Addictions Counselor Assistant (Hourly) - M.A. Stutzman ATC

The Office of Addiction Services and Supports; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Addiction Services and Supports in Buffalo, NY, is looking for an Addictions Counselor Assistant. The role involves working within a multidisciplinary treatment team, assisting with counseling, treatment planning, and documentation. Candidates should have two years of relevant experience or a degree in a human services field. Registration as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)-Trainee or Provisional in NY is also acceptable. The position offers a dynamic work environment focused on patient care.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience with communication in treatments.
• Experience in direct treatment in an addictions setting is required.
• Current registration as a CASAC-Trainee or CASAC-Provisional is accepted.

Responsibilities

• Assist with individual and group counseling.
• Coordinate care with referral sources.
• Complete required documentation for clients.

Skills

Communication skills

Counseling

Crisis intervention

Education

Associate's degree in a human services field

Job description

Duties Description

The Addictions Counselor Assistant serves as a member of the ATC’s multidisciplinary treatment team and works under the supervision of an Addiction Counselor performing duties related to the care and counseling of clients.

• Assists with individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, treatment and discharge planning and clinical activities as assigned.
• Assists in developing, assessing, and modifying individual treatment plans by providing information gathered through direct observation and discussion with patients.
• Provides coordination of care with referral sources regarding admission and discharge, including referrals for aftercare.
• Completes required client and facility documentation both electronic and paper as appropriate.
• Conducts and monitors recreational, vocational, and social activities as needed.
• Assists with patient transportation, room searches, and urine toxicology collection.
• Prepares room and client supplies for new admissions (bedding, bath, etc.).
• Conducts routine rounds and documents observations.
• May provide training or guidance to newer or sporadic (hourly/contract) peers, particularly in relation to the routines, procedures, and policies of the ATC.
• May complete insurance calls and documentation regarding coordination of care with financial/insurance entities.
• Monitors clients and ensures building safety and security.
• Participates in meal preparation and distribution.
• Communicates shift change information as appropriate to facilitate smooth transition.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Two years of experience, one year of which must have required the application of communication skills and one year must have been in a direct treatment capacity in an addictions treatment setting; or an associate’s degree in a human services field; or current registration as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)-Trainee or CASAC-Provisional in New York State.

Substitutions

• 30 college credits in a human services field may be substituted for the one year of communication experience.
• 10 college credits in specific alcoholism, substance abuse or chemical dependency courses may be substituted for the one year of specialized experience.
• 150 clock hours of relevant addictions for CASAC credential eligibility may be substituted for the one year of specialized experience.

NOTE: Candidate(s) must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs. Failure to maintain Medicaid/Medicare eligibility will result in the termination of employment.

Additional Comments

OASAS Addiction Treatment Centers (ATCs) are Tobacco Free Facilities.

Background Investigation Requirements

1. Checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.
2. Investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC) that includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee’s employment application may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees.
3. Screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees may be required to pay any necessary fees. Additionally, prospective employees whose names are indicated on the SCR may be barred from appointment.

Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations.