Primary Counselor

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc.; City of Middletown (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) in New York seeks a Primary Counselor to support clients in recovery within a trauma-informed outpatient program.

You will manage caseloads, provide individual and group counseling, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop personalized treatment plans while maintaining documentation and confidentiality.

A CASAC-T with NY licensure eligibility and experience in outpatient settings are preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum CASAC-T with eligibility to obtain within the first year
• QHP credential may be accepted depending on requirements
• Experience providing individual and group counseling
• Knowledge of substance use disorder treatment and recovery principles
• familiarity with EHR systems and SAMHSA practices
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Valid New York State driver’s license
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and ethical standards

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling using evidence-based approaches
• Manage assigned caseload from admission through discharge
• Develop and update individualized treatment plans and goals
• Maintain complete clinical records and documentation
• Provide crisis intervention and referrals as needed
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary treatment team
• Participate in supervision and staff meetings
• Maintain client confidentiality and comply with policies
• Complete required trainings and licensure requirements

Skills

Counseling experience

EHR familiarity

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Basic computer skills

Driver's license

Education

CASAC-T with eligibility

QHP credential accepted

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems

Windows & MS Office

Job description

Description

Position Summary

The TRUST Center is a leading outpatient substance use disorder treatment program dedicated to supporting individuals in their recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. The program utilizes a multidisciplinary, trauma-informed approach to address the complex needs of individuals and families, including behavioral health, legal, medical, and relationship-related challenges.

The Primary Counselor is a key member of the treatment team and is responsible for providing individual and group counseling services, managing an assigned caseload, coordinating treatment services, and supporting clients throughout the continuum of care from admission through discharge. The Primary Counselor works collaboratively with clients and the multidisciplinary team to develop individualized treatment goals and promote sustained recovery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of an assigned caseload from admission through discharge, including screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, education, crisis intervention, case management, referrals, consultation, and discharge planning.
• Collaborate with clients to develop individualized treatment and recovery plans based on identified needs, strengths, goals, and progress.
• Provide individual and group counseling using evidence-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered approaches.
• Monitor client progress and update treatment plans and clinical documentation as required.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely clinical records in accordance with program requirements, applicable regulations, and agency policies.
• Provide crisis intervention and appropriate referrals when clinically indicated.
• Coordinate with members of the multidisciplinary treatment team to support continuity and quality of care.
• Participate in individual and group supervision, case reviews, clinical staff meetings, and treatment team meetings.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities as required.
• Maintain client confidentiality and comply with all applicable confidentiality laws, regulations, ethical standards, and agency policies.
• Apply applicable SAMHSA best practices and standards related to mental health and substance use disorder services.
• Maintain required licensure, certification, continuing education, and professional development requirements.
• Utilize electronic health records and other required systems to complete documentation and maintain accurate client records.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with clients, families, referral sources, community providers, and other stakeholders.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Director, Clinical Director, or Senior Director.

Preferred

• CASAC credential.
• Experience working in an outpatient substance use disorder treatment setting.
• Experience utilizing trauma-informed care and evidence-based counseling practices.

Reasonable Accommodation

RECAP is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of this position unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the organization.

Additional Employment Requirements

RECAP is committed to maintaining a safe and drug‑free workplace. Pre‑employment and, where permitted by applicable law or required by program regulations or funding requirements, periodic drug testing may be conducted in accordance with agency policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

RECAP is an Equal Opportunity / Affinitve Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. RECAP reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties as business needs require.

Requirements

Required

• Minimum credential of CASAC-T, with eligibility to obtain the CASAC credential within the first year of employment; CASAC preferred.
• Qualified Health Professional (QHP) credential licensed by the New York State Education Department may be accepted in accordance with program requirements.
• Experience providing individual and group counseling services.
• Knowledge of substance use disorder treatment and recovery principles.
• Familiarity with electronic health record systems.
• Knowledge of applicable mental health and substance use disorder best practices, including SAMHSA guidance.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to ethical and professional standards.
• Basic computer and keyboarding proficiency, including familiarity with Windows and Microsoft Office.
• Valid New York State driver's license.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the work environment as required to perform essential job functions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Ability to use a computer and electronic health record systems for documentation and communication.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Must successfully complete any required agency vehicle or driver requirements.
• Must successfully complete required pre-employment background screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete required fingerprinting and any applicable child-care or Head Start clearance requirements.
• Must successfully complete the required pre-employment drug screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete any required physical examination or health clearance.
• Must maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Must complete required agency, Head Start, and departmental training.
• Must comply with all RECAP policies, procedures, Head Start requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Must maintain confidentiality of child, family, employee, and organizational information.
• Must exercise appropriate discretion when handling sensitive family and program information.
• Must perform other job-related duties as assigned.