Counselor Assistant

Rescue Mission Of Utica Ny; City of Utica (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k)

Voluntary Benefits

Paid Time Off

Paid Training

Job summary

Rescue Mission of Utica is seeking a Counselor Assistant to join our multidisciplinary team in Utica, NY. The role supports the CASAC-trained team under supervision, assists with admissions, counseling, and discharge planning, and helps maintain program operations.

Responsibilities include crisis intervention, client transport, documentation in EMR, and coordination with community partners. This full-time position requires flexibility for evening hours and compliance with NYS OASAS guidelines.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Experience in substance use disorder treatment preferred.
• CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Current NYS driver’s license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist primary clinician in client admissions, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and discharge planning.
• Monitor client safety, activities, and building security; conduct rounds and document observations.
• Assist with client transportation, room searches, and toxicology collection.
• Provide program orientation and prepare rooms and supplies for new admissions.
• Document shift notes, opening notes, behavior incidents, and logs in EMR; complete NYS OASAS forms as required.
• Attend supervision, meetings, and trainings; maintain liaison with community agencies.

Skills

Conflict resolution

De-escalation

Verbal communication

Written communication

Self-motivation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Counselor Assistant

Utica, NY, US

Salary Range: $16.50 To $17.00 Hourly

JOB TITLE Counselor Assistant

FLSA CLASSIFICATION Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR Clinical Services Supervisor

DATE May 2026

JOB SUMMARY

The Counselor Assistant is part of the multidisciplinary treatment team and works under the supervision of a Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) or other Qualified Health Professional (QHP) as designated by the Program Director. This position assists the program and participants with needs and support.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assistprimary counselorin completingclient admissions, individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, treatment and discharge planning and other clinical activities as assigned.
• Help maintain safety and security by monitoring cameras,searchingclient belongings,monitoring client activities, performing buildingchecksand practicing defensive driving.
• Assistswith transportation of clients, room searches and toxicology collection.
• Provide orientation of program services to all clients including preparing rooms and client supplies for new admissions.
• Conducts routine rounds and documentsclientobservations in EMR.
• Participate in regularlyweeklyscheduled clinical supervision meetings with the supervisor.
• Communicates shift change information asappropriate tofacilitatea smooth transition.
• Assistin completingpre-screenings and documenting in EMR.
• Document shift notes, opening notes, behavior incidents, client activity logs, discharges and complete all NYS OASAS forms asrequired.
• Audit records, filing information according to NYS OASAS requirements.
• Provide basic crisisresponsealong with team members.
• Attend andparticipatein meetings, Treatment Team,andtrainingsas requested by supervisor.Attend all mandatory staff meetings/ in-service trainings
• Maintain positive liaison relationships with other community agencies,i.e.Department of Social Services, Probation, VocRehab.,Alcoholic Anonymous, Al-Anon, and ACOA, and other Addiction Service Providers.
• Assistin general daily dutiessuch as:complete client laundry (to include foldingclient’slaundry and returning to client), placing linens in the pickup area, cleaning kitchen/dishes.
• Assistin obtaining client meals andsuperviseclients in theday roomduring meals and their living areas etc.
• Light housekeeping,cleaningand makingbeds.Maintaining logbook for cleaning/sanitizing building
• Receive and document deliveries and monitor inventory, stock shelves,e.g.request and stock kitchen and refrigeratoritemsetc.
• Abide by all Mission, program and safety policies,proceduresand guidelines.
• All other duties assigned byyoursupervisor.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of High School diploma or GED
• Prior work experience in substanceusedisorder treatment programpreferred.
• Intermediate skills with Microsoft Word,Exceland Outlook.
• Currentcleanand valid New York State driver’s licensepreferred.
• Ability and commitment to the Ethical Principles of Substance Abuse Counselors.
• Enthusiastic supportofour Mission Statement.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Maintain a professional and approachable attitude on the Mission campus.
• Ability toresolve conflict.
• Must be amotivatedself-starter.
• Ability to de-escalate crisis situations.
• Promote harmonious work relationships.
• Ability to work with little or no supervision.
• Work independently as well as a team player.
• Follow all established infection control policies.
• Manage client behaviors and contingency management.
• Prioritize tasks and respond to situationsin a timely manner.
• Remain calm,patientand professional in afast pacedenvironment.
• Demonstrate effective verbal, written and listening communication skills.
• Follow emergency procedures including fire drills, evacuationprocedure, and disaster plan.
• Commitment tomaintainingconfidentialityregardingclients’ presence in the program, treatment or medical or HIV conditions per agency and federal law regulations
• Preserve the integrity of the ASC program by enforcing rules, adhering to programscheduleand fostering a motivating environment for clients experiencing withdrawal.
• Demonstrates wisdom, good decision making, analytical andproblem solvingskills.
• Must obtain CPR certification within90 daysof hire and maintain current certification throughout period of employment .
• Commitment to adhere to all established policies and procedures of theAddiction Stabilization Center
• Agreement with Rescue Mission of Utica’s Mission Statement

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

The tasks described signify many of the physical requirements of this position, based on a Time Weighted Average of an 8-hour work day.

• Lift/move up to25lbs
• Twisting at the torso in stationary position
• Bending at waist using legs to lift heavy objects up to25lbs
• Bending at the waist to perform work at that level
• Standing/sitting for extended period
• Walking up and down stairs
• Typing on a computer and using a mouse
• Walking through facility and campus

Status/Hours: Full Time/36 hours per week; 8pm-8am Wednesday, Friday. Saturday

Benefits: We offer a competitive pay rate and comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), voluntary benefits, paid time off, holidays, and paid training.

The Rescue Mission of Utica is an equal opportunity employer encouraging individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.