Substance Use Disorder Counselor (Req 101129)

Whitney M Young Jr Health Center; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time off

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k match

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Whitney M Young Jr Health Center is seeking a Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUD‑C) to join its OASAS‑licensed treatment programs. You will conduct screenings, assessments and psychoeducation, develop individualized plans, and coordinate with a multidisciplinary team to support recovery and health for diverse community members.

The role emphasizes harm reduction, accurate documentation, and collaborative care within a busy clinical setting.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in human services or healthcare with 1 year experience in substance use/mental health, or completion of an OASAS internship.
• Bachelor's Degree and CASAC-T preferred, NYS credential when available.
• All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of protected status.

Responsibilities

• Conduct screenings and face-to-face assessments for patients seeking treatment for SUD.
• Complete level of care determinations and LOCADTR.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and accurate EHR documentation.

Skills

Substance use disorders knowledge

Mental health awareness

Harm reduction principles

EHR documentation

Education

Associates Degree in human services or healthcare

OASAS internship completion

Tools

OASAS LOCADTR

Job description

Description

Be a part of the mission at Whitney Young Health (WYH) to provide high quality healthcare that is affordable and accessible to our diverse community.

WYH has a robust benefits package including generous time off, affordable health, dental and vision insurance, 401k with safe harbor employer match, tuition reimbursement, term life insurance, commuter benefits and more!

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUD-C) serves as a member of the multidisciplinary team providing recovery-oriented care to individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), co-occurring mental health conditions and chronic co-morbid health issues in the Office of Addictions Services and Supports (OASAS) licensed treatment program(s). The SUD-C plays an integral role in the facilitation of integrated services-conducting screenings, assessments, individual and group psychoeducation and referrals in the treatment of substance use disorders. In collaboration with the patient and members of the multi-disciplinary team, the SUD-C develops individualized treatment plans grounded in best practices and harm reduction strategies-designed to empower patients in the pursuit of optimal physical and behavioral health.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts screenings and face-to-face assessments for all patients seeking treatment for substance use disorders; presents assessments to the multi-disciplinary treatment team and reassesses patients on an on-going basis
• Completes level of care determinations and OASAS LOCADTR
• Maintain the ability to utilize the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for individuals with substance abuse disorders.
• Maintains knowledge and skills utilized in the treatment of substance use disorders, harm reduction and evidence based treatment approaches.
• Sustains a patient caseload and maintains productivity pursuant to industry standard.
• Conducts Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Fagerstrom Nicotine Screening and other evidenced based risk assessments
• Assists patients in developing an individual treatment plan in conjunction with multidisciplinary treatment team and other patient collaterals, as appropriate.
• Conducts individual and group psychoeducation and counseling.
• Maintains and protects accurate and timely documentation via the electronic health record (EHR) in adherence with OASAS regulations, OMIG guidelines and WYH policies.
• Assists in providing a safe and respectful environment for treatment.
• Attends and participates in all assigned meetings and committees.
• Collaborates with other community service providers; ensuring patients have access to a full continuum of care to address individualized needs as identified by the multidisciplinary treatment team and supervisor.
• Facilitates referrals to other community based organizations, inpatient/residential facilities and alternative levels of care as appropriate.
• Encourages introduction to various support activities, including recovery-oriented mutual support programs and other self-help groups and other social support opportunities.
• Continues to seek and develop professional growth and activities.
• Maintains a professional relationship with patients, peers, other providers and the community.
• Demonstrates excellence in both internal and external customer service.
• Displays an ability to articulate and ascertain HIPAA, client confidentiality and corporate compliance.
• Ensures and/or remains in compliance with local, state, and federal regulation, i.e. DHHS HRSA and NYSDOH, and all accreditation standards (e.g. Joint Commission and NCQA-PCMH).
• Adheres to the National Patient Safety Goals as defined by the Joint Commission and Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Center.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Associates Degree in human services or healthcare related field; with at least one (1) year experience working with individuals with substance use and/or mental health disorders; or completion of an approved internship through a certified provider of educational services for New York State Office of Addictions Services and Supports (OASAS).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree in a human services or a healthcare related field and possession of a NYS State Credential as an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainor trainee (CASAC-T).

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status.

Salary Range: $23.00 - $25.50 hourly