Substance Use Counselor: CASAC and/or LMSW

Housing Works; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare plans

30 days PTO

Educational benefits

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in New York seeks qualified professionals for a grant-funded role providing therapeutic services to individuals transitioning from incarceration. Candidates are expected to deliver individual counseling, facilitate recovery-focused groups, and coordinate care with treatment providers. A required qualification includes CASAC or LMSW certification, among others. The position offers a competitive salary range from $55,000 to $78,000 annually along with robust benefits.

Qualifications

• CASAC certification and/or LMSW required.
• Minimum of Associate’s degree from an accredited institution.
• At least one year of experience providing substance use counseling.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual counseling focusing on substance use disorders.
• Facilitate psychoeducational groups addressing various challenges.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of re-entry risks and barriers.

Skills

CASAC certification

LMSW

Substance use counseling

Experience with co-occurring mental health disorders

Critical thinking skills

Education

Associate’s degree

Accredited institution degree

Job description

Pay Range

$55,000 USD – $78,000 USD yearly, commensurate with experience and credentials. Final offer based on skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other factors.

Compensation

$55,000 – $78,000 yearly, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Three comprehensive healthcare plans. 30 days PTO earned in the first year. Educational benefit covering tuition, tuition loan reimbursement, and textbooks.

Overview

Grant‑funded position with MOCJ Hotels providing therapeutic services to formerly incarcerated individuals in a transition housing setting.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Services & Support:
  • Provide individual counseling focused on substance use disorders and co‑occurring mental health conditions using evidence‑informed, trauma‑responsive, and culturally responsive approaches.
  • Facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups addressing substance use, mental health symptoms, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, coping skills, and re‑entry challenges.
  • Conduct comprehensive bio‑psychosocial and substance use assessments, including evaluation of re‑entry risks, legal involvement, and barriers to care.
  • Deliver crisis intervention services related to substance use, mental health decompensation, trauma responses, or behavioral concerns; consult with supervisors and complete required incident documentation.
• Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment:
  • Develop and implement integrated treatment plans with Case Managers, addressing both substance use and mental health needs in collaboration with interdisciplinary providers.
  • Support residents with co‑occurring disorders through coordinated care and conferencing with psychiatry, psychotherapy, primary care, and case management.
  • Utilize a harm‑reduction framework, meeting clients where they are and supporting safer use, stabilization, and self‑determined goals.
• Care Coordination & Systems Navigation:
  • Coordinate referrals and linkages to detoxification, inpatient and outpatient treatment, medication‑assisted treatment (MAT), mental health services, and recovery supports.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners, including re‑entry programs, medical providers, and behavioral health teams, to support continuity of care.
  • Participate in case conferences and interdisciplinary meetings, particularly during periods of elevated risk (e.g., recent release from incarceration, hospital discharge, relapse, psychiatric crisis).
• Documentation, Compliance & Team Participation:
  • Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant clinical documentation in accordance with HIPAA, MOCJ, and Housing Works standards.
  • Participate in program meetings, supervision, trainings, and quality assurance activities.
  • Communicate proactively with team members to ensure resident safety, engagement, and treatment continuity.
  • Complete all documentation and case notes within 48 hours of interaction.
• Other Duties:
  • Attend weekly team meetings and one‑hour weekly supervision; maintain ongoing clinical communication with supervisor.
  • Participate in ongoing training and/or certifications as required.
  • Use PHI in compliance with all regulations and program guidelines when providing psychiatric therapy.
  • Attend in‑service trainings as required.

Requirements

Required:

• CASAC certification and/or LMSW required.
• LMSW must be from an accredited institution with current NYS licensure or a permit from the New York State Education Department.
• Minimum of Associate’s degree from an accredited institution.
• At least one year of experience providing substance use counseling; experience with co‑occurring mental health disorders strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with justice‑involved populations or individuals re‑entering the community after incarceration.

Preferred:

• Two or more years of experience providing services to individuals with substance use disorders, serious mental illness, and/or HIV/AIDS.
• Experience working with justice‑involved populations, recently released individuals, or residents in transitional or supportive housing.
• Experience in harm reduction, recovery‑oriented, and trauma‑informed care settings.
• Critical thinking skills, decisive judgment, and the ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast‑paced environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Housing Works provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Housing Works complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in all locations where it operates.