Sex Offender Registry.
11. Must be and maintain clearance by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and the New York State Medicaid Exclusion List.
12. Must be and maintain clearance by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.
13. MHA of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion and values how we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law.
14. Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

MHA of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion and values how we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law.

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